6th generation member Misato Nonaka, who graduated from idol group AKB48 in 2014, announced on her Instagram account that she is going to leave entertainment industry. She surprised her fans by telling that during the past year, she has acquired the needed skills and qualifications to become a beautician.

She posted on Instagram:

“It’s been over three years since I graduated from AKB48. I also turned 26 years old. I always thought about my future. I’ve loved idols since elementary school days, and I joined AKB48 when I was 17. I was active in the group for six years. And then I graduated. I didn’t go back to the entertainment world. I graduated and realized what I had wanted to do. I didn’t want to be an entertainer, I wanted to be an AKB48 idol. That dream had been fulfilled. For three years I thought about my next dream. Then I discovered it. From now on, I am going to work as a beautician in “beauty” and “health”. For a year I underwent training and quietly got my qualifications too. From now on, I’d like to offer you the things I’ve learned about “beauty” and “health”, little by little. I’ll be happy if you continue supporting me as a beautician too.”

Nonaka is going to launch her website next month with full details about her new career.

There are thousands of aspiring idols in Japan, and it is no wonder that not all of them manage to craft a successful career in the entertainment industry. Some go back to school, some get married and leave the business, whereas some begin completely new careers, like Nonaka. What are your favorite post-graduate idol stories? Share them with us!

(Via Instagram)