This is a translation of Haruna Iikubo's 10/29 blog post: http://ameblo.jp/morningmusume-10ki/entry-12089718544.html


Though it's already been announced,

9th gen member Sayashi Riho-san

will be graduating from Morning Musume. on 12/31 of this year.


The members heard it from Sayashi-san herself.

It was so sudden, and such a shock, that my head became completely blank.


Just the other day Sayashi-san was saying, "I wanna go on a trip with Harunan"... When I think about what she was feeling when she said that, it really pains my heart.


I think there are lots of people who are surprised and shocked.


This feels completely different from our senpai who graduated before.

Since she's in the "9th gen" closest to us..

I can't count the number of things she's taught me up until now.

We've always laughed and cried together,

and had 9th vs. 10th gen competitions.


But I think Sayashi-san still has many things to teach us.


In the 2 remaining months we have in Morning Musume. '15 with Sayashi-san,

I don't want to just make fun memories,

but watch Sayashi-san from behind and keep my eyes fixed on such a cool and impressive senpai.


Everyone, once again, please keep supporting Morning Musume. '15.