Graduation Message:
Takahashi’s letter: From when my graduation was announced, I began to love Morning Musume more and more. Gaki-san, Sayu, Reina, Aika, Fuku-chan, Ikuta, Sayashi, Zukki: Thank you for following such an unreliable leader. Gaki-san, I’m sorry for graduating first [and leaving you behind*].
*not said directly, but is implied through the “apology.”
Kudou: The memory of you giving me a ton of sweets in the dressing room during a H!P concert still remains.
Suzuki: I was lost about what I should say, so I’ll talk about my favourite story. When I first joined, you immediately asked me to exchange email addresses. You were a person I saw on TV before so I was the most nervous. Later, when you change your email address, please tell me.
Sayashi: Back when I first joined, we went shopping together and you held my hand. I was super happy.
Ikuta: During the spring tour, I was worried about my dancing and you listened to my worries. Thank you for taking me to Shibuya and Shinokubo. The bulgogi was delicious.
Fukumura: When I joined, there were two instances when I thought, “This can’t be true.” First was the 10th gen audition and the other is Takahashi-san’s graduation. When it was decided that I would join Morning Musume, Takahashi-san cried together with me. Takahashi-san’s tears are my treasure.
Mitsui: I’m so glad to be able to stand on the same stage as Ai-chan after such a long time. I am truly happy to be standing here with everyone today. I really love Ai-chan’s expressions!
Tanaka: We sang together, and even in H!P we were given difficult songs. As rivals, we matured together. There were times when I didn’t want to see the members, and when I was rebellious and built a wall around myself. But Ai-chan just talked to me normally. Back then, I wanted to say “Thank you!”
Michishige: Thank you for being so kind to Sayu. Precisely because it was Ai-chan, that this warm, “at home” atmosphere with the fans was created. Gaki-san and the Rokkies will work hard. Please take Sayu to Shinokubo too~
Niigaki: Ai-chan, congratulations on your graduation! Ten years ago, we joined Morning Musume, and I’ve watched you closely since then. Ai-chan prioritizes everyone else over herself. From tomorrow on, please put yourself first, ok? Because we were together for 10 years, there are a lot of various emotions. But to me, it was a wonderful time. Thank you for all your hard work these 10 years!
After the triple encore, Takahashi appears on stage: “Even though today is a weekday, you all gathered here for me. I feel so lucky because of everyone. I think I’ll be able to do my best from now on. Please continue to support Morning Musume too! I love you, everyone!” Takahashi exits.
I wonder how Morning Musume and H!P will be without her, it's very sad that she has to leave and now Risa will be leader and longest member of Morning Musume. Good luck with your future Ai-chan, Morning Musume, and H!P..~ and some pics of Ai
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