#Shihotate

[4stylephilosophy]

Letter to Suzuki Shihori from Iwatate Saho (2/16 Shihorin Seitansai)

Read by Iwasa Misaki

(Note: Regarding Suzuki Shihori's graduation announcement, Saho said this on Hashira NIGHT! radio):

"I heard about it a little in advance, and ended up crying writing the letter...but knowing it's a positive graduation, and that our relationship will not change, from now on, yoroshiku ne!"

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Suzuki Shihori-sama, My first memory of you was at the final screening of the 11th generation auditions. 

We didn't talk at that time, but seeing your appearance as you stood on the way to the room for the singing examination, "A really tall person!" was an impression that remained with me.Since I was rejected at that audition, thinking about how I entered AKB one year later and met you again, I feel life is mysterious.

I don't remember at what point we became friends, but when I realized it our closeness had become commonplace. And then, becoming accustomed to being together, I began to think about how amazing you are:

How you're skillful at communicating with everyone: juniors seniors, staff, and so forth, 

How even when you cannot come to rehearsal because of university classes, no matter how much time it takes you work to make your performance successful,

How you make a thorough effort in pursuit of your goals,

Moreover I've often seen from nearby how you work hard even when no one is watching,

We are different in many ways, and until now I've never met a person quite like you; when we're together I'm always so inspired. And so, because I too began to think it's useless the way I am right now, lately I'm secretly making an effort to change. Please watch over me with warm eyes. It's fun to be together, and very comfortable, with utmost strength I'll always rely on you. From our time together this past year in paticular, I think you've found that I'm a very annoying child. Thank you for everything. How you could have such an open heart to get along with someone like me who sticks to you, gets on your back, and calls you for no reason, is something I really can't imagine. But, by nature I don't say what's on my mind clearly, being prone to reservation, so I'm surprised at myself too to have a selfish relationship like this. Because there's no one else I can be a spoiled child with, please allow me to from now on. 

If we hadn't been in AKB I do not know if we would have became friends, so I'm glad I met you here. By that I mean, I'm glad I met you!

Lastly, although it's Ha~ya~i by one day, happy birthday! I'm cheering for you in hopes that your 21st year, and the rest of your life, will be bright. I hope that "Shihotate" will be friends forever. Here's to many years to come! Shiho I love you! From, Iwatate Saho

_________ (Transcript)