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| Morning Musume’s Longest-Serving Member Erina Ikuta Bids Emotional Farewell at Budokan |
The end of an era has arrived — and what a ride it's been. On 8 July 2025, Erina Ikuta officially graduated from Morning Musume after a jaw-dropping 14 and a half years in the group, making her the longest-serving member in the group’s history.
The 28-year-old wrapped up her idol journey at Nippon Budokan in a massive send-off concert titled Morning Musume.’25 Spring Concert Tour Mighty Magic DX Saying Farewell to Erina Ikuta, attended by around 10,000 fans and broadcast live across Japan, Taiwan, and Hulu.
Ikuta, lovingly known as “Eripon” to fans, joined the group in January 2011 as part of the 9th generation. She stepped up as the group’s 10th leader in November 2023, and it’s safe to say – she led with flair, guts, and a whole lot of cheeky Eripon-style sass.
🌈 Budokan Bathed in Lime Green Light for the Final Show
As the lights dimmed and lime green penlights — Eripon’s member colour — lit up the Budokan, the final chapter kicked off with a nostalgic yet fiery setlist. The girls opened strong with “I’m Lucky Girl,” “Romance MY DEAR BOY (23 Ver.),” and “Tsuyoki de Ikouze!”, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Ikuta didn’t hold back in her first MC either, cheekily hyping up the crowd:
“Let’s make this a show with no regrets! Your energy is what makes it count!”
From there, the ride only got more emotional.
🎶 A Setlist That Spanned Eripon’s Full Journey
Packed with classics and new hits, the concert felt like a mixtape of Erina’s idol life. The group performed tracks from their newest single (released 2 July) like “Akaruku Yoi Ko” and “Kininaru Sono Ki no Uta,” as well as showstoppers like “One・Two・Three (23 Ver.),” “Utakata Saturday Night!,” and “Suggoi FEVER!”
There were special units too – with heartfelt duets and sub-unit moments that truly spotlighted Erina's bonds with the other members:
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Oda Sakura, Haga Akane, Okamura Homare, Yamazaki Mei, Sakurai Rio, and Inoue Haruka sang “Yugure wa Ameagari” and “Dokkan Capriccio”
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Ikuta joined Nonaka Miki, Makino Maria, Yokoyama Reina, and Yumigeta Akane for “Shouganai Yume Oibito” and “Moonlight night
Tsukiyo no Ban da yo”
These weren’t just performances — they were love letters to the years shared on stage together.
💬 Messages, Memories, and Tears
Towards the end, emotions overflowed as members delivered personal messages to Eripon.
Yumigeta declared she’d carry on Ikuta’s fiery spirit.
Sakurai said, “There’s more love for you than I can ever express.”
Yamazaki called her “a true sister.”
Yokoyama promised to turn Ikuta’s praise into power moving forward.
Then came the encore — and Erina emerged in a white dress, bathed in spotlight, to sing “Shinnen dake wa Tsuranukitose!” solo.
With calm yet proud eyes, she gazed at the audience and said:
“From 13 to 28 years old… 14½ years in Morning Musume. It’s been my whole life.”
And just to tug those heartstrings further —
“Yesterday was my 28th birthday! Will you all sing Happy Birthday with me?”
The entire Budokan erupted into a heartfelt chorus, giving Eripon one last surprise she’ll never forget.
💚 “I Love Being Eripon – and I’ll Always Be Her”
Before curtain call, Ikuta spoke from the heart:
“Up to now, I had Tsunku-san’s music helping me bring smiles to your faces. From here on, I want to deliver smiles as Erina Ikuta herself.”
“I love being Eripon. And I always will. I want to challenge myself more. So... job offers welcome!” she laughed.
Fittingly, the very last songs were “Maji Desu ka Ska!” – her debut single – and “Namidacchi”, closing the concert in the most full-circle, teary-eyed way possible.
🚀 What’s Next for Erina Ikuta?
Now graduated from Hello! Project, Erina is set to continue her journey solo in the entertainment industry. Whether it’s TV, fashion, acting, or more variety antics, one thing’s for sure: she’s not going anywhere.
And wherever she goes, fans will follow — because once an Eripon stan, always an Eripon stan. 💚