Ikoma Rina to graduate from Nogizaka46

Nogizaka46 member Ikoma Rina (22) has announced that she will graduate from the group after the release of their 20th single.

The graduation was confirmed on the Nogizaka46 Official website.

Ikoma wrote on her Nogizaka46 blog:

With the next single of Nogizaka46, I Ikoma Rina, will graduate from Nogizaka46.

As for why I am graduating, it is because I decided to take up a new challenge as a new member of society with people of the same age.

From the age of 20, when I had to live alone as an adult, I started to think more about my future, I felt I wasn’t accomplishing enough to improve myself.  I felt I had to raise myself even higher but I thought I wasn’t doing enough.   I thought about the timing of when I can challenge myself somewhere else and I think that announcing it at this time felt natural.

I know it’s sudden and I apologize to anyone who was surprised.

For everyone who supported me so much. Everyone who gave me their kind words at every handshake meeting.  Thank you very much.

Are there still many things to accomplish in Nogizaka? 

When I thought about graduating, I received a lot of advice from my family, my best friends and seniors in the entertainment world.

I’m sure there are still many things to do for Nogizaka46, however the current Nogizaka46 is the best.

That is why I have complete confidence in them.

What I experienced in Nogizaka46 will be my shield and I feel I will always be protected.

So, I want to leave with confidence.

Would you please push my back?

I will be talking with staff on the details of when my graduation date will be.

I feel that my remaining time with Nogizaka fans, members and staff will be very fun.

Thank you very much.

Ikoma Rina

The next single and Ikoma’s graduation date is still undecided.

Ikoma is a first generation member of Nogizaka46 since the group’s formation back in August 2011.  She was the center for Nogizaka46’s first five singles.

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