Hinatazaka46's Suzuka Tomita announces graduation

It was announced on May 3rd that Suzuka Tomita, a member of the idol group Hinatazaka46, will be graduating from the group. She announced it on her official blog. She will be graduating after the activities for the 14th single, which will be released on May 21st.

In a blog post titled "Final Lap," she announced, "I will be graduating from Hinatazaka46 with this latest single. I began this career when I was 16, and now Hinatazaka46 is like a beloved home to me. I wondered how I could make Hinatazaka46 even more loved, how I could make it bigger, and if there was anything I could do, and before I knew it, eight years had passed. I was clumsy and it wasn't all smooth sailing, but I struggled a lot, and each time I was saved by the people around me. I really had a very happy life as an idol."

Regarding his future plans, he stated, "Through my activities so far, I have come to realize the preciousness of 'delivering' something to people. In the process, I have become strongly attracted to the method of expression known as acting. I was impressed by the depth of expression in stage and film works, and the sincere attitude of everyone I worked with in facing their roles, and I began to want to place myself in that world and continue to grow. I would like to continue to learn many, many things in the future," revealing his intention to pursue a career in acting.

Tomita is 24 years old and was born on January 18, 2001. She joined the predecessor group "Keyakizaka46" as a second-year student in August 2017. She is also active in motorsport-related jobs, such as serving as the "Motorsports Ambassador" for ABEMA.