Former Melon Kinenbi member Murata Megumi has announced on her official blog that she is retiring from the entertainment industry on March 31st.

Since Melon Kinenbi disbanded in May 2010, Murata has been focused on her solo career. She changed the spelling of her name from kanji to katakana, and relaunched her career in July. However, it seems things didn't work out how she hoped.

Murata, who turns 30 on March 3rd, confessed to fans on her blog:

"In July, I changed my name to katakana, and I've been trying my hardest through this fresh start. However, I realized that there was more I wanted to do in the world. Since I'm turning 30 now, I decided that 'Now is the time!', and submitted my notice of resignation to my manager."

On March 31st, Murata will be holding a "graduation" event called "The Seeing-off Murata Meet-up: MURATA and murata and You: Good-bye Homerun" at Shibuya's Live house "WWW".

<Live Details>

"The Seeing-off Murata Meet-up: MURATA and murata and You: Good-bye Homerun"

March 31st, 2011, Shibuya WWW

Open 18:00, Start 19:00

Live: Murata Megumi

Cost: 4500 yen (drink separate)

Advanced tickets on sale March 5th at 12:00 until March 10th at 23:00, general admission tickets on sale March 19th.

source: natalie