Karin Ito announced March 22 that she would be leaving the popular idol group. Via Ito’s blog, she was saying that, upon reflection, she felt there was no future for her in the group and decided to leave. She is “still trying to figure out what is next for her” and says she needs some time to figure it out. A specific time for Ito’s graduation is still being determined but the handshake event at Aichi Port Messe Nagoya May 11 will be Ito’s last.

Ito first made her debut with Nogizaka46 on May, 2013 and is a part of the second generation of Nogizaka46. Since Ito’s debut she has been on several B-side tracks.

We here at Ongaku to You wish Karin Ito the best of luck with her future.