On May 4th, Morning Musume's member Mitsui Aika announced that she will graduate from Morning Musume on May 18th through her official blog.

Last May, Mitsui was diagnosed with a stress fracture on her left anklebone, which would take around 8 weeks to heal completely. After that, she had been doing rehabilitation, but she couldn't join Morning Musume's performance with full force.

She shared "I have been thinking that I could heal completely someday and return to Morning Musume's activities 100%. However, I received the diagnosis that the stress fracture might happen again, and I've been worried about it. I discussed with my mother as well. Even with my ambition for Morning Musume still unfulfilled, due to not make fans, members and staffs worried about my condition, I asked graduation as soon as possible."

Also it seems she is planing to keep her entertainment activities, and commented, "I would like to decide after discussing with Tsunku?-san and staff that if I can do some activities in Hello! Project after graduation."

On May 18th in Nippon Budokan, she will be in the concert 'Morning Musume Concert Tour 2012 Haru ~Ultra Smart~Niigaki Risa Sotsugyo Special' and will graduate with Niigaki Risa.

Source : Nikkan Sports

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