I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but here’s yet another blow to all Hello!Project fans.

Japanese idol singer C-ute member Erika Umeda (梅田えりか) will “graduate” from the idol factory this fall, it was announced on the website of her agency Up Front Agency yesterday.  The 18 year old Kanagawa Prefecture native is the oldest member in the  J-pop idol group and is often considered a fashionista.  Her last performance as a C-ute member will be on October 25th at NHK Osaka Hall, the last day of Hello!Project’s Fall Concert Tour.

J-pop idol unit C-ute member Erika Umeda doing some promotional work for the Japan Postal Service

“UmeEri”, as she is affectionately called by both her fans and friends has decided to pursue a career as a fashion model after she leaves the successful 6 member idol unit.  I think this is a good move since appearance wise she has always looked more flashy and glamorous rather than the typical pure and innocent idol look.  She has also been spotted on numerous occasions prawling around fashionable districts in Tokyo like Shibuya.  I believe it is only a matter time before she breaks one of the strict rules set by her handler and get herself into some scandalous situation.  We all know Hello!Project & Up Front Agency cannot afford to have anymore scandals.

I look forward to seeing the sexy Japanese teen in a Japanese fashion magazine in the near future.  I’ve always thought Erika Umeda has that onee-kei (お姉系), or hot “older sister” look.  I’ve got confidence she’ll make a fine fashion model!

C-ute Member Erika Umeda To Ditch Idol Status

Lord have mercy! Could he have made Japanese idol Minami Minegishi (峯岸みなみ) any cuter?! The extremely popular U-15 (under 15) AKB48 Team A member is one of its original members. I don’t usually follow AKB48 but I can picture myself going to a concert of the popular Akihabara based Japanese pop idol group just to get a glimpse of this cutie pie!

Seriously, I think staring at those huge innocent eyes and her petite, cheeky face for more than a few seconds will lead to possible cardiac arrest! Japanese idol pimping machine Up To Boy (アップトゥボーイ) ran this spread of Mii-chan when she was still a junior high school student.