Happy 22nd birthday, Takamina.
Thank you for being born. Thank you for everything that you had done so far for the group. Thank you for being the role model that many, be it members, staff or fans, looked up to. Thank you for being a selfless person. Thank you for being the AKB48 soul.
You might not be the face, the center, the ace. But you’re the soul, one of the important pillar, if not the most important pillar, that held the group together. All the responsibilities on you, it seemed like we gave a lot of credit for what you’ve done. But at the same time, we know we are not giving you enough credit for all that you’ve been through.
Not anyone can be a Takahashi Minami. And definitely not anyone can be the Takahashi Minami of AKB48.
With all your imperfections, you tried your best to lead the group and lead them well you did. Given the same chance, someone else might have done as well as you did, or even better. But it is by fate that the chance was given to you, and boy, did you grasp it well and did your utmost to perform up to expectations.
You deserve all the love and the popularity that you’re enjoying now, especially after doing so much over the years. Like wise, luck plays a part in all these, for you could have done a lot more but not been recognised. And thank every deities up there that luck is on your side a lot, and pray that luck will still be shining on you for the rest of your journey as an artiste.
Finally, you are on your path to becoming a solo artiste. Your dream is seeing light in 2013. It is now your time to shine on the stage, the grand stage that belongs to no one else but you. It is your chance to show everyone what you are capable of. It is YOUR time.
Don’t be afraid. Soar high and fly far. Aim for the stars and if you missed them, you are cushioned by the clouds. Don’t be frightened by the unknown in front of you, for you have us, your fans, and the members, and all the staff behind you. We’ll always be here supporting you.
I love you, Takamina.
Happy Birthday, Takamina.
