🌸。(2022.12.13)

Thank you very much for opening this blog. I'm Sakurazaka46's Seki Yumiko 🐱

Today, I have an important announcement for those of you supporting Sakurazaka46, and Seki Yumiko.

I will be graduating from Sakurazaka46 at the end of activities for the 5th Single, which was announced the other day.

When I told the members in advance and thought about what to write to deliver the news to you like this

It made me feel that I had really decided to graduate.

It was an eventful 4 years.

There were so many things that happened that I'm almost surprised that I'm in my fifth year already.

I love Sakurazaka46 and its members.

I love the members so much that there were so many days when I thought about how I wanted to be with everyone more.

But I am writing this blog now because I want to go forward with the decision I have made, believing in myself.

On one particular day, I-- who was just a high schooler who loved idols-- happened to see Keyakizaka46's homepage.

I came to love to read the blogs of 1st generation members and met an idol group that I loved so much that I listened to the 1st single when it was released and went to handshake events.

I then grew up to become a university student, and when I was unsure of what path I wanted to take in the future, my friend suggested "Why don't you try applying for the next Keyaki audition?".

I still vividly remember how I answered "Maybe I will if there's one", even though I never thought about it as I'm inexperienced in both dancing and singing, and the following day the Sakamichi Joint Audition was announced.

Without thinking much of it and with just the wholehearted feeling of "I love that group!" I took the audition and passed to become Keyakizaka46's 2nd generation.

I was able to learn a lot of things in this new world that I knew nothing about.

Looking back now, I have very fond memories of the days when I struggled, not knowing what to do, when I could not do anything with only a heart of admiration.

At first, there were many opinions about the 2nd generation joining.

Every time we heard those words, 2nd generation members would encourage each other, and we were really super happy the day when Omotenashikai's Tokyo performance sold out.

When I think about how I wouldn't be able to meet these members if I hadn't joined this group, that alone has made me glad that I took the audition.

And the Buddies who have always supported me.

Truly, thank you very much as always.

I've been doing my activities with the thought of wanting to exceed the expectations of those of you who are cheering me on with high hopes for me.

When I look back on it now, I realized that I haven't been able to please everyone from the beginning.

There was a time when even though something really good happened it didn't go well, and I did not know how to do my best in a way where I could leave results and please everyone.

Even so, my fans never gave up and told me many, many times "Let's make our dreams come true together, Yumi-chan".

If something good happened, they would be happy about it as if they were me. It is because of all of you who believed in me that I could do my best until now.

Truly, thank you very much ☺️

Even though it already makes me happy to have one person who likes me, before I knew it, so many people have come to support me. It made me truly happy to have been able to chat with you a lot in handshake events and meguri.

And so, the meguri for the 5th single this time will be my last meguri.

Please let me express all my gratitude to you there.

I really want to tell you directly, but right now I can't talk with you unless you come to see me.

That's why I'd be happy if you could come to see me.

I'll be waiting.

It sure is difficult to organize and write all your thoughts into words, isn't it?

When I told the members about my graduation, members that I didn't expect would cry cried.

They told me, "You have worked so hard."

I couldn't stop crying either.

It made me really happy that they were crying like that for me, and that was enough for me.

The faces of the fans that I am sure will say how lonely they feel about my graduation come to my mind.

I think that is just how deeply and intimately I'm connected to those who are cheering for me.

That alone has made me glad to have become an idol.

That's why please tell me "I'll miss you" lots!

I'll take it all in!

After graduation, I will be walking toward a new dream.

I'd be happy if you could follow me.

At the Last Live, I said, "Even if I'm reborn, I still want to join Keyakizaka46".

Please let me add to that.

Even if I am reborn, I am sure that I will still choose the path of joining Keyakizaka46 and becoming Sakurazaka46's member.

The days I have spent as a member of Keyakizaka46 and Sakurazaka46 are my cherished treasure.

That is just how much I love Sakurazaka46.

To everyone who has crossed paths with me up until now.

Truly, thank you very much!

Please continue to give your support for Sakurazaka46.

Well then, that's it for today!

Thank you very much for reading until the end!

Seki Yumiko🐱