Sakamichi46 Graduations 2020

I would like to name this post as ICYMI - Sakamichi46 Broken News!! Why, I certainly did miss it.. lol. Here we go!

Nogizaka46:

Shiraishi Mai:

Founding Nogizaka46 Member and the face of the group, inspiration to fellow members, Photo book phenomenon and Ace singer/performer - Shiraishi Mai announced in January 2020 that she will be graduating this year after the release of their new single "Shiawase no Hogoshoku" in March. She was chosen as Center for this Single. Again, no graduation date has been given. Perhaps a graduation concert will be held to commemorate her departure from the group. She does intended to remain in Showbiz for a while. Shiraishi has been a main stay (Fukujin member) in all Nogizaka46 singles and centered 4 times. Her photobook 'Passport' has got many reprints issued. 

Sasaki Kotoko:

Nogizaka46 2nd Gen member Sasaki Kotoko (21) announced that she will be graduating from the group in March 2020.

She expressed:

"I will be graduating from Nogizaka46 in March. In March 2013, I passed the second generation audition of Nogizaka46. I liked Nogizaka46 before joining. I auditioned for the first time and by luck, I passed. At that time, I was a junior high school student and learned what it was like (to be a member of Nogizaka46). I’ve had a lot of thoughts and that I wanted to return to normal student life, but I was able to experience things that normal students are unable to experience. I’m glad to have met and talked with people. Once I graduate, I would like to support Nogizak46 as a fan, just like before joining. I’m really looking forward to that now”.  - via her blog

Inoue Sayuri:

Sayuri had announced her plans to graduate on Oct 5, 2019. However she continued with the group till April, 2020. The official graduation date was given to be 27 April 2020 although no graduation ceremony or concert was mentioned. 

She expressed:

“I think this will be a huge turning point and I am grateful to the fans I met through Nogizaka. It was important in my life that they supported me through various moments. I’ve always love Nogizaka46. I thought that this place was not forever from the beginning, thanks to the members, I worked very hard and I put in a lot more time that I would have imagined. I was really glad to have met everyone. It was the best place for me. I’d like to move forward. I’m hoping to make a wonderful way for my juniors to follow their dreams in the future and become a group that will be loved by many people!”. - via her blog.

Keyakizaka46:

Hirate Yurina:

Shocking as it may seem, star center of Keyakizaka46, Hirate (nicknamed Techi) announced her withdrawal... yes withdrawal from Keyakizaka46 during a broadcast of Tokyo FM’s SCHOOL OF LOCK! radio show. One school of thought is her constant / recurring health issues, others being displeasure with the group and staff.

She expressed:

"I have decided to leave Keyakizaka46. I don't want to talk about it right now. If I ever want to talk about it, then I will".

Suzumoto Miyu:

Suzumoto was a genuine talent of Keyakizaka46. She was an excellent dancer and singer in the group. Great with her facial expressions and cooking skills. But her presence gradually decreased in Variety TV & Live Show late 2019. Another source indicated that she was in Europe (Malta or something) on an academic haitus. She did not make the cut in Keyakizaka46's first ever Senbatsu for it's untitled 9th Single. She anounced her graduation on 23 Jan 2020. 

She expressed: 

"I really love Keyakizaka46's performance. I also really like Keyakizaka46 songs, and affected by them. However, my heart and body can not follow, neither put my passion to it. I can not ignore this feeling. I can not allow myself perform in a half-hearted manner. I thought it is just a temporary feeling, but it does not change. I think I am not on the same page with the songs, therefore I decide to graduate from Keyakizaka46. To members, staff, and the fans, I feel sorry and guilty." - via her blog. 

Oda Nana:

Oda (nicknamed Dani) was a fan favorite and popular member of Keyakizaka46. She had a manly aura about her and was a moodmaker. She was at times hilarious and emotional as well. 

She has been in question for her actions which is against the Group's policy as an Idol figure of Japan. In September 2019, she was spotted with a partner in public. Needless to say, some section of fans were hurt and demanded her to graduate and leave the group. Also, she did not make the cut in Keyakizaka46's first ever Senbatsu for it's untitled 9th Single. She anounced her graduation on 23 Jan 2020. 

She expressed:

 "I am sorry for causing lot of uproars. My careless behavior caused you fans, members and staff a lot of troubles. To the fans who support me, I am really sorry for making you feel sad. Idol is the career I have been longing for. To leave my beloved career is painful, but I decide to graduate after much consideration. I am going to university, from on, I think my goal is to try my best to graduate from the university." - via her blog

Shiori Sato:

Sato is an aspiring Art student and has a keen, deep interest towards this passion of her. She is reported as going on a temporary hiatus from the group as well (could be for Academic reasons, study abroad). The hiatus was requested by Sato personally. 

She expressed:

"There was always so much going on around me. As both an idol in Nogizaka46 as well as an art college student,it always felt like there were two of me. Now that I think about it, every day was a day of giving it my all. In March 2019, I managed to graduate from the University of Fine Arts. I was finally left with just one side of me (the dark side... Err... The Art Side!)." - via her blog.

However, she did a U-Turn on this announcement owing to the COVID-19 situation around the world and has been forced to postpone her future studies abroad. So, she will be continuing with the group as for now.

Read the complete translation of their blog's:

Via - tokyogirlsupdate.com

Nagasawa Nanako:

Keyakizaka46 mystery women, 1st Gen member, Nagasawa Nanako (22) announced that she will be graduating from the group in March 31 2020. She was excellent with her piercing one liners, soft & polite attitude, a great cook, hates to lose - often cried at defeat, be unfased by situation around her, a great manga painter, illustrator & artist. She was close to fellow member Watanabe Rika. Why graduate now? She wanted to take a step towards her dream before turning 23. 

She expressed: 

"These four years are irreplaceable memories in my life. I feel sad that I won't be able to see my fans after I graduate... However, I will do my best to see everyone again!"  - via her blog.

Now that Techi is out, the big question is who will center Keyakizaka46??? Million dollar question!

Will it be an inexperienced 2nd Gen member or Seniors like Sugai Yuuka, Kobayashi Yui, Watanabe Risa or Moriya Akane!! 

Hinatazaka46:

Iguchi Mao has been AWOL from Hinatazaka46 ever since her dating came to light last September. She has not appeared on Hinatazaka de Aimashou for months. She was on a self restraint haitus all the while and apologized to the fans for hurting their feelings. She finally called it quits by announcing her graduation on 12 February 2020. She was invited for one last time to Hinatazaka de Aimashou where she bid goodbye in her "Snack Mao" by Audery - Wakabayashi and Kasuga.