AKB48’s Oba Mina suspended and Mori Anna withdraws from AKB48

Oba Mina of Team 4

On September 2nd, it was revealed on AKB48 Official Blog that Team 4 captain Oba Mina (19) will be suspended from her activities and fellow team member Mori Anna (17) will graduate from this popular idol group. For Oba, the suspension stems from the evidence from and old blog entry revealing that she had a boyfriend and had been consuming alcohol.

Regarding this suspension, Oba said, “I, Oba Mina, sincerely apologize for causing worries and troubles to fellow members and fans due to the contents of my past blog entries. Regarding this case, I have come to a conclusion that I am not qualified for being the captain of Team 4 and therefore, I have decided to resign that position. Also, I will be pulling out from participating from the Janken Tournament as well. Although I do not know how to apologize to my fans, I would like some time to reflect my actions and requested to be put to suspension for awhile. I know that I will cause worry to the fans that supported me all this while due to my selfishness, but I ask you to please, wait a while. Thank you very much. –Team 4 Oba Mina”

Mori Anna

As for Mori Anna, she stated, “I, Mori Anna, will withdraw from AKB48 as of September 2nd. Recently, I have not been able to participate in many of the theater performances due to my bad hip condition and it has been painful for me.

As a result, I have caused troubles and worries to the AKB48 members and staffs. I decided that this cannot go on and came to a conclusion to withdraw from the group.

Akimoto-sensei (Producer Akimoto Yasushi) kindly stated to me, ‘Come back soon,’ and I have decided to think about it after my condition gets better.
To those who have supported me all this time, really and truly, thank you very much. I will never forget those who supported me all this while. Until the day we meet again, – AKB48 Team 4 Mori Anna”

As a response for her withdrawal, her official picture has already been taken off of AKB48’s official site.

Good luck to Oba Mina and Mori Anna!

Source: Nikkan Sports, AKB48 Blog (1,2)