forgetmenots wrote:... Then again Riho's never really needed stuff like that. She has always been more performance driven rather than popularity driven. I don't think she has anywhere else to grow in MM, she's at the top there, so I'm sure she's impatient to find new challenges so she can keep growing....
THIS
AyuHikaru wrote:Riho actually did have a pretty big impact on the group - even if her haters will say she didn't. The reason Momusu is known for their dancing now is because they did harder choreography for Riho. The reason Ayumi made it in the group (arguably Sakura, too) was to give foil for Riho's dancing skills. They pushed the girls to be able to keep up with her and the media took notice. Her ace status was never really in question either, not until recently (which seemed now, in hindsight, to be intentional) and she was extremely popular with the Japanese public, helping Momusu back into the public eye. Little lonewolf did have an impact. I hope her legacy for high quality dance continues on in Momusu.
AND THIS
Really, this so too sudden. She deserves a dedicated graduation concert in a much bigger venue, but Riho is probably okay with this knowing her. It might even be her own choice.
I am definitely sad seeing her goes and at the same time motivated by her decision. I am looking forward to see her improvement in the next few years. Maybe we will see Sayashi-sensei teaching KSS, or even dancing for Madonna.
At the same time, I am both nervous and exiting for how Morning Musume would become because the transition to current MM was based around Riho. Now she is leaving, I am sure all the members will keep her legacy. But they will need to find something else too. Something that would change the tide and attract more fans like Riho. I cannot wait to see how the current members or 13ki would become.