Takahashi Ai became leader shorty after Yoshizawa Hitomi graduated in 2007, following Fujimoto Miki's retirement from the group due to her scandal. Takahashi Ai has been a member of Morning Musume since 2001. By the time she graduates, she would have already surpassed 10 years as a member.
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My personal feelings on this:
I love Aichan, and I respect what an amazing performer she is. I will definitely miss her a lot. But it's just her time to go. She's been in the group for over 9 years. I think she has given us many amazing memories already and it's time for her to move on to bigger and better things. I know she will be crying a lot at her graduation because I know she loves Morning Musume, but I also know we'll have much more Aichan even after she leaves. So lets support her as best as we can this year!
