An idol group such as AKB48 is designed for members to be easily replaced. The performers existing in these environments constantly get shuffled around and eventually "graduate" — a term used for when they leave. Fans might become attached to a specific member and follow them on their musical journey.
All adventures have ends, though, and the institution goes on. No idol ends up bigger than the group itself.
That's what makes Rino Sashihara's graduation from the AKB48 family earlier this spring all the more remarkable. Her departure from HKT48 in Fukuoka Prefecture was accompanied by mainstream media attention and general interest from those who don't follow idol pop closely. The 26-year-old has been the face of the group for years, even during stretches where she engaged in other entertainment activities while AKB tried to promote new faces. Yet few newcomers connected the same way.