Graduation announced. Ikuta Erina

Hi❤️ It's Eripon (￣▽￣)

As was announced during the MC at today's concert!

I was granted my wish to announce it
on my 14th anniversary of joining Morning Musume ❤️

Let's all have fun for the rest of the year okay!!
I'm going to do my best to make Morning Musume a succes,
so please follow me in this!!

Thank you very much!!!!

To everyone

Thank you for your continued warm support.

I, Ikuta Erina, will be graduating from Morning Musume and Hello! Project on the last day of our 2025 spring tour.

My life as Morning Musume member started on January 2nd 2011.

I am very happy that I have been able to feel the support and encouragement of so many people over the past 14 years, more than I could have ever imagined.
I'm truly happy to have had so many experiences as a member of Morning Musume during all that time.

At times I cried, at times I felt happy, sometimes I felt a variety of emotions, but being in a group with the other members was a big part of the reason I was able to overcome so many experiences, and it was Hello! Project that taught me the importance of this.

It has been about a year since I became the leader in 2023, and I have been inspired by seeing my kouhai shine brightly.

Each member has their own strenghts, and I have teached them what I can to help them get even beter.

In the midst of all this, I found a new dream for myself to move onto the next step, and that dream pushed me to decide to graduate, taking away the big, great name of Morning Musume and fulfilling my dream as an individual, Ikuta Erina, together with you all.

I have a dream that I want to try on my own, something I haven't had the chance to experience in my current activities.

It was the voices of the fans that helped me discover that dream.
I was very happy to hear many people say "I like this part about Eripon" and every word of it gave me the courage to pursue my dream.
As I think about moving towards my new dream, I am considering leaving the agency that has taken care of me for 14 years to start in a new environment.

However, I intend to continue my entertainment activities without taking a break.

Because I love being "Eripon" ❤️

I am honored to have been a member of Morning Musume for half of its 27-year history.

I would like to gain even more experience during the remainder of my time before graduation.
I want to give back to as many people as possible!

Although there is only a bit of time left, I want to enjoy Morning Musume to the fullest, so let's make lots of dreams come true together with the fans!

2nd of January 2025

Morning Musume '25 Leader

Ikuta Erina

Ikuta Erina & Takeuchi Akari Nippon Radio 65th Anniversary Interview

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Original article: n/a (own purchase & scan)
Translated by: ©Eriponderful World

Last hall concert and about the new system. Ikuta Erina

Hi❤️ It's Eripon (￣▽￣)

Thank you for coming
To the concert in Hokkaido today ❤️

Our hall concerts ended with today!

Thank you to all the fans
Who came from different parts of the country!

It was a performance that maxed out
Yamazaki Mei-chan's local panda power!

I was so happy to see so many people
Up to the 4th floor!

Thank you!!!

And...
As was announced at the end of the evening concert today
I, Ikuta Erina, will become the 10th leader of Morning Musume
after Fukumura Mizuki's graduation!

There are a lot of things that Mizuki has always done as a mattter of course
Which aren't really visible on the surface!

I felt very anxious
Because I know I won't be able to do this easily.

But!

Before the new leader was decided, Nakazawa Yuko-san told me
"Eripon can be a leader so it'll be fine!"

Even when I told Yaguchi Mari-san
"It's not all about doing the same things as the others, so I'm looking forward to Ikuta leader!"
That's what she said!

And Niigaki Risa-san
"I'm happy that Ikuta will become leader!"
Which made me really happy to hear

And from Tsunku-san
"I have high hopes for you"
With those words in mind I'll continue to do my best!

With the new system
Oda Sakura will also become a sub-leader.

We'll do our best and work together
To further promote the new Morning Musume!

Thank you for your continued support.

But!!!

Eri has 4 days left
As sub-leader of Morning Musume!!!

I believe that my last job
As Morning Musume sub-leader
Is supporting Mizuki with all my strength!

At today's concert, as well as the Yokohama Arena concerts,
I couldn't really talk much about this so
I wanted to tell you all through my blog!

Let's make the 4 days left of Fukumura Mizuki era the best ever!!!

Ikuta Erina