After announcing her departure from AKB48 last year, Yuki Kashiwagi finally held her last performance as part of her graduation from the group and took to social media to bid her farewell.

On 1 May, the singer posted several photos of her at the Akihabara48 Theatre, and wrote, “Graduated from AKB48 as of yesterday [30 April].  Falling in love with idols in elementary school, becoming an idol in middle school and joining AKB48, it’s been a truly happy 17 years.”

She then added that she will now start a new life and enjoy her days as a free bird.

Yuki is the longest member of the group, having joined as third generation in 2007 and became active for 23 years. She is also the first member of AKB48 over the age of 30 to be selected as the centre.

She also hopes to remain a legend of AKB48, after participating in about 55 elections, and staying until the age of 32.

Yuki Kashiwagi bids goodbye to AKB48, celeb asia, akb48, yuki kashiwagi, theHive.Asia
Yuki has graduated from AKB48

To her fans, she said, “I hope you will continue to support my idol activities in the future, and continue to warmly protect AKB48 in the future. I am really grateful to everyone for their warm support and encouragement over the past 17 years. I really appreciate it.”

 (Photo Source: Yuki Kashiwagi IG)