Graduation Way - Atsuko Maeda (10.05.2012)

Atsuko Maeda (Maeda Atsuko, born July 10, 1991 in Ichikawa, Chiba) is a member of the Japanese idol group AKB48. She is in Team A and is one of the most prominent members in the group, being voted number one in the 2009 and 2011 Senbatsu Elections. In the 2010 Senbatsu Election, however, she lost to fellow member Yuko Oshima, who was the lead for their 17th Single: Heavy Rotation. She is part of the "Senbatsu" group in the most recent singles. On Sunday 25th March, 2012, she announced her retirement or 'graduation' from the group.