[TEAM S] MARY ~ The Hirata Rikako Thread

[YKT]

MELOSnoMichi

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. 」

http://gekikaraclub.tumblr.com/post/28904766121/120807-hirata-rikako-graduation-translation

[SomethingWild]

  I didn't see it coming, but I guess it's not too surprising. It seems like her own choice and I guess she's ready to pursue new dreams. Best of luck to her and happy birthday!

This means two things:
1. Team S will be without leader
2. SKE48 will have seven (!) open spots 

I predict tons of announcements at the Tokyo Dome Concerts.

[Kid_Alpha]

Captain my captain~!

Rikki's graduation reminds me that most of the older members might leave soon as well...

A possible SKE Team shuffle suddenly seems a lot more on the verge of reality now.

===

Had my time to be upset about this but now let's be positive.

Happy Birthday Rikki, become the best dang reporter you can be~!

[gekikarabuACE]

Can't say I'm really surprised, but it still sucks. When Haachan announced her graduation early this year, I figured it would only be a short while before Neesan, Rikachan and/or Akichan announce their graduations as well.

Who's going to lead Team S now?  The young ones are too young to lead the team, imo. Akichan might be going next. Katsuo seems too volatile to be a leader. Shiitan seems more like a follower than a leader. Rena doesn't even spend most of time with the team. So who are we left with? Masana? Nishishi? I don't see anyone fitting the role of captain except for Rikachan.

[muppet]

Sorry to see Rikako go , but hope she had a great birthday, with the love of family and friends.
Look forward to her finding her path to news reporting, and may there be lots of good memories
from SKE48 for her to cherish and inspire her as she begins this next step!
(looking very new reporter capable!!!)

[freakonboard]

From today's "Lucky!!":
http://www.ctv.co.jp/lucky/index.html

[z3144228]

[THUNDERDUCK]

[JuRikki]

I miss you, Rikako

[KudoShinichi]

Hirata Rikako Graduation Concert Party ga Hajimaru yo + Members MC

Hirata Rikako Graduation Speech:
SKEリーダー平田璃香子「卒業」

[pastil]

Last appearance on Lucky!!

[kuro808]

Happy Birthday! !!!!

[muppet]

Happy Birthday, Rikako san!!

She was such a great influence on the younger members of SKE48, and now she will bring her sunshine to whatever project that
she works on next!

Hope she has a great day today with family and friends, and may the coming year bring her interesting challenges and much laughter, joy, and love！！！
 

[kuro808]

Happy Birthday!!!