Morning Musume '25 Erina Ikuta:Group announces graduation from Hello! Project, will continue entertainment activities (full comment)

It was revealed on January 2nd that Erina Ikuta, leader of Morning Musume '25, will be graduating from the group and Hello! Project. This was announced at the New Year's concert held at Shinagawa Stella Ball (Minato Ward, Tokyo) on the same day, and she will be graduating at the end of this spring's concert tour.

Ikuta Erina was born in Fukuoka Prefecture on July 7, 1997. She joined the group as a 9th generation member on January 2, 2011. This year marks her 15th year as the group's leader.

At the concert, Ikuta said, "When I joined, there were 26 people, but now there are over 70," and commented on the circumstances that led to her decision to graduate, saying, "I wanted to work hard on my own." At the end, she conveyed her feelings to the fans, saying, "I'll do my best, so please follow me! Thank you!"

◇Comment from the agency

Thank you for your continued support of Hello! Project and Morning Musume '25. Morning Musume '25 leader Ikuta Erina will be graduating from Morning Musume '25 and Hello! Project after this spring's concert tour. She joined as a 9th generation member on January 2, 2011, and this year marks her 15th year as the group's current leader. As we discussed her future activities from 2022, we received her wish to change to a new environment and pursue her own dreams. After careful consideration, we have come to the conclusion that she will graduate after this spring's concert tour. We will announce her activities after graduation at a later date. We appreciate your continued support for Ikuta Erina, Morning Musume '25, and Hello! Project.

◇Comment from Erina Ikuta

Dear Everyone,

Thank you for your continued support. I, Ikuta Erina, will be graduating from Morning Musume and Hello! Project on the last day of the 2025 Spring Tour.

My life as a Morning Musume started on January 2, 2011. I was very happy to feel that I was supported and cheered on by many people over these 14 years, more than I expected. I was really happy to have had many experiences as a member of Morning Musume. Sometimes crying, sometimes happy, and with all kinds of emotions, I was able to overcome many experiences together with my friends, thanks to the existence of a group, and it was Hello! Project that taught me the importance of that. It has been about a year since I became leader in 2023, and seeing my juniors shining brightly has made me more moved. Each member has their own good points, and I have told them as much as I can to make them better in my own way.

In the midst of all this, I found a new dream for myself to move on to the next step, and with that dream as my driving force, I decided to take up the big, great name of Morning Musume and make my personal dream come true together with all of you, so I decided to graduate.

I had a dream that I wanted to try out on my own, something I haven't had the chance to experience in my current activities. It was the voices of my fans that helped me discover that dream. I was so happy to hear so many people say, "I love this about you," and every single word of that made me feel courageous enough to pursue my dream. As I think about taking action towards my new dream, I am considering leaving the agency that has taken care of me for 14 years to start in a new environment.

However, I intend to continue my entertainment activities without taking a break. I love being "Eripon".

I am honored to have been a member of Morning Musume for half of their 27-year history. I would like to continue to gain more experience in the time remaining until I graduate. I want to give back to the many people who have supported me!

Although there is only a little time left, I want to enjoy Morning Musume to the fullest, so let's make lots of dreams come true together, fans!

January 2, 2025 Morning Musume. '25 Leader Erina Ikuta