Momoiro Clover Z Pays Tribute To Rina Matsuno

Momoiro Clover Z, the sister group of Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku, paid tribute to Rina Mitsuko during its Valentine's Day live.

On February 11, the group was set to perform its "Momo Kuro Kurabo xoxo Valentine DE NIGHT Day~Z! 2017<Ura>" concert at Yokohama Arena. Before starting the performance, a tribute for Rina Mitsuko was held.

12,000 people attended the concert. The audience was excited and abuzz before the concert started, but as the memorial began, the crowd went quiet.

With tears in her eyes and her breathing heavy, group leader Kanako Momota addressed the audience, expressing her grief and disbelief at Mitsuko's sudden passing.

"[Matsuno] and I were friend who worked together, had lessons together, attended events together, and had been working hard since her debut. The sudden report made me feel so lonely. It's still unbelievable...I'm full of feelings and don't know what to do. It's like having empty holes in my mind," Momota said.

Despite the loss of Matsuno has hit her hard, Momota promised that the group would deliver a strong performance that night. The concert would serve as an escape for members and audience alike from the sadness surrounding their loss.

Rina Matsuno passed away suddenly on February 8 after an arrhythmia left her unconscious and unable to pump blood through her body.