Shoking news: Mari has quit Morning Musume!!!!!
Official statement:
http://www.helloproject.com/newslist/050414-1.html
Translation (thanks to Philosoranter):
Blurb: Our thanks for all your support of the Hello! Project. Today there is a very important announcement regarding Morning Musume.
It has transpired that on the 17th year of the Heisei era (2005), on April 14th, Morning Musume's leader Mari Yaguchi has quit Morning Musume and will continue in a solo career.
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Article: In the magazine Friday on sale 15 April 2005, there appeared a report concerning Mari Yaguchi. This article can be thought of as composed in connection with the photos of Mari Yaguchi taken on the night of 10 April 2005. The matter at hand is something brought up by Yaguchi herself to her management office, after which there were many meetings between Mari Yaguchi and her management office. In these meetings...
-The fact that Morning Musume has grown as an Idol Group due to the support and love of its many fans.
-The fact that Morning Musume consists largely of young people, always behaving as a group.
-The self-conciousness of being leader of Morning Musume
-The lifestyle of Mari Yaguchi as a 22-year-old private individual.
...and other issues were seriously discussed. In these meetings, after looking back at Mari Yaguchi's own existence as an Idol, and considering deeply the thoughts and feelings of the many fans supporting her, as well as her own personal responsibility, the result was to this effect: "As a result of my lack of self-conciousness, this disappointment has transpired. I no longer have what is required to guide the members of Morning Musume as leader. Also, I can no longer stand in front of all the fans as a Member of Morning Musume. Please allow me to quit Morning Musume." In these words was included the resolution to quit life as a "Talent" [celebrity].
However, since joining Morning Musume in its second generation, Mari Yaguchi has been optimistically, energetically giving more than her all on stage for almost seven years.
Also, with such things as her own television show, the possibilities offered by her abilities as a talent seem large. Furthermore, her reflections regarding this matter are felt more than enough. From these things, her management office proposed a path with a solo career, which Mari Yaguchi acknowledged. This is an extremely disappointing development, and we are terribly sorry to everyone for this. Please watch over Mari Yaguchi warmly in the future.
At present, her career is uncertain. However, unfortunately, Yaguchi Mari has refused to continue touring after 14 April 2005. Please, we ask for your understanding as much as possible.
Furthermore, the successor as leader will be the present sub-leader, Hitomi Yoshizawa.
Lastly, the support of fans is everything to the Hello! Project. We ask you to please continue to support the Hello! Project.
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Mari Yaguchi's comment: To all the fans who have given their warm support, I'm deeply sorry.
These seven years, I've run without stopping. From the time when I understood nothing to now, as leader, I have never been lost on stage.
However, when I look at the graduation of the elder members, and the way I am now, I often feel I have become a little more adult. My existence as a member of Morning Musume. Being called an "Idol". Being able to stand in front of so many fans. These are all things I am proud of, and I believe them to be a divine gift.
With this rebellion, I feel I betrayed myself as an Idol. I don't feel I qualify to lead the members as head of Morning Musume any more. I cannot continue in this state, and with responsibility I have made the decision to quit Morning Musume. The result is that I will continue in a solo career.
I feel extremely sorry for the many fans who give their support to Morning Musume. Mari Yaguchi will be starting over from the beginning again. Please support me as a whole adult. I ask for your cooperation.
:edit: credit to translator