Morning Musume.'26 member Maria Makino has announced that she will graduate from both the group and Hello! Project following the spring tour 'Morning Musume.'26 Concert Tour Spring - Rays Of Light -,' which kicks off on April 11.

Makino, who has been active for approximately 12 years in Morning Musume after training as a Hello! Project Kenshuusei, expressed her desire to move on to new goals. She shared, "I was able to fully enjoy my time with Morning Musume, and now I want to move on to my next dream."

Makino also added, "I want to engrave the image of everyone who has supported me into my eyes and heart. With the little time I have left as a member of Morning Musume, I want to enjoy it more than ever."