Umika Kawashima Will Graduate From 9nine To Focus On Acting Career

Umika Kawashima will be graduating from 9nine in July to focus on her acting career.

The idol announced her decision to graduate during the encore performance of the group's April 6th concert.

Kawashima first began considering graduating from the group after its Nippon Budokan concert on August 21, 2014. Since then, the idol has had numerous discussions with her staff members and group mates about her desire to further pursue acting.

"Even though I was able to balance my activities, how could [my efforts] not end up half-hearted? I have an extreme desire to always do my best. When I thought about what I wanted to do the most, it was acting," she said.

Kawashima will stay with the group through most of July. Her final performance will be on July 23 at Tokyo's Nakano Sun Plaza. "AiAiAi" will be the last single she participates in.

9nine formed in 2005. Kawashima served as the group's center.

Kawashima has appeared in numerous television series since 2006. In 2009, she was award the Best Newcomer Award at the Tokyo Drama Awards.