Nogizaka46's Ikuta Erika has announced that she will graduate from the group on December 31.

Ikuta updated her blog on October 25 stating, "I took my time, and I've made the resolve to embark on a new journey at last!" To her fans, she expressed, "When I think about our memories, I can't help but to feel sad. But it would make me happy if you would accept my decision."

Ikuta's graduation concert will be held sometime in December. After graduation, she plans to continue her activities in showbiz. 

Ikuta passed Nogizaka46's first-generation member audition in 2011. The group made their CD debut the following year. In recent years, she's starred in numerous musicals including 'Romeo & Juliet,' 'Les Miserables,' and 'Mozart!'