Nogizaka46 member Kitano Hinako is graduating

Nogizaka46 member Kitano Hinako (25) announced on her official blog that she is graduating from the group and her final activity will be at the end of April.

Kitano wrote, “I decided to go on a new road, which is different from this road that will continue forever. I will be graduating from Nogizaka46. It was around this time last year that I decided to leave this gentle and warm place. I was really happy. I have spent my time in my favorite place, and I wanted you to take good care of me. Thanks to your love, I have a lot of love in my heart. I was able to have enough to overflow. I plan to graduate by the end of April. I have about three months left. It’s a strange feeling. It’s time for Kitano Hinako of Nogizaka46 to finish. I wonder how I’ll spend it, and of course I’ll have a good time, and I’ll be in the same group as my favorite people I admire, and have an important moment. I’m a little nervous not to miss it, and I hope I can run to the end by myself! I will not participate in the 29th single as a selection for undergirls. It’s been nine years since I’ve been facing my position repeatedly with under-selection. Both seats have strengthened me. I was able to stay in the group so far because I bumped into various walls. As an idol I think I continued to run straight and I’m proud of myself. The 3rd and 4th generations keep standing facing forward, so that the road continues while protecting Nogizaka46. I think that on the extension of the Nogizaka46 road that my seniors connected, everyone will walk the new road as hard as they can. I think it’s fun, I like it. Don’t forget to say it, be yourself. For senior members, thank you very much for taking care of me like this. I still remember the moment when my hearts met. Thank you very much for acknowledging a second generation as a comrade. I’m really happy to be a junior of my favorite seniors. I’m really happy to meet everyone. Thank you for wrapping me up and protecting me”.

Kitano entered Nogizaka46 with the 8th single released back in April 2014. Nicknamed “Kii-chan” by her fans, she was known as a bright and innocent idol and loved by fans.

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