Maimi shares her feelings on the surprise announcement of Morning Musume。’15’s Riho Sayashi’s graduation in her October 29th update “Important announcement.“. Full translation below.

I think there are people who are already aware,

but Morning Musume。’15’s Sayashi Riho has announced on her own blog that she will be graduating from Morning Musume。 on December 31st of this year.

It’s sudden, so I think people are surprised and upset.

But for me, who has seen how strong her sense of responsibility is and how stoic she is from up close as a member of Hello! Project,
I felt like it was a very characteristic decision by her.

She’s loved dance since the beginning and her skill level is high,
so surely she wants to go overseas to expand the breadth of her skills beyond that of Hello! Project.

For everyone, I’m sure that it’s sad and you can’t overcome your feelings when a member you support graduates,
but I think deciding to level up your life experiences and skill is a really positive thing.

Not just her English and dancing,
but I feel like she’ll come back one or two levels more mature due to her experiences in a new environment overseas.

It takes a lot of courage to make a decision to change your current circumstances,
and I’m sure she’s uneasy about leaving Japan.

I want us in Hello! Project to support her decision and encourage her.

The rest of us will have to liven up Hello! Project so as not to lose to the girl working hard overseas,
and I want to make it into place that she can return to relieved.

There’s only 2 months remaining, and it’s a short time,
but let’s support the girl who was part of Morning Musume。 for 5 years and still aims for the top together.
Please continue to support Sayashi Riho,
Morning Musume。,
and Hello! Project.

            Hello! Project leader
                                     ℃-ute   leader
                                                        Yajima Maimi