In a heartfelt message, Haruna Saito, a prominent member of AKB48 Team A, has announced her graduation during the "Boku no Taiyou" performance on October 4th. Haruna shared her thoughts on this significant decision and expressed her gratitude to her fans and colleagues.

Haruna's Reflections:

"Hey everyone,

I'm Haruna Saito, and I'm bidding farewell to AKB48.

I joined AKB48 in middle school, experiencing amazing opportunities that most girls my age could only dream of.

While AKB48 has been a sparkling world of dreams, and I had my own aspirations, I've also found a deep passion for learning. I pursued university studies alongside my idol career, and now, I feel it's time to prioritize my education.

Health challenges in the past two years made me realize it's time for a change. After careful thought, I've decided to graduate and focus on my studies, while also taking care of my well-being.

During my recent birthday celebration, your overwhelming love touched my heart, and I discovered I was more cherished than I could have imagined. I'm filled with gratitude for your unwavering support.

My graduation is set for January 2024.

Thank you for six incredible years of support.

Please continue to support me as I embark on this new chapter!

Haruna Saito"

Haruna Saito's graduation is scheduled for January 2024. Stay tuned for specific details regarding the date and other upcoming events, including individual handshake sessions, online talk sessions, and concerts.

As Haruna takes this new step in her journey, let's continue to support her in her future endeavors.