It was later announced that Abe would be graduating from both Morning Musume and Sakuragumi in 2004. Sakuragumi performed "Hare Ame Nochi Suki" with Abe for the final time at her graduation concert in January. After Abe's graduation Mari Yaguchi was elected as the next leader, and the group continued to tour.
In 2004, it was revealed that Abe would be graduating from both Morning Musume and Sakuragumi.  Sakuragumi performed their final song with Abe at her graduation concert in January. After Abe's departure, Mari Yaguchi took over as the new leader of Sakuragumi, who continued to tour.