I remember as if it was just last week when they won Japan's Best New Artist!!!
Graduation is tough, Sacul097 ....it's the natural process of an idol in the idol business, no doubt about it.
If this is natural i.e. either annual graduations of 3 or more members without fail; or permanently disband after 11 years
Then I must seriously reconsider whether to continue being a fan of J-idols, where their status is always "currently a TEMP for now"
First Berryz the entity no longer exists...is it possible for C-ute to adopt the graduation-audition system of MM/Angerme for the sake of longevity?
At least Airi will still have Buono activities, the rest? Especially Supreme Leader Maimi of H!P, are the other 4 retiring from Up-front Group, for good?
Is it gonna be like Kamei or Sayu: completely vanish from planet Earth's radar, will be years before anyone know if they've embarked a new career position, become married/mothers, or even emigrated; if ever?
Guess Hello! Project's motto is & always will be: "cherish your oshi now, for tomorrow they may be gone forever"
-A Umeda Erika graduation survivor