Why Kudo Haruka’s Graduation from Morning Musume。 ’17 is So Moving

While 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of idol group Morning Musume。’s formation, it also marks the end of 10th generation member Kudo Haruka’s six-year tenure in the group. She joined in September 2011 at only 11 years old and formally graduated from the group on December 11, 2017 at the legendary Nippon Budoukan. 

Morning Musume。 is no stranger to graduations and new members. In the past 20 years, Morning Musume。 has had a total of 41 members divided into 14 generations. Generations refer to members who join the group together after an audition and can be composed of any number of girls. For example, the 5th generation consisted of four members, while the 11th generation is only one member. New members can also come from the trainee branche of Hello! Project, Hello! Pro Kenshuusei. While the ever-changing nature of the group is part of its appeal, it doesn’t make the graduations (departures) of the members any less sad for fans and members of the group alike.

The graduation of Kudo Haruka seems to be particularly poignant in the scheme of recent graduations from the group. While Kudo plans to pursue an acting career and will not be disappearing from the entertainment scene, both Japanese and international fans seem particularly moved by this departure. According to fan reports, at 6:00am the day of her graduation there were already hundreds of fans lined up to buy goods at the venue. Additionally, during the graduation concert, fellow 10th generation member Ishida Ayumi broke down during her graduation message to Kudo.

Fans and members are likely so moved by her graduation because of what it represents for the group. Kudo holds the record for joining the group at the youngest age ever, being only 11 years old at the time. Now 18 years old, she has grown from a cute child into a young woman during her time in Morning Musume。 and the fans and members alike have supported her through her growth both as a person and as an idol. Seeing her off into a new stage in life is nostalgic for those who have watched her grow up and flourish. 

Additionally, the 10th generation holds the record for being the longest Morning Musume。 generation to remain whole; for six years, all of the 10th generation members remained in the group and they are the only generation to exceed the six year mark. 

It was also shortly after the 9th and 10th generations joined Morning Musume。 that the group began to see a revival in sales, reaching over 100,000 sales on the 10th generation’s 3rd single (the group’s 50th), “One Two Three/The Matenrou Show.”

With Kudo part of such important events and traditions in the group’s history, her graduation from the group comes with a lot of nostalgia. However, there is a lot to be celebrated for the futures of both Morning Musume。 and Kudo Haruka herself. The group will watch warmly as Kudo begins her journey into the acting world, and I’m sure Kudo will support the group as they go on to break more records and mark new traditions in their 21st year and beyond.

Thank you for being part of Morning Musume。, Kudo Haruka!

-Jacqueline