It's been reported that Nogizaka46's Hatanaka Seika will graduate from the group after her individual handshake event on April 4 at Port Messe Nagoya.

Hatanaka has been active in Nogizaka46 for over 3 years as its 1st generation member. On her official blog, she explained, "Instead of relying on a group called Nogizaka46, I wanted to become independent and arm myself with many weapons to become an adult." Her last live as Nogizaka46 will be '3rd Birthday Live' which will be held on February 22 at Seibu Dome. "I think my 3 and a half years will be jammed into this, so I want to show my everything to everyone through this LIVE," she said. 

Hatanaka will only participate in events related to the group's latest album "Toumei na Iro". Consequently, she will not participate in events for their 11th single (currently untitled) scheduled for release on March 18. 

Source & Image: natalie