STU48's Chiho Ishida Holds Graduation Performance: 'I Sincerely Believe It Was Great to Become an Idol!' Ending 9.5 Years of Leading the Group

Chiho Ishida, a first-generation member of the Setouchi-based idol group STU48 who led the group as a front member since its formation, held her final activity today, June 7, following her graduation concert at Kanadevia Hall in Tokyo on May 31. The graduation performance took place at the group's activity hub, the Hiroshima Prefectural Culture Center multi-purpose hall.

Ishida joined STU48 as a first-generation member in March 2017 at the age of 15. Since the debut single 'Kurayami,' she was selected for every single, served as a solo center for the 6th single 'Hitorigoto de Kataru Kurai nara' and 9th single 'Iki wo Suru Kokoro,' and acted as a triangle center for the 8th single 'Hana wa Dare no Mono?' alongside Yumiko Takino and Mai Nakamura.

During her final self-introduction, she smiled and performed her signature catchphrase: 'Delivering smiles from Setouchi! Yay! I'm Chiho Ishida from Hiroshima Prefecture. Let's make lots of noise and enjoy ourselves today. Thank you!' She added, 'Since every song performed today is for the last time, I will sing while savoring each one.' Fellow member Akari Fukuda expressed her mixed feelings, saying, 'While we are sad to see our final look at the idol-power-packed Chiho-chan, we want to see her off with smiles.' The performance included tracks such as 'Aoi Lemon' and 'Fune kara Orita Bokutachi wa...'.

During the encore, she appeared in a dress gifted by fans, calling out, 'I was truly happy to be supported by you all! Let's enjoy ourselves until the end!' and performed songs including AKB48's 'Enkyori Poster' and 'Pedal to Sharin to Kita Michi to.' After changing into her graduation dress, she sang her solo track 'Mirai e Tsuzuku Monoyo.'

At the graduation ceremony, she expressed her gratitude: 'Once again, thank you to everyone who has supported me for 9.5 years, everyone here, and those watching the stream. STU48 became so ingrained in me that it was like my last name. Through the graduation concert, I realized again that I was able to remain an idol because I was supported by so many people.' She offered encouragement to fellow members: 'There are not only good things about being an idol; you will surely face frustration and struggles. But your hard work is definitely noticed by someone—staff or fans—and there will be a future where it is rewarded. I want you to be idols without regrets until you are satisfied.'