Here's my just-finished translation of Tsunku's comments.
It seems like the early announcement of this sad news was intended to be tempered by the happy news of the 9th gen announcement.
Notice Regarding Morning Musume Takahashi Ai Graduation
During January 9th's concert at Nakano Sun Plaza, 5th generation member Takahashi Ai announced that she will graduate from Morning Musume and Hello! Project during this autumn's Morning Musume tour.
Around the time of 6th generation member Kamei Eri's request to graduate to focus on the treatment of her physical condition, I gave Takahashi Ai the advice, "It would be good to think in advance about the timing of your graduation and your future plans."
It will be 10 years since the 5th generation entered Morning Musume.
Takahashi Ai will have spent 3 years, 7 months as the 6th leader of the group.
This makes Takahashi Ai the longest-enrolled member as well as longest-serving leader of Morning Musume.
Looking back, I feel that she has truly performed admirably in her long duties.
(In fact among the other graduated members and former leaders, she is the probably the first that comes to mind... but I digress.)
Therefore, after discussing the matter with her, considering her activities afterward, and this month's earlier announcements, it was decided to announce her graduation during Morning Musume's fall tour.
Though it has been not more than half a year since I last advised her, from now until the time the 9th generation members become familiar with Morning Musume's songs, learn their dances, and become comfortable in their roles as members, it appears much will be expected of their reliable leader.
Please cherish her remaining time in Morning Musume!
After Takahashi Ai's graduation, she will continue to be involved in music and theater activities, the details of which will be gradually announced.
Thus after Takahashi Ai's graduation, fellow 5th generation member Niigaki Risa will inherit the role of leader, as well as the title of longest-enrolled member.
January 9, 2011
Morning Musume Producer
Tsunku♂
Coming from the perspective of a long-term and loyal fan of Morning Musume, I always think that calling the graduation of any given member "the end of Morning Musume" is both short-sighted and missing the entire point of the group.
If you feel that the end of a given lineup is also the end of your being a fan, if I were you I'd question whether I was a fan of the group or only a fan of a particular member.
It's never been a secret that eventually all the members at any given time would graduate, and it's never been a secret that there would be new girls waiting for their opportunity to come in and become successful.
If you thought that any given lineup would be permanent, you were just deluding yourself.
As a fan of the
group, part of the beauty and appeal of it is that it evolves over time and is not limited by the skills and capabilities of any one group of girls.
Having my two favorite initial members, Rika and Konkon, graduate soon after I became a fan, I initially questioned whether I could ever support other girls the same way I did them.
While my support of Konkon will remain a constant, I feel like my experience as a fan is widened and enriched by my acceptance and support of some of the newer girls.
I hope that those of you who feel like this is the end of your support for Morning Musume stick with them long enough to reach a similar conclusion.