Shimazaki Haruka seems to have been saying this quite a few times in her various media appearances: it seems she is trying to give up her salty ways!? We had a little insight into this during her last election speech, but she reaffirms again during a press conference for Papico ice cream.

As part of upcoming Tanabata holiday in Japan (July 7th), people usually write their wishes down on strips of paper as part of the celebration. When Paruru is asked what she’d wish for, she says, “I want to write, ‘I hope this game becomes popular’, what what do you think of me saying this kind of ‘honest’ comment for the first time?'”

The press then asks, “Is this some kind of change of heart?” To which Paruru replies: “I said this during the election, but I’m going to change”, which was interpreted as meaning that she means to “graduate” from her salty reactions.

You can see some of her worries in her most recent election speech. Her demeanor is much different, and she mentions leading the junior members into AKB’s “second chapter”, which is an uncharacteristic saying from her previous speeches.

Yokoyama Yui, who was also present at the press event, follows up quickly by saying: “I don’t think she’ll stop (the salty reaction), but after a salty reaction, the sweetness of ice cream matches it just right.”