The graduation schedule for AKB48 member Mayu Watanabe has been revealed. The announcement was shared at a joint live concert between HKT48’s Himawarigumi and AKB48’s Team B.

Mayu’s graduation concert will take place during Halloween on October 31st at the Saitama Super Arena, prior to that her last national handshake event will take place at Nagoya on October 28th. After the concert she will participate in one more final handshake event in Yokohama on November 18th. Mayu’s graduation was initially announced during the 9th Senbatsu Sousenkyo back in June, but no further details were given at that time.

Mayu got her start as a 3rd generation member, her inclusion in AKB48 was announced in December 2006.  She instantly became one of the most popular members, having been at the forefront of the group for the last 10 years. In 2009 Mayu was selected to be a member in the sub-unit Watarirouka Hashiritai. She would go on to participate in two more sub-units, Team Dragon from AKB48 and NO NAME. Addtionaly, Mayu released 5 successful solo singles during her tenure in the group.

In AKB48’s first Senbatsu Election Mayu came in 4th place, giving her the privilege of being in the original famed “Kami 7” group.  The other members included Atsuko Maeda, Yuko Oshima, Mariko Shinoda, Tomomi Itano, Minami Takahashi, and Haruna Koijima. Mayu’s graduation officially marks the end of an era in AKB48.

With Saitama being Mayu’s hometown this will undoubtedly be a very special show for herself and AKB48 fans.

(via modelpress)