Nogizaka46 captain Sakurai Reika’s final graduation performance

The final national tour performance of Nogizaka46 was held at Jingu Stadium in Tokyo on September 1st and captain Sakurai Reika (25) has officially graduated from the group.

Sakurai came out in a white dress and sang her graduation solo song “Tokidoki Omoidashite Kudasai” with tears streaming down her face.

She also had a surprise from former Nogizaka46 member Wakatsuki Yumi who surprised Reika.

During her speech to the audience, Sakurai said at the summer of 2016, she confessed that she was ready to retire but she really wanted to protect the group, so she stayed and is deeply moved by the people who turned out to greet her for the final performance.

Sakurai said, “I think I will be involved with Nogizaka for the rest of my life even after graduation. I want to be a person who continues to think that.  I want to keep working in my heart, so this is not a farewell.  I want you to be excited and please wait.  In the future, I vow to give something back to my hometown by playing an active part”.

Sakurai ended with, “I am glad I joined Nogizaka. I love everyone! See you again!”.

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