Tanaka Reina to graduate from Morning Musume and Hello! Project
by ustar on November 18, 2012
It’s been announced that Morning Musume’s Tanaka Reina will be graduating from the group after their 2013 spring concert tour. She will also be kicking off her activities with a new unit next spring.
This was announced on November 18th during the Tokyo concert of Morning Musume’s concert tour, ‘Morning Musume. Tanjou 15 Shunen Kinen Concert Tour 2012 Fall ~Colorful Character~‘. After the introduction of 11th generation member Oda Sakura, Tanaka revealed, “Everyone, I think you know, but the band members I’ve been looking for since June has been decided!”
Back in June, Tanaka reported through her official blog that she would be starting up a band along with her activities as Morning Musume. At the same time, it was announced that she was looking for the band’s vocalist and guitarist. While she started accepting applications from the public from June 5th, there were no persons qualified. The second round started on August 1st, and she was successfully able to find her band mates.
As the crowd roared in excitement, Tanaka guided the successful candidates onto stage. She first introduced the vocalist, 19 year old Okada Marina from Tokyo. “My favorite artist is LADY GAGA. Please treat me well,” she said nervously. Then, guitarist Miyazawa Marin made her appearance. She’s also 19 years old and is from Miyazawa. “My favorite genre is hard rock and heavy metal. I’m also a Pokemon otaku!,” she shared. The last member on stage was another guitarist, 21 year old Uozumi Yuki from Tokyo. “My favorite band is MAROON 5. My favorite subject in school was history,” she appealed.
After introducing the band, Tanaka commented, “From now on, the 4 of us will pursue our band activities, but we don’t have a band name yet.” She revealed that they will also ask the public to help them name their band. The band will officially kick off their activities next spring with their main focus on lives.
Finally, Tanaka stated, “I have one more announcement,” and announced, “Next spring, I, Tanaka Reina will graduate!” She will be graduating from both Morning Musume and Hello! Project after their concert tour, ‘Morning Musume. Concert Tour 2013 Spring Michishige☆Eleven SOUL ~Tanaka Reina Graduation Special~‘.
Following the announcements, the girls of Morning Musume took the stage and showed a cheerful performance. Towards the end of the live, leader Michishige Sayumi said, “There was Reina’s graduation announcement, but we would like to finish this tour without any injuries, so everybody please support us until the very end!” Including the encore, the girls performed a total of 20 songs.