Former and current AKB48G members react to Watanabe Mayu’s retirement

As Watanabe Mayu’s retirement has shocked many people, a few former and current AKB48G members have shared their voices of support.

On TOKYO FM, Takahashi Minami said on her radio show “Takahashi Minami [Korekara, Nanisuru?”, “I am really surprised.  she gave more than 100% as an idol and that’s not an easy thing to do.  As a senior I thought, ‘This person is amazing..’.  She has been busy since she entered AKB at the age of until she graduated. I want her to rest her mind and body as well”.

Shinoda Mariko responded to Watanabe Mayu’s Twitter and wrote, “Please take the time to rest your body”.

ゆっくり身体を休めてね(*^^*) https://t.co/XA4iMJkq6p

— 篠田麻里子 (@mariko_dayo) June 1, 2020

Former AKB48 member Kojima Haruna wrote, “Mayu-chan, we have been working together since the days when AKB48 was not yet recognized by the world and she has been an idol who didn’t want to disappoint everyone’s expectations and is proud of our 48 groups.  I had a feeling of wanting to see her more but I hope that she will take the time for resting and so Mayu-chan will be happier in the future”.

AKB48がまだ世の中に認めてもらえない時代から共に歩み続け、アイドルとして一度もみんなの期待を裏切ることなく走り抜けた麻友ちゃんは、私達48グループの誇りです。もう少し見ていたかったなという気持ちはありますが、ゆっくり静養して、麻友ちゃんがこの先もっと幸せになることを願っています🤍 pic.twitter.com/2mxP3JxKZd

— 小嶋 陽菜 (@kojiharunyan) June 1, 2020

SKE48’s Matsui Jurina wrote, “I was surprised when I woke up and saw the news. One of my seniors who has a high level of professionalism and respect. Whenever I was close to her, I always thought I had to do my best. I have feelings of gratitude. I am also very worried 🥺”.

起きてニュースを見て、びっくりしました。
プロ意識が高くて、尊敬していた先輩の一人。
近くにいて、自分も頑張らなきゃっていつも思っていました。
感謝の気持ちでいっぱいです。
とても心配です🥺

— 松井珠理奈(ハリウッドJURINA) (@JURINA38G) June 1, 2020

HKT48’s Tanaka Miku tweeted about Mayuyu when she and IZ*ONE/HKT48 member Yabuki Nako kissed her on the cheek. Tanaka wrote, “#WatanabeMayu, I’m surprised to see the news… She has always been so kind and is loved by a lot of the seniors. May Mayu take a good rest…I love you!!!!”

#渡辺麻友　さんのニュースを見てびっくりです…。

昔から沢山なこみくって可愛がって下さった先輩…本当に優しくして下さり今でも、大切に写真をもっています😌

麻友ちゃんがゆっくり休めますように…大好きです！！ pic.twitter.com/YI8y5qv5NX

— 田中 美久 (@miku_monmon3939) June 1, 2020