At a function for the Japanese dub of Journey to the Center of the Earth, Mari was asked about the mass graduation.
Mari wrote:I don't feel like anything big has happened, just like, "Is that so...". Leaving the frame of the Hello! Project, I would like to attempt some new things. The relationships between individuals will continue, after all.
Yuko and Melon Kinenbi have both mentioned something about this on their blogs, and neither one are treating it like anything bad. Melon will not be breaking up or anything, and Yuko says this is a good opportunity for the graduating members. Tsunku on his blog said that even if they leave the Hello! Project, they'll still be part of the "Tsunku Family", and will continue in their showbiz activities.
I've wanted to post translations of everything and my own comments since Saturday, but every time I tried to post I'd lose the connection with JPM.