Tomomi Itano announces she is 'graduating' from AKB48
Entertainment ( 27 )
TOKYO —
First generation member of all-girl group AKB48, Tomomi Itano, announced on Friday night that she plans to “graduate” from the group within the year.
Itano, 21, made the announcement at the premiere of the AKB48 documentary “Documentary of AKB48 No Flower Without Rain.” Appearing on stage with several other AKB48 members, Itano said: “I know this is a sudden announcement but I have decided to graduate from AKB48.”
She went on to say, “The exact timing hasn’t been decided yet, but an announcement will be made soon. I’d like to spend my remaining time with AKB48 having fun with my fellow first generation members.”
Nikkan Sports reported that Itano, who joined the group when it waa founded in 2005, had originally planned to wait until the group’s spring concert to announce her departure, but let it slip in an interview as part of the documentary in which she was asked when she plans to graduate.
Besides her AKB48 actvities, Itano was Japan’s TV commercial queen in 2012, appearing in ads for 21 different companies.
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27 Comments
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3
Ramzel
That's why... she's financially stable now
1
Elbuda Mexicano
She is cute but as a singer??? Stick to TV cms and TV shows, great for Japan and Asia!
-2
oberst
love/lust over AKB48, good decision...........
-5
nyuntshwe
I like her best among AKB48. I wish she could find a place in acting! Her look is very innocent!
14
AustPaul
Why say 'graduate'? Was this some type of scholastic endeavour? Crikey, just say 'leave' the group!
Moderator
Graduate is the correct usage in this particular case.
-1
globalwatcher
Good for her. She is freeing herself from this corrupt industry filled with sex, drugs. Many innocent Japanese have been sexually abused, used, discarded like a trash.
2
edojin
She is cute ... but she has admitted she had her eyes "altered" surgically to give her that cute look. Anyway ... when looking at the AKB48 she is the one who usually stuck out the most because of her attractive face.
She should have no problem with her future ... as long as she stays out of trouble ... and away from drugs ...
4
Open Minded
Did she mean emancipate?
But most likely this word is contractually prohibited!
13
JDB829
Maybe she wants to date !
4
Ranger_Miffy2
Never liked her. In all TV and ads, she looks extremely bored.
0
Bondsan
She should have left last week and avoided the bad press this ...
btw is this the one with the buck teeth on that tech ad with the lion?
2
lucabrasi
@Paul
You're right, of course, as far as English goes. But Japanese uses "graduate" all the time. I remember my in-laws talking about my son "graduating" from watching Ampan-man DVDs, and my daughter "graduating" from playing with Popo-chan dolls.
It's just an expression.
0
Cortes Elijah
She was one of my favorites.
-2
avigator
??????????????????? Not a news to me.
-4
DudeDeuce
I think she is the most attractive of the group too and other foreigners think so too. I think she goes along with the thinking that foreign men have different taste in Japanese women than Japanese men do. Therefore plain jane Atsuko Maeda and Yuko Oshima always get voted as top.
-4
ambrosia
Is "Flower Without Rain" meant to be some sort of double entendre and why that other AKB48 woman felt the need to shave her head. Her flower had seen some rain or something like that?
-2
wtfjapan
yes just say it how it is, got too old and needs to make way for some fresher meat.
3
globalwatcher
Hope some smart fans are graduating from this AKB.
0
Serrano
You can't fire me! I graduate!
The best of luck to Tomomi.
"she's financially stable now"
Unless she spent it all!
1
AustPaul
Good for her then, hopes she goes onto bigger and much better things.
3
globalwatcher
wtfjapanFeb. 03, 2013 - 05:08AM JST
Stay tuned. They will throw big bones to you.
-4
whiskeysour
I found pictures of her.... OMG I can't believe it's on youtube.
She has a nice body...
Her music sounds great !!!!! Suberashi
Her voice is AMAZING !!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuvFtAPloIk&feature=fvwp
0
Ebereson
Yes,that's goog of her.It's better to graduate before some will date her to avoid beheading her not only to cut her airs.
-4
CrisGerSan
She was a fine member of the group, if you watch their performances and films carefully you will see that they are a fine group filled with compassion for each other and a love of sharing with the audiences. Contrary to negative thoughts, and other sorts of stars, this is a remarkable group and well deserving of their fame..and I am glad for their fortune as well. Graduation is a fine term for their leaving the group which is a lot to it that is similar to a high school class that is the setting for many of their numbers. Well done and good luck.
4
Wakarimasen
At least now she can go with boys without losing all her hair.
1
The_True
Don't forget she is Short, i mean SHORT!!
well i guess she could't change her leg.
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