Dear Maeda Atsuko-san,
I'd like to call you Acchan personally, but I always feel that calling people by their nicknames is an intimacy reserved for close friends. Even though us fans may never truly understand the depth of sacrifice and effort put into your work, we still appreciate the little that we can. A lot of thought has definitely been put into your decision to graduate. Though I feel sad and truthfully, a little reluctant, I still wholeheartedly respect and understand the reasons for your decision. I'm sure a lot of other fans feel the same way too.That said, there's definitely going to be a lot of tears. But that's good too because it reflects the good times you had while in AKB48. I'm not gonna remind you to remember those times and keep your friends close. Other fans would have already done that, and I have faith that you will do so even without being told.
Anything worth fighting for never comes easy. If it does, it wouldn't hold as much meaning. Don't you think so? I always say that if life were perfect, it would be boring. That's because in this imperfect world, the struggle through our own imperfections is what drives us and the results will be all the more worthwhile. What I'm trying to say is that life is always hard,especially when you're trying to achieve a dream. But whenever you feel insecure about your career status, just look to your fans and you'll see how loved you are. Since you've already taken the biggest, and first step in achieving YOUR dream, please promise me, or better yet, us, the fans, that you will NEVER stop halfway. Your dedication and journey taken to achieve such a dream is admirable, and an inspiration to us all.
Lastly, please stay true to yourself, and leave no regrets in life. Whether it was something you wish you didn't do, or something that you wished you DID do. As long as you continue to work hard, I'm sure us fans will also support you the best that we can. That's all from me. Congratulations on your graduation, Maeda-san. Though I'm sad, the way I see it is that it's not the end,it is a new beginning for you and for AKB48. So cast aside your worries, and enjoy your new life to the fullest. I, for one, will remain supportive of you and the 48 family. Before I end this, I would like to apologize if I have offended you in any way. These are just feelings which I had wanted to express to you. I hope we'll hear more of you in the future, ganbare!
With regards,
All the way from Malaysia,
SZ