It has also been announced that Koharu Kusumi will “graduate” from the popular Japanese girl troupe in December.  But I’m sure Up Front Agency, Morning Musume’s management company will find new openings for her to fill.

Morning Musume Koharu Kusumi Do Sexy in New Photobook

At only 21 years old, the Oscar Promotion (オスカープロモーション) starlette began working as a gravure idol back in 2006.  After “graduating” from her gravure idol status, Mizuho would like to focus on acting in drama and movies.  The 2006 Miss Magazine gravure contest semi-finalist said at the event, “Even though I’m graduating, please watch my DVD over and over again!”  All I know is if the acting gig doesn’t work out for Mizuho, she can always come do some private modeling for me!

Mizuho Nishimura Quitting as a Gravure Idol

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

This hot photo of Hitomi Komatani is more than enough to make me conjure up naughty thoughts

Recently “graduated” AKB48 member Hitomi Komatani is all grown up and showing us her sexy side that we haven’t seen before. The 20 year old idol has signed up with Sun Music Group and will release her first solo photobook fittingly titled “AKB48 Graduation” this Saturday.

Hitomi went all the way to Papua New Guinea to shoot these amazing photos. She’ll be at Shosen Bookmart in Tokyo this Saturday for the release event. I sure like the way she backs her ass up!

Left – Tomomi Ooe, 19; Right – Hitomi Komatani, 19

The Japanese pop music industry often has a tendency to shuffle and reinvent personnel so this announcement was sort of expected. Especially since the 5 girls are part of the original members who formed the Akihabara based idol troupe when it was “only” 20 girls strong. But don’t feel down as these soon to be AKB48 alumni will still be around Japanese entertainment circle. For example, Rina Nakanishi is already active in another splinter unit called “Chocolove From AKB48″. And Hitomi Komatani has signed up with Japanese entertainment powerhouse Sun Music Production (サンミュージック).

Left – Hana Tojima, 20; Right – Rina Nakanishi, 20

Risa Narita, 17