AKB48 Team 8 member Hamamatsu Riona is graduating from the group.

This announcement was made by Hamamatsu herself on June 12 during SHOWROOM's program 'AKB48 Team 8 Tokubetsu Haishin Room'. On the reason for her graduation, she wrote on Team 8's official website, "I've always felt it was important to 'evolve' every day. I felt that the time has come for me to take a step and move forward in my one and only life. From now on with my English skills as my weapon, I hope to widen my activities by challenging myself to acting and talento work."

Hamamatsu's last participation in a handshake event will be on June 24 at Makuhari Messe. Furthermore, her graduation concert will be held on July 2 at AKB48 Theater. 

Source & Image: natalie