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It’s the kind of news that always hits fans right in the heart — Hinatazaka46’s Tomita Suzuka (affectionately known as Suu-ji) has officially announced her graduation from the group via her blog today.
Her last appearance with the group will be for the 14th single “Love Yourself!” — a release she describes as filled with love and a fitting send-off.
Suzuka, a Second Gen member, originally joined the Sakamichi world in 2017 as part of Hiragana Keyakizaka46.
When the group rebranded into Hinatazaka46 in 2019, she carried over as part of the core that shaped the group’s identity — full of cheekiness, warmth, and an unmistakable fighting spirit.
In a heartfelt and emotional blog post, Tomita Suzuka revealed that this decision had been brewing inside her for quite a while.
She confessed it wasn’t an easy choice, saying she struggled to even write the blog because putting it into words made it feel real.
“It’s been days of staring at this blog draft for hours. I just couldn’t bring myself to finish it,” she admitted.
The post is filled with gratitude, nostalgia, and raw emotion. She thanked her fans — those who found her, stuck by her, and believed in her through it all.
"Even when I didn’t believe in myself, you did. That’s why I could keep going,” she wrote.
Suzuka’s known for her emotional honesty, and this message was no exception.
From the ones who came to handshake events even when life got in the way, to the ones silently cheering her on from afar — she saw them all, and she’s thankful.
The singer, now 23, reflected on her years in the group — from joining as a wide-eyed 16-year-old, to now becoming a young woman ready for the next chapter.
“Hinatazaka46 is like my second home,” she wrote.
“I wanted to stand at the front of a title track, I wanted a solo song… but even if those dreams didn’t come true, I still got to live out so many others. And I’m so, so grateful.”
Her next dream? Acting.
Suzuka revealed she’s found herself deeply drawn to the world of theatre and film.
“Watching others throw themselves into their roles made me realise I want to grow in that world too. I want to learn, to express, to keep delivering something meaningful to others.”
Naturally, the news has sparked questions about a possible graduation concert.
As of now, nothing’s been confirmed — fans are crossing their fingers for at least a small farewell event, though traditionally, only a few senior members get the big send-off.
Suzuka hinted that staff are working out the details and promised to update everyone when things are set.
Graduation announcements are part and parcel of the J-Pop idol world — bittersweet moments where members step away to chase new dreams or, sometimes, step back from the spotlight entirely.
For Suzuka Tomita, this is clearly a decision made with care and courage.
While there's still around three months left until her final bow, she made it clear: she’s going to give everything she’s got until the very last moment.
“Let’s keep making dreams come true together,” she said.
“Just a little longer. Wait for me, yeah?”
One thing’s for sure — no matter where she goes next, Tomita Suzuka will always be a piece of Hinatazaka46’s heart.