Kuramochi Asuka graduates from AKB48

Kuramochi Asuka held her graduation stage on 17th August at the Akihabara theater.

As the captain of Team B the past 1.5 years, this was her last stage with fellow Team B members. Fans made a T-shirt for her bearing the number “21”, which was her highest ranking in Sousenkyo, as well as her father’s jersey number when he was a professional baseball player.

During the live, ex-wrestler Kobashi Kenta whom Kuramochi is a big fan of also appeared. As Kobashi Kenta has just welcomed the birth of his first child, he commented “Lets work hard for the start of our 2nd youths.”

During the encore, same generation members Tanaka Chisato(24), Fujie Reina(21), Oya Shizuka(23) sang “Himawari”. With ex-teammates Miyazawa Sae(25), Umeda Ayaka(26) and Kobayashi Kana(24), she sang “To be continued”.

Lastly, the members surprised her by singing her debut solo song “Itsumo Soba ni”, causing her to tear up.

“I’m graduating to be a sportscaster, but this dream came about because of AKB48. I’ve experienced alot these 8 years. When i announced graduation, i received lots of comments on my blog which became my support. I will believe in those words and word hard. I was raised to believe that i’m the type to achieve success later in life, so i will word hard hoping someday i’ll bloom brightly.”

Her father commented afterwords “I was moved. It’s starting from now. The whole family wants to cheer her on.”

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AKB48 Kuramochi Asuka announces graduation through sports newspaper

Kuramochi Asuka of AKB48 has announced her plans to graduate. Her last theater show with the group will be on 17th August 2015.

“I made many treasured friends during these 8 years. I have no regrets,”she said.

Her dreams after graduation is to become a sportscaster, and she likes baseball, prowrestling and soccer.

As a MC on BS Asahi’s sports programme “SPORTS X”, she has covered the London Olympics and such experience has strengthened her resolve to communicate the fun in sports through her own words. “I want to realise my dream of reporting on the Tokyo Olympics,” she said.

Her decision to graduate was finally made when she was appointed Team B captain last year.

Kuramochi confessed to being the type who can’t speak frankly to fellow members. She had worried about not being suitable for the role of a leader, but Katsuya Nomura’s (baseball player)words encouraged her.

With every member she chooses a different way of expressing her thoughts. She also called upon them to understand the lyrics they are singing. She finally felt the results of her leadership and her personal growth during last year’s national tour during November-December. Convinced that she’s given her all, she decided to graduate.

“I wanted to announce my graduation in a different way. Since i want to become a sportscaster, i chose a sports newspaper,” she said.
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So this probably signals the end for French Kiss subunit too..