Sayaka Yamamoto Announces Graduation From NMB48

Sayaka Yamamoto has announced that she will be graduation from NMB48.

NMB48 was performing on July 30  at Tokyo's Nakano Sun Plaza to kick off its summer tour. After the end of the group's encore performance, Yamamoto made her graduation announcement.

The idol explained that she over the past few years, she has seen her group mates being unable to grow fully in her presence. By leaving the group, she hopes that a new generation of members will be take NMB48 into the future.

Regarding her future, Yamamoto said that she wants to perform, and will be focusing on her career as a solo singer. She has released 2 solo albums during her time with NMB48.

Yamamoto is a first generation member of NMB48. She is the captain of the group and widely considered its ace. She is the only member to be featured on all of NMB48's A-side singles.