Asuka Kuramochi Shed Tears of Joy for Her Graduation Live Concert at AKB48 Theater

| Idol | Posted by Serina on Aug.19.2015

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On August 17, Asuka Kuramochi, captain of AKB48 Team B, held her final live “Team B ‘Pajama Drive’ Performance” at the AKB48 Theater. Kuramochi took a step to the next stage of her life, chasing her dream to become a sportscaster and leaving AKB48 to the younger members.

“I’ve never been called this much before. I thought it was an encore already.” Even before the performance, Kuramochi was surprised by the Asuka call that resounded through the AKB48 Theater. In the backstage, Kuramochi handed a letter to each member, and everyone was crying as they formed a circle before the performance.

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In the talk part, members shared some episodes where Kuramochi put great effort on communicating with the young members to create a lively mood within the group.

Mayu Watanabe commented, “We couldn’t have made a team where everyone could grow without any worries, if Mocchi wasn’t a captain who was loved by everyone”.

Rina Hirata also stated, “I respect her the most. People come close when Kuramochi is with us. She is a person of love”. Members continued their words of gratitude to her, and expressed their happiness of being a member of the group with the best captain.

Towards the end of the performance, the same generation members, Chisato Nakata (AKB48 Team A), Reina Fujie (NMB48), Ayaka Umeda (NMB48), Kana Kobayashi (AKB48 Team K), Sae Miyazawa (SKE48/SNH48), and those who were not members of the graduation live, Ayano Umeta, Saya Kawamoto, Rena Nozawa, and Aeri Yokoshima came by and congratulated the graduation of the captain.

The final song “Itsumo Soba ni”, in which Kuramochi herself wrote the lyrics, was secretly prepared. As she heard the introduction of the song, she shed tears saying, “I’m glad I was able to sing this song with everybody since I have been singing this alone all the time”.

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As a captain responsible for putting together the team, she made sure of the member’s improving skills, and spoke that she is “done with her job”. The graduation live certainly proved this and all members showed their individuality throughout the performance, and Kuramochi showed a calm look on her face as if she has nothing to regret. Performing on stage for more than 600 times for 8 years, she left AKB48 to the younger members and took her step towards her dream to become a sports caster.

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Set list
0. Overture
1. Shonichi
2. Hissatsu Teleport
3. Gokigen Naname Mermaid
4. Futarinori no Jitensha
5. Tenshi no Shippo
6. Pajama Drive
7. Junjou Shugi
8. Temodemo no Namida
9. Kagami no Naka no Janne Da Arc
10. Two Years Later
11. Inochi no Tsukaimichi
12. Kiss Shite Son Shichatta
13. Bokuno Sakura
~ Encore ~
14. Wasshoi B!
15. Shiroi Shatsu
16. Himawari
17. To be continued.
18. Itsumo Soba ni