On February 4th, AKB48 held a handshake event at Tokyo Big Sight. However, it was the last time that Hirajima Natsumi and Yonezawa Rumi would be greeting their fans.

At the end of last month, the girls announced their departure after personal photos of the girls dating surfaces on the internet. Both girls violated their dating ban and because of it, they will leave the group.

15,000 fans attended the event where Hirajima and Yonezawa said their goodbyes. During the event, both girls said their goodbyes and apologized to their fans.

Hirajima said “I’ve been active for five years now, but I feel miserable for standing in the way of my fellow members. I’m also very sorry that I betrayed my fans. …I don’t know what the future holds, but I will do my best so that everyone will support me again. I want to accept every harsh word and every warm word.”

Yonezawa also stated, “I have caused everyone to worry because of my careless actions. When I think about how I won’t be able to see everyone’s voices and faces at the Akihabara theater, I feel the immensity of what I have lost. …Thank you for all your love. I’m very sorry.”

It’s so sad that both have to leave. Best of luck to them.

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