Ogawa Saki Leaves Hello!Project And S/Mileage

Ogawa Saki Leaves Hello!Project And S/Mileage

I have to tell you readers of PIH  ,this was not what I wanted to write about today. However I can`t hold off any longer and must tell you the sad news for H!P fans.

Ogawa Saki has decided to leave the idol  world and will be graduating August 27.
She has informed Tsunku and management that she simply wants to go home and be a student .  Her words to Tsunku were “please let me quit.” Turns out this was in part a reason for the auditions.

Tsunku wrote a big release along with Ogawa. Please read below. You are welcome to express your feelings as much as you like on our comments section. We don`t have a message board yet, but as this is such sad news for S/mileage, please feel free to share your comments and memories.

Tsunku

“Thank you for always supporting Hello! Project and myself.

This is sudden, but I have an announcement for everyone.
Just the other day, I announced five new sub-members for S/mileage,
However, as of August 27, Ogawa Saki will be graduating from both S/mileage and Hello! Project.

In the beginning of May this year, she informed me,
“I’ve been hesitant for some time, and I’ve discussed it with the staff a few times, but my feelings of wanting to return to a normal junior high student has strengthened, so please let me quit.”

Although she is the youngest of the group, I have relied on her singing skills.

However, right now is the time to be looking towards the future.
As a group, and as an individual member, we need to have a strong desire for improvement.
In addition, as a producer, I decided that holding back a member who is hesitant, and continuing the group with her would not be good for both the member and the group. Therefore, I chose to accept Ogawa’s request.

When the group was first formed, I made a public announcement that the unit may increase or decrease in members.
Because there was this case, I hastily announced in June that we would be recruiting new members for S/mileage.
Please forgive me that I was not able to report the details and intentions until now, as there were many terms and conditions concerning the group and the contract.

Again, Ogawa is still an inexperienced student and a minor.
For a working adult, it would be unacceptable to give up their job halfway.
However, please consider her straightforward feelings, and watch over her warmly.

With that, please continue your favors towards S/mileage.

Please excuse me for reporting through this letter on my own accord. “


Saki
“Thank you for always supporting me.

I, Ogawa Saki will graduate from Hello! Project and S/mileage on August 27.

After making our major debut last May, I have enjoyed every day as part of S/mileage.
However, somewhere in my heart, the real my S/mileage and me self become distant.
I discussed it with the staff a few times, but I was always troubled. I thought that it would be bad for S/mileage if I were hesitant while everyone else was working with all their might, so I decided to return to being a normal girl.

I am sorry for the last minute announcement.

I do feel sad, but S/mileage’s trademark is always to smile!

I will do my best to finish with a smile until the end of the event on August 27. The remaining times is short, but please support me!

After I graduate, I want to continue supporting S/mileage with its new members.

Thank you for all of your support until now. “