Sashihara Rino's graduation announcement

After being part of the 48group for more than ten years Sashihara Rino announced her graduation from being an Idol on today's HKT48 concert. Her graduation concert will be on April 28, 2019.

Let's just say that I did not expect this NOW but I am not surprised to hear about her wanting to graduate. Sashihara Rino has been one of the most popular Idols ever and accomplished a lot. She is still the only 48group member to win the election three times in a row and gathered the most votes in total as well. Even though she was 'demoted' to HKT48 after her scandal, she came back stronger than ever, not only gaining even more popularity for herself but also helping HKT in establishing as a group. As the oldest member she is like a mother figure for the HKT48 members and even acts as a producer of stages and concerts. 

She even started to produce her own Idol Group =LOVE. Sasshi is really good at that and she is working hard to promote her beloved Idols.. For her graduation I am actually not sad at all. Of course, it is always weird to see a favourite Idol leave, but there are soooo many possibilities for Sasshi. She is the member I am most excited to see outside of being an Idol as a talento. She said she wants to continue as an producer, which is perfect for her. 

Coming back to HKT, the only downside on this graduation is, that the group is in a very weird stage right now.. With Haruppi still absent and Sakura and Nako being busy with IZ*ONE it is kind of a lot to handle for the group right now. They have been pushing Miku and other young members already, but even more responsibility lays on their shoulders now. Of course, HKT does not only depend on the four members and there are many many amazingly talented and strong Idols already shining in the group. I think this will be a nice possibility for them to step up and lead HKT from now on, especially since they have until April to prepare. It does feel like a lot right now though and I feel really sad for the members, especially Nako and Sakura.

Although she is a more unconventional Idol, Sashihara has shaped the whole Idol industry and had a big impact on celebrities in general. I especially like how she decided to graduate at the end of the Heisei era. This makes it even more symbolic and this way she will always be remembered as an important Heisei-Idol! I see it as another marketing strategy of Sasshi herself and it makes me even more excited to see her in the future.

These are my thoughts for now. I hope to see some amazing fun months left with her as an Idol and I wish her the best of luck after that.

PS: Isn't it kind of amazing though, that she announced this one day before Iikubo Haruna's graduation concert? I mean, we all know she is the biggest Momusu fan..