Let’s start this with the sad news. Yamashita Mizuki, Nogizaka46’s ace, announced her graduation today. I woke up, found out, and now I have to quantify my feelings about seeing off one of my absolutely favorite Nogizaka members ever.
Here it is. This one hurts the most, and the loneliness is the most largest I’ve felt from a graduation announcement. Except, it doesn’t. As an idol fan, especially being one for almost a decade, member graduations come with the experience. Be it the least member to their aces, graduation comes for all, and you get used to it. So used to it, you are immune to them. But once one of your oshimen announce graduation, the feelings come back and hits you again. Overtime, it doesn’t hurt as much, but it still does.
It is what it is. You’ve been through them. You’ll come through them. You’ll experience it with them. You’ll celebrate with them. You’ll smile with them. Come the graduation date, you’ll see them off onto bigger adventures knowing that the time was well spent.
So, it is Mizuki’s time.
I have been her fan since August of 2016 during the third generation’s SHOWROOM auditions. “Shi-chan” caught my eye on the very first day. And to be honest, has never quite let it go. That’s almost eight years. Even as my original Nogizaka oshimen graduated, she was there to anchor my fandom for the group. Now, it turns into supporting her on her bright future.
I wish her all the happiness in the world. Thanks, Mizuki.
