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Seventh-generation member Kusumi Koharu (17), will be graduating from Morning Musume and Hello!Project this December. She’s been a member of Morning Musume ever since winning the 7th gen audition back in 2005.

There are official comments on the Hello!Project website from both Tsunku & Kusumi, and we have full translations inside.

Tsunku’s Statement

Regarding 7th Generation Morning Musume Member “Kusumi Koharu“

At the final performance of of the “Morning Musume Concert Tour 2009 Autumn ~ Nine Smile ~” (Dec 6), 7th generation Morning Musume member Kusumi Koharu will be graduating from Morning Musume, and from Hello!Project. During the 4 years and 4 months she was in Morning Musume, she has learnt the basics as a singer and a talent. And next year, she will turn 18. She’s come to learn the base of what it takes to work in a group. And at the same time, she’s been working as “Tsukishima Kirari”. Based on seeing all of her work so far, as a producer, I felt I wanted to let her have a solo career, so decided to have her graduate. Having said that, she won’t be making a singing debut or any other kind of debut right away, and some of the plans are still a bit rough, but Kusumi will continue to work hard for now, while privately taking various lessons. Her own hope is to be a model, so I think she’ll be aiming towards a new direction, and taking new steps. So everybody who has supported her so far, please continue to give your support to Kusumi Koharu, and to Morning Musume. Thank you very much!

2009-9-19
Morning Musume Producer
Tsunku♂

Kusumi Koharu’s Statement

To all Hello!Project Official Fanclub Members

Thank you for your continued support. I’ve been with Morning Musume for around 4 years now, and at the December 6 Morning Musume concert at Tokyo Kouseinen Kinkaikan, I will be graduating from Morning Musume, and from Hello!Project. One of the things I want to do from now is to try modelling. I have been active in Morning Musume so far, but now as Kusumi Koharu, I want to move forward, facing my different dreams and goals. Please continue to give me your support.

Up-Front Statement

Along with this announcement, Kusumi Koharu will not be taking part in the “Hello! Project 2010 WINTER Uta Chou Fuugetsu ~ Mobekimasu! ~”, the tickets for which went on advance sale to the fanclub via Hello! Project Information DM on August 31.

Please understand that refunds will not be given for this reason. Also, further information may become available at any time.

Hello!Project