The graduation concert for Yuki Yoda of the idol group Nogizaka46 was held on February 22 and 23 at Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka (Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City). Yoda put an end to her eight-and-a-half-year idol career in her hometown of Fukuoka.
The graduation concert conveyed Yoda's personality, which is loved by those around her. On the first day, the concert began with the appearance of a goat voiced by Daigo of the comedy duo "Chidori," who co-starred with her in " Ryosangata Riko" (TV Tokyo), livened up the venue with a rap.
In addition, on the final day, Ryuichi Kosugi from Black Mayonnaise and Momoko Ozono, a fellow member who retired from the entertainment industry, also attended, and a message of appreciation was sent by Nanase Nishino, an "OG" whom Yoda adores.
The junior members conveyed their gratitude one after the other. Nagi Inoue said with tears, "I still can't accept Nogizaka46 without Yoda-san. There were many times when I couldn't hold on without Yoda-san. I want to be a person like Yoda-san." The 3rd generation members who were in the same class also conveyed messages such as "I love you" and "I hope you will continue to support us."
In her final remarks, Yoda expressed her gratitude to the fans, staff, and members, thanking the staff, saying, "I'm sure there were many times when I made you feel anxious and I've caused you a lot of worry and inconvenience, but thanks to you all, I've been able to work freely." She also said to the members, "Thanks to meeting you all, I've come to love Nogizaka46 more and more. Every day is fun. Thank you so much!"
Immediately after the greeting, when it came time to play her final solo song, "100th Day," she made the regrettable mistake of saying, "Please listen... 'Someone's Shoulder'." Yoda-san's typical mistake, "I'm sorry! I was crying so much backstage that my mind went blank (laughs)," turned the solemn atmosphere around and the venue was filled with laughter.
Yoda will continue her entertainment career even after graduating from Nogizaka46. She ended by commenting, "I was able to spend eight and a half years with such wonderful people. I am truly blessed. I will move on to the next stage with lots of memories and love. Thank you so much for everything up until now!" and left the stage with a smile, saying her catchphrase when she first joined, "I may be small, but I'm sexy too!"
