Ami Maeda Announces Graduation From AKB48 During Birthday Live

| 48 / 46 Group | Posted by Kai Okudara on Jun.03.2016

Sponsored Links

Ami Maeda announced her graduation from AKB48 during her birthday performance at the AKB48 Theater on June 2, 2016.

Maeda explained that because she wanted her fans to be the first to know, she had chosen to make her announcement at the theater. Thanking her fans for supporting her for her 8 years in the group, she shared her frustration at being left out of senbatsu for AKB48 singles and feeling like she had to constantly fight for a place as more and new members joined the group. Her reason for leaving AKB48 is so that she can devote herself to her dream of becoming an actress, citing her 21st birthday as a turning point where she felt she could make a new start.

With her graduation, Mariya Suzuki (AKB48/SNH48) and Sumire Sato (SKE48) are the remaining members from her generation. Maeda did not submit and application to participate in the AKB48 45th Single Senbatsu Election. Details about her final events with AKB48 will be announced at a later date.

Related Links

AKB48 official site: http://www.akb48.co.jp/