AKB48 Team A member Matsui Sakiko has announced her graduation from the group.

Matsui's graduation announcement was made on May 29 during a performance at AKB48 Theater. After the show, she updated her Twitter and reported to her fans, "I announced my graduation during today's performance."

During the performance, the members held a farewell ceremony for SKE48's Furuhata Nao and NMB48's Yagura Fuuko. "First of all, I want to apologize for making this announcement during Nao-chan and Fuu-chan's wonderful performance," Matsui apologized. Regarding her future, she commented, "I will work even harder towards my dreams! Please continue to support me." 

Matsui joined AKB48 back in 2008 and made her solo debut in 2012 with a piano instrumental album. She is currently a student at the Tokyo College of Music. Matsui will not be running in the '7th AKB48 Senbatsu General Election' scheduled to be held on June 6. 

Source & Image: Model Press