Kamei Eri, Jun Jun, Lin Lin Graduates

The end of 6th gen as we know it

Soon it’ll be that time of the year again, where we spend impulsively on tickets to sing, cheer and jump like no tomorrow.

A few weeks back it was announced that 3 of them will graduate. My all time favorite Eri and the 2 PRCs. I couldn’t care less for the PRCs, but Eri graduating was a massive shock. It’s like 6th gen is breaking up! the core of MM! It just won’t be as fun anymore without our carefree turtle!

So after much deliberation, we’ve decided to witness this last epic generation of MM before the actual graduation in December. The graduation concert is on 12 December, but we’re not paying $4000 a ticket.

So September it is! Prepping for another weekend of all out madness.

If you missed the whole drama of the who’s and why’s of the graduation announcement week, we have it all below.

Big announcement from the Morning Musume。on their official MySpace page

About the graduation of Eri Kamei, 6th generation member

Eri Kamei came to me several times regarding her health condition. One time, she said to me : “I would like to find the time to cure the atopic dermatitis that I’m suffering from”. Since the time she joined the Morning Musume。, it looks like she was dealing with symptoms like itching and slight skin color changes. She took medication to calm the symptoms down and she also used make-up to cover it but during live concerts, there is a lot of sweat and many outfits to put on, which made her recovery very difficult.

Some may say it is “just a skin problem” but according to doctors, an external problem like skin problem may move to an internal level. It may as well have an impact on her spirit, her mental level. Also, for her, it is a serious thing so she decided to focus on her recovery instead of letting it continue. Eri Kamei will graduate from the Morning Musume。 and the Hello! Project on the last day of the Morning Musume。Autumn 2010 concert tour. As for her activities after that, I intend to discuss with her after her full recovery.

About the graduation of Jun Jun and Lin Lin, 8th generation members (foreign students)

In May 2005, both of them joined the Morning Musume。as foreign students and today, while being skilled singers and entertainers, they also greatly improved their japanese proficiency and they are now grown-up women. This is why I took the decision to graduate both of them at the same time as Eri Kamei on the last day of the Morning Musume。Autumn 2010 concert tour. After graduation, they will enter a period of preparation before focusing on their singers and entertainer career in China.

August 8th 2010
Morning Musume。 Producer
Tsunku♂

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Reports during the concert where it was announced

During the Fankora concert held in Nakano, Morning Musume onstage with Tsunku, Yossie and Mc Makoto announced the graduation and auditions. The revelations stunned the 2200 strong crowd.

It also states why Eri is leaving due to her dermatitis and has been covered by foundation and other skin concealents.
She is leaving with the aim to cure it. And that Junjun and Linlin have gained the skills needed to carry on a different path. The graduation concert is to be held in December at JCB hall. On the 12th December before Eri’s Birthday. This venue has a 3000+ capacity.

Then goes into auditions, that it is the 9th gen audition, they are looking for ages between 10-17. Applications/auditions start 21st september 2010. Tsunku wants to fill the holes left and make up numbers. This will be like no audition seen before.

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Comments from the girls on MySpace

Eri Kamei

As Tsunku♂ said, I will graduate on the last day of the Autumn 2010 Tour from the Morning Musume。 to focus on my health. It is my decision but let me reassure you, my condition is not that serious. I just wanted to focus on my recovery for a while because lately, I was thinking a lot about how I could become a pretty woman. I took this decision with that in mind.
But I really love to do concerts so today and until the Autumn Tour, I am counting on you to sing, dance and have fun with me.
Thank you for your continued support.

Jun Jun

Since I came to Japan, I did and I learned so many things. Thank you so much.
But what really made me happy was to meet all of you, I am so thankful for this.
With this emotion in my heart, I want to make more and more happy memories with you. Until my graduation at the end of Morning Musume。 Autumn Tour, I intend to sing with all my heart.
Thank you for your support until the very last day. Thank you all.

Lin Lin

Since I first joined the Hello! Project Egg and then the Morning Musume。, I was so happy every single day. Of course, I sometimes missed my home but thanks to everyone around me and all of your support, I now feel that Japan and the Hello! Project is like my home.
During the Autumn Tour, I intend to sing with everything I got so I count on your support and I hope to see you there.
Wo Ai Ni.

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(Translated by ikujinashi@JPM)

Apparently Eri said this in the concert;
亀井絵里は秋ツアー最終日をもって卒業することになりました
卒業後はきれいな女性になって美しい女性になって戻ってきたいと思います
コンサート好きなんで一曲一曲を大事にしていきます

Translation:
I will graduate at the end of the fall tour.
After my graduation I want to become a pretty and beautiful woman and then return (to here/the stage/showbusiness).
Since I love concerts, I want to do the concert, treasuring every single song.

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(translated by klay)

Linlin: http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_6713f0d40100kyk9.html

During today’s concert the announcement about my, sister and Turtle-sister’s graduation was made.
I really don’t know how to express my feelings.

The first time we were told during a meeting, my mind was in a blur, it felt really untrue, it felt like if I were to pinch myself I would wake up from a dream……
I only realized it when teacher Tsunku was up on the stage making the announcement, that this is real, and it will never change……
Linlin has a lot of things that she will miss. It’s not possible to put them into words……
I’ll miss the STAFF that worked hard together with me, I’ll miss the managers who fought tirelessly with me……
I’ll miss the members and fans who stayed by my side to overcome all difficulties the most.
I really, really don’t want to leave you all……
It wasn’t easy to get used to Japan, it wasn’t easy to get used to the members, it wasn’t easy to make new friends, it wasn’t easy to meet you all……
Looking back, I joined Morning Musume when I was 16. Coming to Japan without my parents made me feel very lonely…… What enabled me to be the Linlin now is because of all your support
You all created a warm family for Linlin, you all allowed Linlin to have some support and people to rely on……
I really, really thank you…… Linlin loves you all a lot
The future may be difficult if I’m alone, but I’m not scared, because no matter where I am, Linlin believes that our friendship will never ever change
I always thought that I’m a strong person, but the tears kept falling today, and they didn’t want to stop, because I want to help you all cry for us
That’s why everybody should not cry, because your happiness is Linlin’s greatest happiness too.

Junjun: http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_6713d81a0100kd45.html

Junjun’s here now..
I’ve worried everybody..

In yesterday’s concert.. Teacher Tsunku announced the news about Junjun, Linlin and Kamei-senpai’s 3 person graduation.
This sudden news must have given everyone a shock..
Sorry.. For making everybody so heartbroken.. For making everybody cry..

On the day that Kusumi-senpai graduated.. Junjun was thinking.. If mine’s about to come soon..
After all I’m already 22 years old.. And a transfer student..
University transfer students also stay for four years right..

Even though I had some mental preparation.. This day came so suddenly…
Junjun is still unable to cope with it.

Am I really leaving?…
Leaving the members that I’ve been with for four years..
Leaving you all that have been taking care of Junjun..
Leaving my manager and the staff who have been helping Junjun out during work..
Leaving the stage that I’ve sung and danced with you all..
……

I’m reluctant. I’ll really miss it…
Junjun doesn’t know what words to use to describe her feelings now..

I remember the Junjun that first came to Japan..
Coming to this foreign country..
Without knowing one Japanese sentence at all..
The words that the people beside me were saying.. The things that they were laughing at..
I didn’t know.. I didn’t know anything..
Junjun is not that type of people that easily mixes around with others..
That’s why when I first started out and faced other people and other matters.. Junjun was very closed up.. Very cold..

Slowly.. I’ve familiarized.. I’ve understood.. I’ve liked it.. I’ve been mixed in..
And I’m leaving…

Maybe this is what fate arranged for me..
So many people in the world.. To be able to meet is destiny..
Separation is also for another meeting..
Junjun cherishes this meeting a lot..

The day that I was at Yoshizawa-senpai’s concert only seemed like yesterday..

The tears that came after that.. The smiles.. They all are in Junjun’s memories..
I can’t forget them.. And I’m unable to forget them..

Maybe if I leave first.. It will make it more relaxing and smooth for Junjun (laugh)
After experiencing the graduation of Kusumi-senpai..
Compared to sending other members off.. I rather be the one that’s sent off..
Sorry.. For having these kind of feelings..

As for my future.. It’s still undecided..
But one thing that is for sure.. Junjun will definitely face the future..
Just like that time that I was selected to come to Japan.. My own future.. My own choice..
Junjun decided that she won’t give up..
I will start everything anew..
Even it it’s tough.. Even if it’s difficult, Junjun will endure it…
It’s different.. The Junjun now has all of you by her side..
Junjun said before.. You all are Junjun’s family..
A family that’s all over the world is still a family.. Right?..
That’s why Junjun will be brave..

The things I’ve learned during the four years in Morning Musume is the most precious experience..
No matter what I do from now on.. I believe that it’ll help Junjun become better..

There’s still four months left..

I hope that everyone will stay by 8-nin Morning Musume’s side. And walk with us until the end..
I also hope that everyone will increase their support for Morning Musume.

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(translated by ikujinashi@JPM)

Quick summaries (of blogs)

Reina:
When I first heard about it… I was really surprised!! All three at the same time!? and this is the first time a girl from the same generation graduates… I even haven’t thought of Eri graduating…. that made me the most surprised.
It’s about 4 months until they graduate… Until she does, we’ll create a strong 6th generation legend!
Junjun and linlin will return to China too… we won’t get to see them much..
It’ll be really lonely, but … since people graduate, new people will join too!
That’s what makes Morning Musume~
Please support us from now on too.

Sayumi:
Junjun, Linlin and Kamei Eri will graduate at the end of the fall concert. As expected, when people that you’ve been working hard with in fun and hard times graduates, it makes you feel lonely. Even more so Kamei Eri… who is a super close friend of me… I can’t imagine how I will be without her next to me.
But, this is something that Eri decided after a lot of worrying and pondering, and I support her too, this isn’t the time for me to be all hesitant!!!
Junjun, Linlin, Eri, until they graduate we’ll do our best as 8-member Morning Musume!
Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu.

Risa:
About the graduations… I can’t believe it… Honestly I don’t want to believe it… That’s how I feel, a lot. But the three of them are now going on, continuing on their various roads in life and I’m sure they will do their best so I have to cheer them on! And, as Morning Musume I know we have to have a 9th generation as well! I have to accept all of this… But more than anything, with these 8 member, with these eight members we will have a great fall tour!!
I will do it with all my might. Everyone, please, please cheer us on. Please take care of us.

Sayumi’s lastest entry:
title: 8 member morning musume~*
Everyone, thank you so so so so much for all your warm comments.

I was too, just like everyone, very surprised when I heard about their graduation for the first time. I was shocked, felt lonely and very sad.

That’s a given.

Because, we’re always together. And I thought we always would be together.
Junjun and Linlin came from China as students, and there was the wall of language, but together all 8 of us worked hard.
And Eri was always right next to me.
It was natural to have her next to me.
She always was next to me even though I’m like this.

But, they decided to graduate!
I think it’s the result after a lot, alot of thinking~
I’m sad.
But I don’t think only sad things can come out of it!

Until they graduate we’re 8 members.
My beloved, really beloved 8 members.
I wrote it earlier too, but until the three of them graduate we’ll do our ultimate best!!

Honestly I’m wondering about what I can do for them for this remaining time.

Junjun, Linlin and Eri always give me so much, but I don’t return at all…
But no matter what, I want to be with them. I want to work hard with them.

Everyone,
please support this 8 member Morning Musume~

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(translated by klay)

Niigaki Risa: http://blog.oricon.co.jp/niigakirisa/archive/659/0

I’m sorry for not updating about anything new..

I focused my all into the concert today in order to calm myself down..

It was announced today,

The decision of Morning Musume’s 9th Audition

and

Kamei Eri, Junjun and Linlin’s graduation from Morning Musume……

For me, today’s announcement, it’s really unbelievable…
Honestly I really can’t believe it.

Even though my feelings are a little extreme, these three will aim towards their goals and move towards it from now on. The three of them also has the determination to do well, so I have to cheer and help them!! This is what I’m thinking.

For Morning Musume, the announcement of the audition for the 9th generation, it shows that we have no choice but to move on to something new.

So I have to properly accept this, and until the end of Morning Musume’s Fall tour, it will remain as 8 people! 8 people!!

I will put in my all and move forward.

That’s why everyone should too, and keep supporting us.

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.