This is so emotional for me. Since I moved to Japan about 2 years ago I've seen Kobushi more than any other group. I've introduced so many people to them and they are definitely the group I'm most excited about right now. I've had the opportunity to talk to Rio many time at handshake events and she's always hilarious and tries very hard to speak to me in English. She is such a driving force in the group and it'll be very sad to see her go.
With the announcement that new trainees were debuting I immediately called my friend and was like "please don't let them change Kobushi." Even with this news that Rio is leaving I really hope they can pull a Berryz where even after losing a member they never add another. I love the debuting trainees but I think Kobushi has such a good thing going and the second you started having members graduate and new members join in H!P it often becomes a domino effect...