As of July 21st Shinoda Mariko had her last official performance with Japanese idol group AKB48. Her last official events will be on July 22nd , or have already happened actually due to time zone differences. Her last official handshake event was held on July 7th where thousands of fans showed up to support her and push her to move forward in her career. Mariko, who actually failed first generation auditions, got her start by working at the AKB cafe. By winning a popularity contest due to fans, she gained the attention of Akimoto Yasushi and he challenged her to remember 12 songs and choreography for the group, if she could do it she would be able to join AKB. Mariko passed with flying colors and the rest is really history. She was always able to make it into the senbatsu general elections at 5th or higher, meaning since her start she was a well renowned member of the group. Her graduation was announced after the 5th senbatsu elections, where fans and group mates alike were in shock. She is now moving on and in pursuit of her dreams as she lives out the rest of her happy life. As one of the founding members of AKB she will be greatly missed. We a Nola Anime would like to send our regards to miss Shinoda, as she is a great member whose talents and charm will be greatly missed within the group. We wish you the best and hope you continue to shine like a star. Sincerely- Nola Anime