Japan Music News: Mariko Shinoda "graduates" AKB48

After 7 and a half years, the oldest member of AKB48 Mariko Shinoda (27) has officially calls it quits and has "graduated" AKB48. Her final show was at her home town of Fukuoka, in front of 32 thousand fans.

Now she can finally stop wearing a school uniform!

The concert lasted 4 hours with fans cheering "Mariko!" throughout. In the finale, she made a speech thanking the fans and other members for the opportunity, claiming "If I am reborn, I will still choose AKB48".

In a time that Japanese Idols are on average 15 years old, Kudos to you Mariko for proving the entertainment industry that age is no longer a barrier for success.