Shinoda Mariko’s Last Stage & New Team A Captain Yokoyama Yui!

| 48 / 46 Group | Posted by TokyoGirls'Update on Jul.22.2013

(c)AKS

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July 21, the second day in Fukuoka of AKB48‘s concert tour took place. It was the last stage for Shinoda Mariko who announced her graduation from AKB48 at the recent general election. “Fukuoka” is her hometown.

In the encore, she sung the special graduation song “Namida no sei ja nai” that was written for Shinoda with the members who have spend a long time. At the end of the song, there was a scene that she clogged her voice in sobbing because of her overflowing emotion.

Mariko singing “Namida no sei ja nai” (c)AKS

When the time for farewell has come finally, footages looking back on her AKB history while seven and a half years were projected one after another. The scene was… handing out leaflets in front of the theater, her first stage performance, practicing choreography over and over again, winning the Janken tournament, and so on.
After that, Shinoda appeared on the stage. “Mariko call” by fans wrapped the venue, and she told her word of thanks and farewell with tearful eyes.

“I decided the graduation by myself, but I wish I could stay here longer, because I spend so good time with everyone now.

I would like to graduate on my way. It’s the most important for me how to pass the baton for next generations. I will do my best so that I can be a role model of every member. AKB48 is the best idol group that can be raising a roof still. I’d like to nominate the next captain of Team A, in order to inherit the thought of me as a captain. I’d like to nominate the next captain of Team A, in order to inherit the will of mine.

A new team captain is … Yokoyama Yui! You can do it, Yui.

AKB48 has given the happiest time for me. My father and mother, family, friends, members, and staff,and all the fans who have supported me while seven and a half years, thank you very much for everything!

I’ll choose AKB48 again, even if I reborn.”

Then, she smiled again and performed “Uekara Mariko” with members. At the end of the concert, she said “Thank you” again to fans, and her last AKB stage was over.

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