Erena Ono, Team K of AKB48 has announced yesterday at the groups concert, Surprise wa arimasen, that she will be leaving the group and studying abroad. Shortly after graduating, Erena based her decision on the fact that she wants time to herself for self reflection.

Erena wrote on her blog, �I know I surprised everyone, but it�s the result of a stupid person�s thinking.� She continued on to say, �Even though I�ve made this decision it�s not my last. I will still be Erena Ono, please continue to support me!�

AKB48 is set to release their 19th single sometime in December and only 16 members were chosen to sing on the single, one of them being Erena. The group also had plans to do a live at Nippon Budokan on 9/21, now appropriate arrangements will be made.

The decision to sing and be on stage isn�t based on popularity, but by lottery. They are chosen by playing the game jyanken (paper-rock-scissors). So right now everyone has a chance again.

source: natalie

sorry I miss read her name.