Suzuki Kanon - The Graduation Appreciation Post

It's been a long week, one filled with smiles and tears and heartache, but now it's the final hurdle, and we're about to jump it. Today, [A Week with Zukki] ends, so to wrap things up, let's take a seat and appreciate this Idol for all she is worth in as many words as I can muster...

Are you ready to let her go?

It's too soon to be saying goodbye to you, and yet here we are...

Here is a girl who makes me smile. Here is an Idol who brings me joy and laughter, a girl who can truly do no wrong in my eyes. For me, Suzuki Kanon is amazing, and whilst she is not my favourite Idol, there is still something there that allows me to feel so strongly about her, and to feel such heartache when it dawns on me again and again that she will be graduating from this grand world of Idols and entertainment.

For these past five years I have been her fan, and now she will be turning her back on this world I enjoy so much, and she will instead be paving her own future from here on out, ready to deliver her smile in a new way, and to bring happiness to those who need it the most.

I love Zukki. I have loved her since her debut. Though she was initially my least favourite of the 9th generation candidates during her audition, she quickly became the girl I adored right next to Ikuta Erina. What won me over was her cheer and attitude, and how she auditioned for the group with a comedy sketch and a song. This girl went into the audition with the intention of making people smile, and through that desire and her amazing personality, she was chosen as a finalist and, before we knew it, a 9th generation member of Morning Musume.

It wasn't just her personality that stood out, however; her smile shined, her cheerful exposition was apparent, and her voice was big and bold and, at the time, one of the nicest in her generation. She was basically an all-around Idol, a girl who was confident and happy, playful and sweet. She was the sort of Idol I looked up to, and someone I wanted to like. She was everything I desired in the Idol world, and for me, Suzuki Kanon was pretty much perfect.

Being a fan of Suzuki Kanon was pretty hard, though. As someone who tends to lean towards the underdogs and background members, it was kind of expected, however I went through a lot of heartache being Zukki's fan, mostly because of how others spoke of her, and their cruel words. For a good chunk of my fandom, I have been biting back or trying to ignore the cruel words people have said, all because they didn't like Zukki or her weight.

It got harder when, between the years 2012 and 2015, Zukki herself didn't seem as happy or bright as she once was. It was evident that she was having a difficult time, and a lot of the fans saw it in her smile that it wasn't true happiness she was exuding. Sure, there were times where she did shine brightly and stood out, however a good chunk of her time as an Idol was spent with this reserved aura that surrounded her, and I do believe it saddened a lot of her fans. We wanted the Zukki we loved back. No one liked seeing her so sad, and even though I never took part in it, a lot of fans went the extra mile to bring that smile of hers back by sending her a scrapbook from all around the world filled to the brim with love and kindness for the girl we adore so much.

If anyone ever thought that Zukki was unloved, then they are indeed wrong, because despite her lack of recognition in Japan, she is one of the most loved Idols in Hello! Project for the Western fandom.

There has been a lot of heartache with Zukki's career I think, and it's something I don't want to delve into, not when this is a post about her and what I appreciate, so instead I will say this;

I think that what is amazing about Suzuki Kanon is that despite all this backlash she had regarding her weight, she never once backed down. She didn't up and graduate when news reporters posted unflattering images of her or stop doing what she had started because she was pushed to the back. She carried on and worked hard to get recognised, and though it took another diet and some weight loss to get to that point, she did do it, and we saw all her efforts come to fruition in Oh my wish!, where she finally centered and carried a song.

When this girl wants something, she does work hard for it. She worked hard when choosing to apply for Morning Musume, and she worked hard to lose weight to show the fans it could happen, and to get that chance to lead a song. Zukki doesn't give up for anyone, no matter how cruel their words or pictures may be. She worked hard for herself, and for everyone else around her

As an Idol she has made us smile, and she has shined in her own way that no one else could. She has worked her hardest from day one, always delivering to her fans and spectators a beam so bright it could light the world. She has laughed and cried, sang and danced and blown us away with her wonderful personality and admirable efforts. She is someone to love and adore, enjoy and appreciate to the fullest, and whilst I don't want to see her go, I know that I have to soon, because that is what she wants for herself.

Thing is, she's not leaving for herself, is she? Zukki is, and always has been, a person who wants to see others smile, and to bring them her own brand of happiness in any way she can. As an Idol she experienced a form of happiness that she could bring only by helping out those in need, and it is that form of joy she wants to continue giving now that she is graduating the Idol industry, and honestly, I have to say knowing that this is what she wants to do after her graduating truly makes me proud to be her fan, because Zukki is not only beautiful, but she is kind and selfless, too, and she wants to continue giving to and helping those around her as much as she can, whether it is as an Idol or a normal girl.

As an Idol she made me smile and gave me joy. She was my first 9th generation love, and the Idol I wanted to love for an eternity. She was one of the first new girls to enter the Morning Musume I knew, and the first one I adored. Suzuki Kanon means so much to me, and my words here cannot express how I truly feel about her, but know this; she is a great Idol, and for these past five years, she has had me laughing, crying, cheering and fighting for her. If that isn't the love of a fan, then I don't know what is.

For so long she was pushed to the back and left to falter, however that light and smile never died, because Zukki is the kind of girl who wants to deliver happiness, and to see the smiles of her fans wherever they may be. That is the kind of Idol I love, and that is the Idol I fell for so long ago. No matter what her status, no matter what her weight, she was an Idol we adored to the very core, and one we appreciated with all our hearts. For many fans out there who cheered on Suzuki Kanon from the sidelines, she was their greatest Idol who caught not only their hearts, but also their smiles, and we will forever keep her ingrained in our memories, and appreciate the pure joy she was for years to come.

From a 12 year old girl who aimed to bring joy to those who watched her perform and heard her groups songs, to a 17 year old who dreams of making people happy by aiding them any way she can, Suzuki Kanon has grown as both an Idol and a person. She has always known what she wants, and strives to achieve the goals she sets in order to bring her own unique brand of cheer to the world. For her future endeavor, I wish her only the best and hope that she lives her dream, bringing those who need her most the smiles and joy they deserve. I know she can do it, and I'm sure every one of her fans is pushing her forward with their love and encouragement towards this bright, helpful future Suzuki Kanon is preparing for herself.

It seems like she only came into my life yesterday, and it's all too soon that she will be leaving my life as an Idol lover, however I do believe she will return one day, whether it's in a group photograph or an event appearance, because I am confident that Zukki won't disappear. It's what I want, it's what I hope, it's what I pray for, because I don't want her to leave my life like other Idols have. She's too important to me, and I never want her smile to fade away for both myself, and all her other fans.

I am happy for her, though, and I am glad to see her taking on such an admirable path for her future career. I just hope that she returns to us in the future, and shows us a smile that has become even brighter and a girl that is even stronger and more brilliant than the one standing before us today.

"There are many forms of "Being helpful to people"... but from now on, I feel strongly that I want to help people in another way, I want to make people smile, I want to make them happy." - Suzuki Kanon, February 7th 2016

This is the Suzuki Kanon I love, and from now until her Graduation day, I will love her with all my might and smile as much as I can, even through the tears I will undoubtedly shed, because when I smile, I will think of Zukki and how wonderful she has been these past five years and the great surge of happiness she has brought me as an Idol fan.

Saying goodbye to you will be one of the hardest things for me as an Idol fan yet, but thank you Zukki. Thank you for five years of hard work. Thank you for your booming voice, your shining personality and your neve-ending smile that brightened my world. Thank you for becoming the Idol I adored all those years ago, and for never giving in.

You are my joy, my light, my inspiration, and I love you. Thank you so much for being a part of my world!

Suzuki Kanon, Stosugyou Omedetou! Thank you for this everlasting smile, and for bringing joy to our hearts! Our love for you shall never end!

Your smile was my Sun, so thank you for rising and shining upon this world.

Much Love,
Chiima

[A Week with Zukki] A Smile That Keeps on Growing! ~Suzuki Kanon 17th Birthday Event: 2015~

All thoughts are my own, as per usual. Let's just enjoy what we have whilst it lasts, aye?

*[A Week with Zukki] is a series dedicated to the and only Suzuki Kanon, to both celebrate her and to prepare for her up-coming departure from both Morning Musume and Hello! Project. Here I hope to appreciate and adore the Idol who has brought me such joy, as well as to share with you some of her best works in her time as an Idol. So in order to celebrate all that is Zukki and her wonderful smile, let's take this journey together and think of her with fondness and joy. Before she dares Graduate, let's enjoy this wonderful Idol as much possible, and smile as we do so!

Our darling girl is leaving soon, and with her departure, a smile within Hello! Project shall fade, never to grace us in a PV again. However for these next few days, we must treasure her and everything she gives, because even when her smile disappears, our memories of her never will...~

When the cover quality sucks and Chiima can't do nuthin' about it o3o

DVD Content:

1. Suzuki Kanon wears a Yukata (Morning Glory style)

2. Takeuchi Akar, Katsuta Rina and Ishida Ayumi Video Message
3. Q&A Corner

4. Talk Corner - Goals for a 17 year old

5. Mini-Live (LOVE Namida Iro / Dou ni mo Tomaranai (by Yamamoto Linda) / Ai no Honoo / Konna Watashi de Yokattara / Egao ni Namida ~Thank you! Dear My Friends~)

With Zukki's impending Graduation coming ever closer, I am of course looking back at all things Zukki, from PV's to photographs, to events and whatever else I can find that includes my favourite smile and the girl it belongs to. And, despite the fact that I usually avoid event DVD's or clips of any kind due to no understanding of the Japanese language, I thought that it was high time to visit my very first event DVD from Suzuki Kanon's 17th Birthday event held in 2015.

Of course, this Birthday even marks the last for Suzuki Kanon as a member of Hello! Project and Morning Musume, but it is the one where she undoubtedly shines the brightest, and has the most talent in her tenure as an Idol. So, I wanted to take a look at it (finally), and see what these Birthday events are all about, as well as to watch my darling Zukki blossom on the stage that was meant for her.

So, without further introduction, let's take a look at Suzuki Kanon, a beauty and an Idol, as she shines on her very own stage and delivers to everyone around her a splendid performance.

A Springs Fading Smile: Suzuki Kanon Announces Graduation from Morning Musume '16 and Hello! Project

Okay, so.... that happened o-O

 Please bear with me, I think my 5am brain is still trying to process what the fuck is going on right now.
It's not 6am as I publish this. WOW.

Suzuki Kanon is graduating... Yeah.

Okay, so to clarify (if 'graduation' was not enough to clarify), during these wee hours of the morning (afternoon in Japan, evening of the Americas), it was announced on the official Hello! Project Website that Suzuki Kanon of Morning Musume '15 will be graduating from both the group and Hello! Project come the end of their Spring Tour, in order to work in welfare.

An official translation of the announcement has been posted through the Up-Front Link Facebook page, of which you can find here.

"Thank you for your continued support towards Hello! Project and Morning Musume。'16. Kanon Suzuki, Morning Musume。'16 member, will graduate from Morning Musume。'16 and Hello! Project at the end of Morning Musume。'16 Spring tour. 

Kanon Suzuki entered Morning Musume。 as a member of the 9th generation in 2011 and then performed for more than 5 years. She reported last year “I want to study to have a work related to the welfare”. After a discussion, it came to the conclusion of graduating at the end of the Spring Concert Tour of 2016. 

After her graduation she will follow another road, but I think she can take advantage of those 5 years of activities and experiences and she voluntary leaves with her own cheerfulness character and smile, and we will support her. 

During the remaining time until her graduation, she will try her best more and more as a Morning Musume。’16. Please continue to support Morning Musume。’16 and Kanon Suzuki. 

February 7th 2016UP-FRONT PROMOTIONRepresentative DirectorTakeshi Nishiguchi"

 Zukki's own version has been published through the same link.

"I, Kanon Suzuki, will graduate from Morning Musume。’16 and Hello! Project at the end of the Morning Musume。’16 Spring Tour. 

After I became a member, 5 years have passed, I thought about lots of things since last year about the current version of me and about my future. 

During those 5 years, I have been able to meet many people as Morning Musume。, I had many experiences and I have learned many important things about living.
 I became a member of Morning Musume。 I admired since I was small, and I believe through our activities we made many people smiled with our songs and performances. I do not know how far those feelings reached everyone but I really tried my best at the fullest. 

Since last year I seriously thought about my future, and since I was really small I thought "I want to help people" so from now on, what can I do? Every activities as Morning Musume。was meaningful and fun, and during one of them, the event "SATOYAMA movement", "SATOUMI movement", I have been in contact with people with a beautiful smile and I thought little by little it would be great if I can do the same work. 

There are many forms of "Being helpful to people"... but from now on, I feel strongly that I want to help people in another way, I want to make people smile, I want to make them happy. For this first step, I decided "I want a work related to the welfare" to go towards to my dream. 

For that reason, as a human I have to experience and study various things. 

Not as "Kanon Suzuki from Morning Musume。", but as "Kanon Suzuki", in order to live this life, I have decided to graduate to fulfill my new dream. 

I will continue Morning Musume。 activities to make those activities nourish me, also to cherish the time as Morning Musume。 and to not forget the feeling of gratitude I receive from everyone. 

Thank you for Morning Musume。'16 and for Kanon Suzuki. 

February 7th 2016
Morning Musume。'16
Kanon Suzuki"

... Huh.

Okay, so my immediate reaction to this was a 'what?' kind of attitude. Wide-eyed, pondering and processing it, thinking that it was no surprise and, weirdly, no tears of any sort. Then again, it is past 5am in England right now, and I am tired yet also battling many emotions from a crappy night at work; sadness has little priority here right now.

That said, it's been about a half hour since this news got out, and I'm starting to feel dread. Safe to say, I'm gonna be in tears tomorrow, because now two beloveds of mine are graduating this year, and in the God-damned Spring, no less.

Bye, semi-melted ice heart, it was good to know you beat a few times this year. I'll see you all iced and shiny this coming summer.

Really though, I'm not overly surprised that it's Zukki graduating next. Sad, yes I am, but surprised I am not, unless you count the timing, which yes, that surprises me, because I doubt any of us expected the next graduation from Morning Musume to happen this swiftly.
 Hell, I don't think I've seen an MM Grad this quick since the departure of Gaki months after Ai-butt left, and even then it was a longer period between graduations with those two.

Honestly, it does suck that Zukki's leaving, but I can't really blame her, either. She's 17, for crying out loud, an age where most girls and guys begin to think about potential careers they may want to enter in the future. She's had five years with both Hello! Project and Morning Musume, allowing her a decent amount of time to gain good work ethic as well as wonderful experience in a variety of areas, and she has seen both the good and the bad sides of the Entertainment Industry. Like Riho and her peers before, after and around her, she has experienced a lot in half a decade, and now she's chosen now to be the time she wants to move on. So yeah, I don't blame her; if you ask me, she's making a good decision.
 I won't lie though; I'll miss the crap out of her.

Zukki, sweet girl, was my favourite Morning Musume member, often rivaling for affection with Eripon, and at one point she had been my Top Idol. Since about a year ago things have changed and my love for Hello! Project and Morning Musume has skewed, but I will never forget the love and joy this girl brought me; she still makes me smile now, and I would totally cry if I ever had the chance to shake her hand (no chance of that now, aye?). I adore this girl, and nothing will ever stop me from adoring her, because Zukki will, forever and always, hold a place in my dark, dank heart.
 For me, she is the light of the Idol World, and I will miss her to Heaven and back.

She is a very important Idol to me. Like Gaki and Eripon, Ono Erena and Ayase Miho, she is an Idol I think highly of and adore.

I'm not crying now, but I know I will eventually, because it's freakin' Zukki. She has brought me so much since becoming an Idol fan, and I do know that, come her Graduation Day, I might just be a blubbering wreck, because for a very long time she was #1 in my heart.

I'm numb now, and I feel turmoil. I think the news is finally sinking in properly, and I am grasping what it all truly means. Tomorrow I will feel worse, but I know that Graduations happen, and that they are there for a reason. Zukki needs to move on, and honestly, I do too. I will always love her, but I do accept her departure. It is what I can do as a fan, as well as to continue supporting Morning Musume '16 here on out once she has left us for good.

Zukki is beautiful, and Zukki is strong. She's put up with so much, and now she will take her final path with Morning Musume '16. For five years now, Suzuki Kanon has graced us with her smile, her talent and her beauty, and for the future, she will continue to grace others with all of these things, continuously working in high spirits and a full smile.

But, until that day arrives, let's all simply treasure the time we have with Zukki. Sure, it'll be bittersweet, but at least we have the comfort of knowing that her Graduation won't feel rushed or sudden in any way. For all us Zukki fans, we will at least be able to watch over her for just a little bit longer.

Until next time.

Chiima