On October 29, Morning Musume '15 member Sayashi Riho (17) announced that she will be graduating from the group on December 31 which is the day of Hello! Project's countdown live concert "Hello?Project COUNTDOWN PARTY 2015 ? GOOD BYE & HELLO ! ~."



Regarding the reason for her graduation, she explained on the blog that she had many opportunities to think about her future this year which made her realize there were things she needed to experience in order for her to live strongly as a human being.

She also wrote, "I decided to graduate from Morning Musume at this time as I was able to feel the growth of the 12th generation members." 

According to Sayashi, she is planning to go abroad to study English and dancing.

On the blog, while looking back at the past 5 years since she joined the group, she thanked Tsunku?, staff members, her fellow members, and the fans. She stated that she was able to keep running until today because of the support from them, and also apologized to the fans for the sudden announcement. 

"Though it's only 2 months away till the graduation, I will fulfill my 'Morning Musume '15' days along with the members. I'm planning to put my all until December 31, so please support me," she wrote.

Source & Image: Oricon + Morning Musume '15 Q-ki blog