Hirata Rikako's birthday ceremony and graduation announcement
Hirata 「I, Hirata Rikako have something I want to tell everyone. Around 1 year back, I wanted to step up, to this stage I love, I wanted to let everyone who I love, know this. I, Hirata Rikako will be graduating from SKE48. There were happy moments, and many tough moments and regretful moments, but, looking back, I can only remember the happy moments. I feel very happy. While doing the activities of an SKE member, I had a dream of becoming a reporter. Thinking of this, to all who have supported me, when you see Rikako after this, I hope everyone would have a mindset, of continuing to work hard for tomorrow, I want to become a reporter that is loved by both genders and all ages. Even though it’s scary to leave SKE48, but I wanted to let everyone who I love know this directly, and so today, I chose to announce it. 」