AKB48 team K member Matsubara Natsumi announced that she would be graduating from the group at the "'Omoidaseru Kimitachi e' ~AKB48 Group Zenkouen~" held at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL on May 5th.

Matsubara also updated her official blog, and expressed her thoughts.

"I announced this at the 'Nounai Paradise Performance' today. I, Matsubara Natsumi, will graduate from AKB48.

I've experienced many things this past 7 years since I joined AKB48. It was the 7 years I had both good and hard times.

The only reason why I was able to come this far in AKB48 until now is because of you fans who always support me, the staff members who make AKB48 together with us, and the members who always make me laugh, so I was very happy.

From now on, I will go on a different path.

My dream is to become an actress. I guess I got the�opportunities to appear�in stage play, drama, or movie, just because I was a member of AKB48. I'm sure only hardships are waiting for me after I leave the group.

I do feel uneasy, but I am now looking forward for my life after the graduation.

I can't say that I'm not sad, but I will run through the rest of my time as AKB48, with my full effort so I would not let my tears to have a chance to shed!!!

I will make an announcement regarding my graduation date later!!!!

Please follow me!!!!!!

I love you all!!!!!"

Matsubara joined the group back in 2006 as a second generation member.

Source & Image: natalie + Matsubara Natsumi official blog

Thanks to Jurinaoshi & Michael for the tip!