Hinatazaka46 member Marie Morimoto has announced that she will graduate from the group following activities for their 18th single, "Icha Icha Mushi," to be released on September 30.

Morimoto began her activities as a Sakamichi trainee in 2019 before joining Hinatazaka46 as a third-generation member in February 2020. In a post on the group's official blog, she revealed that she had decided several years ago that she would continue with the group through the end of 2026.

Reflecting on her time with Hinatazaka46, Morimoto said, "I feel like what I've received in these past few years would normally take decades to experience. That’s how meaningful and full my time here has been." She continued, "If there are people thinking, 'I want to see more of Marie from here on!' or imagining new dreams for me, then I think now is the right time to put an end to this chapter."

Morimoto’s graduation ceremony will be held on December 11 at Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Gymnasium in Tokyo, as part of Hinatazaka46’s upcoming Hinakuri 2026 national tour.