Watanabe Mayu – One of the more memorable idols of the late Heisei Era

Watanabe Mayu has officially retired from the entertainment industry due to health issues.

And while many fans are surprised and shocked with the news, many remember how much of an impact she had on their lives as an AKB48 member.  May she be their oshimen (the member they support) or just respectful of what she brought to AKB48G as a member, to later as a TV host and as a stage actress.

Watanabe’s departure from the entertainment industry surprises people because she was one of the few members in which being on TV was her destiny.

Looking back at Watanabe Mayu’s career as an idol, you can’t help but have respect for her.  While younger than other members of AKB48, she would make a lasting impression because she embodied the idol life.

In fact, when it comes to idols of the late Heisei-era, Watanabe Mayu is probably one of the more memorable and popular idols.  .

As one of the Kami 7 (AKB48’s top 7 most popular members), each had their own style, but for Watanabe Mayu a.k.a. Mayuyu, she was the Akihabara girl, the CG “Cyborg Girl”).  Loved idols, loved anime and it’s the idol life which Mayuyu would promote, not just as an AKB48 member but also a member of Watarirouka Hshiritai 7 or even as a solo performer.

Many will remember when the young Watanabe Mayuyu cried at the first and second Senbatsu Sosenkyo (General Election) and then a few years later in 2014, to be voted #1 as the center of AKB48.

Many will remember Watanabe Mayu on “AKBingo”:

Especially when it came to her and the member she is most closest to, Kashiwagi Yuki (who is stil an AKB48 member):

We have seen her shine as a TV host and on CM:

And watching her grow through the years as an idol and watching her fight to become #1.  We see that same spirit in Watanabe Mayu as she focuses on taking care of her health.  We hope to see her back again in the future.

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