It's been announced that AKB48's Muto Tomu has signed with Ikushima Kikakushitsu (Ikushima Planning, Inc.) on August 1.

Muto made the announcement on "Tomu Day," August 16. She also revealed that she had a change of heart recently, stating, "This year marks 10 years of my activities as AKB48's 12th generation member. I experienced a lot of things in AKB, and during that time, I obtained my weather forecast certificate, which made me begin to vaguely think about my future. And with the world being as it is now, I started to think about it more realistically. At such a time, I had the chance to sign with this agency." 

She continued, "From now on, I hope to utilize my qualifications even more, including weather forecasting and FP (financial planning), and challenge myself more with acting. I will also work hard to further help AKB48 and to shine as Muto Tomu, so please continue to support me."