AKB48 post election talk: Member reactions and Mariko/Tomochin graduation dates

MC Nakai: I was overseas when the elections were going on. But i heard the news just now..about Shinoda, and Sashihara…
Sashihara: What is that kind of troubled expression?!
MC Nakai: Did Sashihara really get No.1? What do you guys think?
MC Makiko: I thought Mayuyu or Oshima were going to win…but i was shocked at the results.
-Recap of scenes from this year’s elections-
-Flashback to Oshima Yuko’s talk after last year’s elections:If Sashihara gets No.1, there will be a new AKB48. BUT,NO WAY!-
MC Nakai: What do you think Sashihara?
Sashihara: After the elections,i thought someone was pulling a prank on me.
Oshima: Even though i said “No way” last year, we have no choice this time.
Shinoda: This is like a present from the fans, so there must be some appeal about Sashihara.
MC Nakai: Do you think you can graduate happily like that?
Shinoda: But this is my last single so..
MC Nakai: Do you have anything to say to Sashihara?
Shinoda: I’m abit worried about the next single, but i think she’ll work hard.
MC Nakai: What about you Takamina?
Takamina: I was shocked. When Mayuyu’s ranked was announced, i was like “It can’t be…”. I thought Mayuyu or Oshima will be the last contenders.
Mayuyu: I had worked hard for the past year aiming for 1st, but when my rank was announced, i also thought “It can’t be Sashihara..”. I was thinking “What is this?”.
Oshima: When Mayuyu was announced to be 3rd, i was thinking “What’s this?”. But Sashihara’s win will making things interesting for AKB.
MC Nakai: It’s interesting that fans are the ones who create a drama for AKB. Sashihara, have you taken center position before?
Sashihara: Nope, only in photoshoots so far.
-MC Nakai asks them to arrange themselves in formation with Sasshi as center, and dance to Gingham Check-
Sashihara: Stop please! I think this scene looks untrendy!

MC Nakai: Pls give some advice to Sashihara as the next center.
Oshima: It’s best to enjoy it.
Mayuyu: There’s alot of responsibility to live up to, but the best thing to do is just to enjoy it with everyone.
Paruru: Do it in a cute manner!
-Talk about Shinoda Mariko’s graduation-
MC Nakai: When did you decide?
Shinoda: On that day itself. I had discussed with Akimoto san since a year ago and he said i could do it anytime, but there’s a timing. He said it’s best to do it when everyone is around. Actually i think about graduating every year during the elections, but this time i think it’s the right time.
MC Makiko: So you didn’t inform the rest of the members?
Shinoda: Not everyone. I discussed with Takamina 1 year ago. Kojima is my good friend and i told her i could be graduating on that day.
MC Nakai: So everyone is surprised? When are you graduating?
Shinoda: Fukuoka concert on 21st July.
MC Nakai: So what are you going to do about the next single?
Shinoda: We’ll be shooting the PV this month, so i will take part in all the promotions prior to 21st July.
MC Nakai: So you won’t be appearing on TV after the 21st?
Shinoda: Not for singing related activities.
MC Nakai: What are you going to do in future?
Shinoda: I have been in AKB for 8 years, and my ambitions have changed along the way. Even thought i love AKB, i want to pursue my interests. I like fashion and have had opportunities to model. I’m still a newbie in that field, so it’d be good to go further in that area.
MC Nakai: So you’re not going to sing anymore?
Shinoda: Nope….laughs. Nakai san would probably tell me not to sing too.
MC Nakai: You really understand me. What about Itano? When are you going to graduate?
Itano: For me, around August.

For more details on Itano/Shinoda’s graduation dates, pls visit this link.