Face of AKB48 Maeda Atsuko to Graduate

In a surprising shock to all fans, it was announced at today’s final performance at Saitama Super Arena that the face of AKB48 – Maeda Atsuko will be graduating from the idol group!! However, no graduation date has been officially announced yet.

Here’s a quick translation of her graduation speech:

I had been a first generation member since I was 14 years old. AKB48 became my life and it was the major decision I made in my life. Today, I will be making another major decision, which is to graduate.

14歳から初期メンバーとして活動してきました。人生でした。大きな決断でした。そして2回目の決断をします。私は卒業します

I have inconvenienced other members due to my emotional mood swings, and I would like to thanks all the members’ support To perform at Tokyo Dome has been a dream since I had when I was 14 years old.

感情の起伏が激しくてメンバーに迷惑をかけてきたんですが、みんなのお陰でやってこれました。東京ドームに立てるなんて、14歳からの夢でした

The dream has came true, and I will continue to pursue my next dream as become an adult at age 20.

東京ドームの夢が叶ったので、20歳の夢に向かって行かないといけないと思いました

While it has been a real shock, I’m sure many fans like myself have discussed what would happen to AKB48 when Acchan eventually graduates. It would be interesting to see how the group will strive forward together in the coming year.