AKB48’s Team B member Oku Manami (15) suddenly announced on Monday that she is leaving the group. Her message to her fans was posted on the group’s official blog, explaining that she has decided to focus on her education.
Oku, who joined AKB48 at the age of 10, stated that she wants to return to a normal lifestyle. She said that she has longed to experience everyday life as a student, and that feeling has gradually become stronger over time. She continued by saying that she has grown to dislike her current situation, where she has no idea what she really wants to do in life.
After discussing with the staff multiple times, Oku decided that she will work towards her new goal of entering university. As a result, she is stepping away from AKB48 in order to devote her time to school.
Oku’s activities with the group will end with a handshake event in April.
In a separate announcement, research student Kanazawa Yuki (17) also declared on the same day that she is leaving.
Source – Tokyograph
