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Maeda Atasuko and Shinoda Mariko made surprise appearance at Itano Tomomi’s graduation concert!
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AKB48 finished their 5 major dome tour “AKB48 2013 Manatsu no Dome Tour ~Mada Mada, Yaranakyaikenai Koto ga Aru~” on August 25th at Tokyo Dome.
It was also the day that Itano Tomomi’s graduation ceremony was held. So, the venue got crowded with many fans who are reluctant to the farewell.
As other graduated member did, Itano herself who was the main character of that day made a pre-announcement before the curtain time.
Itano make an audience laugh saying “For eight years, I’ve been a member of AKB48. But, I’ve never been good at this welcome announcement. lol”, then expressed her feeling “I’d like to get excited and perform to the max of all my 8 years!”
photo (c)AKS
The concert started with Itano’s solo debut song “Dear J”. There was also a performance of “Flying Get” with Itano as center.
In the middle of the concert, she performed 6 consecutive songs selected by her own idea : “faint”, “Itoshisa no Defence”, “Glass no I LOVE YOU”, “Tsundere!”, “Seifuku no Resistance” and her solo single “1%.”
Furthermore, she performed “Yuuhi wo Miteiru ka?” with fellow 1st generation members Takahashi Minami, Minegishi Minami, and Kojima Haruna.
During the first encore, she sang her graduation song “Saigo no Door” with tearful eyes. After that, when “Sakura no Hanabiratachi” began, fans created “TOMO” character with lighting sticks. To see that, finally, Itano bursted into tears.
photo (c)AKS
Itano reflected on the past 8 years saying, “8 years have passed since I joined AKB48. Those days, I didn’t think that I could perform at stage of Domes. When I was around 14 years old, I often cry a lot. But AKB48 has taught me that no matter how small I am and no matter how uncertain the future is, if you do your best step by step, you will get closer to your dreams. I was always able to see the same scene because the members I love were always beside me, crying and laughing together. I’ll miss the members, but my dream still goes on. I want to take my new step with precious things AKB48 has taught me in my heart. Everyone who have supported me during the 8 years, thank you so much.”
photo (c)AKS
Furthermore, there was the second encore! Itano appeared in a metallic dress and performed “Dear J” with 40 dancers as her “LAST SHOW. ” Then, graduated members Maeda Atsuko and Shinoda Mariko made a surprise appearance on stage. Shinoda said, “I lied that I wasn’t coming today,” and Maeda added, “I made it on time so I came.” In tears, Itano expressed, “I’m a 1st generation member, so I have memories with members of the same generation. I wanted to graduate when Atsuko and Mariko were still here. I am very happy that they came and that I am able to graduate in front of them.”
She will officially graduate from the group after the graduation performace on the 27th at AKB48 Theater in Akihabara.
Footage from the concert
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PHOTOS | The 4th day of AKB48’s concert in Tokyo Dome
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