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Sohee wrote:Sayumi:
When I became leader I wanted to give something back to the group, since I have gotten so much from it. And now, while it's not thanks to me, we have five #1 rankings and have gotten a lot more to do so I think that little by little I'm able to give something back.

And thus I have been talking to the management and Tsunku and decided on graduating this fall.

But, there's still a lot of time and I will do my best to teach my juniors a lot and to tell them everything. I also want to create a lot of memories with the fans.

I think this is where the "real" giving back actually starts.
I want to make Morning Musume "great great, great" [chou chou chou ii kanji] and graduate and let the next generation take over.

Please watch over me until fall.
- Michishige Sayumi.

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Tsunku:
Michishige has been the longest in the group (at this point: 4/29) in Morning Musume for 4118 days. And during her leadership the group got a personal history first record of five singles ranking #1.

She has experienced both the ups and downs of being an idol and after that even became a leader and pull them with her.

The 9th generation and below are all younger members and honestly I'm a bit worried. And, for the new member/s that will join there's also a lot to teach.
But, Michishige said: "I want to graduate before it became a joke when I say "Yosh, I'm cute today!"
And: "I want to graduate now that the group is coming back again."

I love that rock-ish way of thinking of hers. Actually she has been consulting with me for the past two years about how to go on from here. And as a result left several records and thus this timing would be the best for her to graduate.

As per her own wish, she did tell the members about this decision the night before, so it wasn't a surprise for them on the stage. And she wanted to announce it in her home perfecture Yamaguchi so that's how it came to be today.

There's not too much time until her graduating, but it's not short either.

Please look after her and the group so that we can send her off in an outstanding way never seen before!

Ps.
Those of you who wants to be a part of the group with Michishige as the leader, you still have time! We're looking for members! Come on!
- Tsunku