30 Mar – Following the announcement and the overwhelming support that she received, AKB48's Maeda Atsuko spoke more about her feelings at the time when she announced that she would be graduating from the idol group.

According to Tokyo Hive, Maeda, who is currently in Hong Kong, wrote about her feelings on her official blog about the moment that led to her announcement and how she felt after the announcement.

She shared that she was initially anxious while performing at the Saitama Super Arena but was happy to see the fans enjoying their last of the three-day concert which gave her the resolve to make the announcement.

"I really thought it would be great to continue as it is. But, during the encore when we were singing our songs, I saw the guest seating full of penlights and I really felt happy.

"So, I have to go out on my own now and I wanted to properly announce it to everyone," she wrote.

After making the announcement, she said that it was the beginning of going for her new dream and she had to do it to make way for others in the idol group.

"I have been given so many chances, that I need to be the one to take the first step. Because if I don't those behind me won't be able to continue after me," she added.

She thanked those who supported her during the concert, posted comments on her blog following the announcement, her fellow members.

She also extended a special thanks to AKB48 producer Akimoto Yasushi for taking care of her since she joined the group when she was 14.

Since the announcement that Maeda Atsuko would be graduating, there has official details of when she would be leaving and where her last performance with the group would be.