takahashi AI graduation

nnounced at the end of concert show at Nakano Sunplaza, Takahashi Ai is to graduate from Morning Musume and Hello! Project at Morning Musume's 2011 Autumn concert tour.

In her message to the fans who have gathered at the concert hall, Takahashi stated that she was told by Tsunku last year, at the time when it was decided to have Kamei Eri, JunJun and LinLin graduate, to think about when it would be a good time for herself to leave the group as well. Takahashi held back tears as she told onlooking fans to support the new Morning Musume, as she will do her best to shape the new lineup with the newly added 9th generation members.

and this is the link to takahashi comment:
takahashi comment of her graduate

the translation is:
It has been decided that, I, Takahashi Ai, during Morning Musume's concert tour this Autumn,
will be graduating from Morning Musume and Hello! Project.
At the time when Kamei Eri, JunJun and LinLin's graduations were decided,
Tsunku-san told me, "It's about time Takahashi should think about your own graduation's timing!"
which has gotten me thinking.

I will have been in Morning Musume for 10 years comes this August,
So I thought it will be a good time! to graduate in the Autumn Morning Musume concert tour.

As there are still around 9 months left, I will do my best as leader until that time to shape up this new Morning Musume.

I will be affectionate to the newly added 9th generation members as I try to teach them various things, everyone please rest assured.