Talk:Saito Asuka

Saito Asuka graduation date

I don't know if anyone will see this, but I decided to create this page to discuss this matter. I had changed her page on January 1, 2023 (JST) to change her status from member to graduated and also changed all pages related to this matter, but it was edited out. Since this is a complicated matter I decided to start this discussion before editing it again.

Although totally unusual, having a graduation concert after the proper graduation isn't a first in Nogizaka's history. The same happened in 2018/2019 in regards to Nishino Nanase's graduation. She officially graduated at the 69th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen on December 31, but her graduation concert only happened in 2019 at the 7th YEAR BIRTHDAY LIVE. I assumed it was the same for Asuka's graduation. For further evidence I cite her own Instagram post: it says "I have graduated from Nogizaka46 on 12/31" (12/31をもって、乃木坂46を卒業しました！). Also it's possible to check the active members' blog posts already saying their farewell messages for Asuka after her graduation.

On the other hand, to be fair, the official announcement on Nogizaka's website only says "Asuka Saito, as announced earlier in her blog, will graduate from Nogizaka46 after finishing her role in the 31th single" and "Group activities will continue until the end of 2022, and a graduation concert is planned for 2023" and doesn't address a specific date for her official graduation. Arguably, the promotions for 31st single already ended and Asuka was indeed absent from the CDTV New Year performance. But it's up for discussion.

I am tempted to change it back to graduated, but I want to discuss it further if someone has something to say regarding this matter. / Porphyrios (talk) 1:41, 17 January 2023 (JST)

Thank you for starting the discussion, these are good points regarding delayed graduation concerts and her own Instagram post. If she considers herself graduated, then we should too. I will change her status back to Graduated. Moomookan (talk) 12:39, 16 January 2023 (EST)

I also remember that, in the older days, it was also common for graduated AKB members to attend handshake events even months after their graduation because they were already scheduled. It's a similar situation in my opinion. Also, sorry for causing any trouble for you and thank you for taking your time to edit it again. / Porphyrios (talk) 11:07, 17 January 2023 (JST)