Itano's 'graduation' from AKB48 leaves only 3 original members

Look up '卒業' in a dictionary, and you will indeed find 'graduation'. But whoever decided that 'graduation' is the best translation for this kind of non-event ....well, I think they should reconsider their chosen career as a translator!

Thus the quotation marks.

Minami Takahashi, 22

Probably the only member I wish would graduate.

A sad day for the girls. Only 3 originals left. you can see the change in image and musical style as the group evolves. I love the sincerity in their question to her. Also note how the Souths are the loyal ones - remember how the other South shaved her head? Good luck Tomomi - I look forward to seeing you in adverts and as a solo artist and in your own series of DVD's.....

Little bit confused, sitting as I am in my Kamakazi uniform wanting to form a Que. To shack hands with a computer generated member of this band. I feel perhaps my life is not so good.

whoever decided that 'graduation' is the best translation for this kind of non-event ....well, I think they should reconsider their chosen career as a translator!

Perhaps you should consider refraining from commenting on 'non-events'.

AKB are still the bees knees and will be forever (^3^)

Itano's commercial with the lion in the electronics store was a good one.

whoever decided that 'graduation' is the best translation for this kind of non-event ....well, I think they should reconsider their chosen career as a translator!

So what's your suggestion? Groups like Mo-musu, AKB and such has been using this word for a long time. Being in these groups does seem like attending school to me. Premature, dependent on producers...

Readers, please note that the AKB48 is like an academy; hence the word "graduation."

It's like an Academy? Are you serious? It's a mass of girls some of whom are computer generated. Their songs are written by others and they are taught to dance. If that is an academy well I certainly was misguided getting my Degree.

Graduation is the term they use instead of thrown out because they are too old. I can't wait till I graduate from work.

Great, distract everyone's attention away from Japan's real issues with candy land BKA 48. Sorry, but can't get into pubescent cheer leading stunts that allows Akimoto to laugh all the way to the bank.

Their songs are written by others and they are taught to dance. If that is an academy well I certainly was misguided getting my Degree.

In that they get paid more than you to do nothing then?

Graduation is the term they use instead of thrown out because they are too old. I can't wait till I graduate from work.

This almost made me burst out laughing at work. I needed this, thanks!

Ha ha, I can actually form relationships with real humans and do not have to "Graduate" my life. I think that makes it pretty obvious the last 3 members are stunted emotionally. It's a sad story.

Big smile

So many jealous or superior comments about these angels. They bring a ray of sunshine into so many lives and work hard for their money and fame.

They use the word "graduation" because it creates an emotional connection with the fans. Like high school, they had to leave. Sounds a lot better that being fired, or losing interest.

"like an academy"? exactly what did these girls "study" in order to "graduate"? the only skill i think these girls picked up at their "academy" is how to be "annoying."

So what's your suggestion? Groups like Mo-musu, AKB and such has been using this word for a long time. Being in these groups does seem like attending school to me. Premature, dependent on producers...

Well, it's not rocket science, is it?! How about "leaving/quitting/saying goodbye to the group"? This makes much better sense in this context than the ridiculous "graduating".

Itano's gone? No more reason to watch. Oh wait, I wasn't watching already.

Tomomi looks really hot in black leather boots. I hope she doesn't give that up.

AKBfan said

remember how the other South shaved her head?

Minami Minegishi is the one who shaved her head- your fan qualifications are looking doubtful!

I have mixed feeling related with AKB48. Lots and lots of girls that are manipulated by big record companies to keep the perverted old man dream of cute and innocent girl. Plus all the restrictions about not having a boyfriend and stuff..

On the other hand there are so many of them (and the "sister" groups) that it's bound to have ones with real talent for singing and acting. Plus they do sell a lot and are moneymakers for the industry so there is some merit in them.

Now that Itano left it seems to me that the group will change a lot because it started to change a bit with Maeda leaving and Itano hold it together, I feel we will see a major shift in the group.

what I wonder is, How come a 25-yr old want to stay in the group?, at this rate, she's going the get old and bitter she doesn't have a boyfriend, so unless she wants to become a producer for AKB48 it's better for her to graduate too

Devastating news. Not!

Peter Payne:

No more reason to watch. Oh wait, I wasn't watching already.

Strange, considering the disturbing stuff being peddled on J List side blog

Itano's gone? No more reason to watch. Oh wait, I wasn't watching already.

Damn you're cool. I'm sure she is watching you though hoping for you to return the favour.

One question. Is the people using "BKA48" traying to make that an insult (an making a fool of themselves in the proces s. SInce, you know ...Mecha Ike)?

I would be more worried about having the stamp of former member on me for the rest of my life. I am not sure but that probably would hinder one from being taken seriously in other pursuits. Also "graduation" is synonymous with non contract renewal but it sounds cuter hence its use. I.E. Tomomi Itano has graduated from AKB 48 or Tomomi Itano has chosen not to renew her contract with AKB 48 which sound better?

I look forward to the day when Haruna Kojima graduates and goes all Aya Sugimoto.