I had started writing this before the election day and was planning to finish it right after it was over. But of course, with so much drama that happened during and after sousenkyo (LOL), I decided to wait.
It’s been a much more relaxing sousenkyo, hasn’t it Yukirin fans? Unlike past years, I wasn’t worried and thinking about all the scenarios that could happen for Yukirin. My wallet is also a lot happier. While I did spend some to vote for other girls in my top 5, it’s nowhere near what I have spent in the past. Yukirin not participating does conflict with my personal belief that all girls should participate in the election if they intend on staying in the group. Yukirin has said many times she isn’t graduating, so while I do respect her decision not to participate, I still believe in what I just said.
Luckily for us, Yukirin was announced as one of the MCs (along with Top Lead and Aoki-san) for the Sousenkyo Showroom which streamed during the entire election. Yukirin has mentioned that initially, she wasn’t going to Okinawa.
The 9th Annual AKB48 Group Senbatsu Sousenkyo took place on June 17, 2017 in Okinawa. It was the first time that Yukirin did not participate.
How many of you, like me, ended up just watching Showroom with Yukirin instead of the actual event? I didn’t even watch the actual election in full till the next day (I did watch some parts of my other favourite girls). Yukirin was perfect as the Showroom MC for the event, interviewing and consoling girls as the rankings were announced. Members have a level of comfort with Yukirin and it was evident with girls that were disappointed with their rankings. They could lean in for a hug and Yukirin is there to console and encourage them. It was enjoyable to watch Yukirin’s interaction with everyone, especially her good friends like Sasshi and Miichan.
The heartbreak was of course, Mayu’s graduation announcement. It was something I had expected when she announced she was taking part in the election and Yukirin was not. I always felt Mayu would leave before Yukirin. Watching Yukirin sob on Showroom uncontrollably even though she knew it was gonna happen was sad. Yukirin mentioned that when she discussed with Mayu about the election and that she is unlikely to take part, Mayu told Yukirin that she will take part and announce her graduation. Yukirin had hoped it wasn’t going to happen. Mayu is set to graduate within the year.
There were other dramas that took place for this sousenkyo, besides the live event being canceled and while I won’t talk about it because it will turn in to a long rant (and may include some F words that ppl take offense to… LOL), it was just disappointing that it overshadowed Sasshi winning three in a row and Mayu’s graduation announcement. As of right now, I don’t expect Yukirin will take part next year’s sousenkyo but who knows, something might change until then…
Photoset
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