Michishige Sayumi

"Because I believed my cuteness would peak at 25 years old, I wanted to graduate while I was cute at 25 years old. Even though I graduated, I still thought, "Huh, I can't stop yet." (laughs) Until now I was only a cute woman, but from now on I'd like to show my charm and expressiveness as a 27-year-old adult."

- Michishige Sayumi, March 2017

Michishige Sayumi (道重さゆみ) is a Japanese pop-singer and talent. She is a former sixth generation member and leader of Morning Musume, as well as a former leader of Hello! Project.

She first became a member of Morning Musume in 2003, as a sixth generation member alongside Fujimoto Miki, Kamei Eri and Tanaka Reina. On November 26, 2014, she passed her leadership of Morning Musume to Fukumura Mizuki and Hello! Project to Yajima Maimi when she graduated.

She is well known for portraying a narcissistic image in TV shows, often calling herself the cutest member of Morning Musume. She created "Usa-chan Peace" (Bunny Peace), which is a phrase Michishige uses to identify herself.

Early Life
Michishige Sayumi was born on July 13, 1989 in Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan. She was named "Sayumi" because her father wanted her to resemble Horie Sayumi.

When she was in elementary school, she won an award for aerobics. She also took piano lessons.

2002-2004
In latter half of 2002, Michishige auditioned the Morning Musume LOVE Audition 2002 for an opportunity to join the group and successfully passed. On January 19, 2003, Michishige was introduced as a 6th generation member alongside Kamei Eri, Tanaka Reina and soloist Fujimoto Miki.

Michishige, along with Kamei and Tanaka, had their first stage debut on May 5th during the Morning Musume CONCERT TOUR 2003 Haru "NON STOP!", Yasuda Kei's graduation concert.

On July 30, 2003, Morning Musume's 19th single, "Shabondama", was released. This was Michishige's debut single, as well as Kamei and Tanaka's.

Following her debut single, Michishige was added to Morning Musume Otomegumi, one of two Morning Musume subgroups created to have performances in towns with smaller venues. The group released two singles: "Ai no Sono ~Touch My Heart!~", which was released on September 18, 2003, and "Yuujou ~Kokoro no Busu ni wa Naranee!~", which was released on February 25, 2004.

From October 7, 2013 to September 28, 2004, Michishige appeared in the show M no Mokushiroku as a regular along with Nakazawa Yuko.

2005
Michishige was assigned as mentor to 7th generation member Kusumi Koharu. She later admitted that she hated being Kusumi's mentor, because Kusumi had to be taught everything. Because it was too stressful for her, Michishige took out her frustration by plucking out her eyebrows. As a result, the mentor-pupil system within Morning Musume was removed.

2006
In October, Michishige began hosting her own half-hour radio show, Michishige Sayumi no Konya mo Usa-chan Peace, on CBC Radio every Monday at 23:30.

2007
On June 9, Michishige began co-hosting the radio show Young Town Doyoubi, following Fujimoto Miki's FRIDAY magazine scandal and subsequent resignation from Morning Musume. Her final appearance in the show was on November 22, 2014.

2009
Michishige appeared several times on different Japanese variety TV shows, either on her own or along with other members, usually with Yaguchi Mari. In the summer she gained decent recognition in the Japanese media due to her appearing in high-rated shows like London Hearts, Downtown DX and Odoru Sanma Goten, as well as in less popular shows. Netizens have pointed out “lately Michishige has been appearing often on TV.” A TV Guide article praised her sharp tongue. Michishige used her sharp tongue on her radio show where, on certain episodes, she would comment on something from the point of view of “Good/Angel Sayumi” and “Bad/Black/Devil Sayumi.”

It was revealed in July 2009 that Michishige would form part of Zoku v-u-den along with Junjun and Sugaya Risako.

2010
In February, Michishige officially opened up a Gree blog.

In March, Yaguchi Mari, Satoda Mai, and Michishige were revealed to be regulars on the midnight TBS show Aimai na!. Michishige confirmed on her blog that she would be a regular on the show.

The official site for the Momusu Rokkies (Morning Musume 6th Generation) event titled "Morning Musume Presents Kamei Eri, Michishige Sayumi, Tanaka Reina Premium Summer Dinner Show" at Prince Hotel in Shinigawa was opened.

2011
It was announced that Michishige would be the voice for "Harori" in the MMO game Dragon Nest.

Along with Tanaka Reina, Michishige hosted a premium Christmas dinner show on December 23 at the Prince Hotel.

2012
On January 2, it was announced that 5th Generation member Niigaki Risa would graduate from Morning Musume and Hello! Project on May 18. As Michishige was the second oldest in Morning Musume and Hello! Project at the time, Morning Musume and Hello! Project leadership was passed down to Michishige after the graduation of Niigaki on May 19. She became the 8th Morning Musume leader and the 4th Hello! Project leader.

On January 23, a contest was held in Japan during a press conference to pick a new voice for Harori from Dragon Nest, the in-game idol character Michishige had previously voiced. The contest was called "God Idol! Harori Junior-Senior Battle". The contestants were Tsugunaga Momoko, Barbie-san, and herself. The rest of the match took place online in which she came out victorious.

On October 10, Michishige opened an Ameba blog.

2013
On January 19, both Michishige and Tanaka Reina officially had spent 10 full years in Morning Musume. The graduation announcement of Tanaka meant that Michishige would become the last remaining sixth generation member of Morning Musume, as well as the last member remaining from the "Platinum Era".

On October 12, Michishige was declared the longest serving Morning Musume member, which was previously held by Niigaki Risa. On that day, she had served a total of 3,920 days in the group (Niigaki graduated with 3,919 days served).

On October 27, Michishige released a new photobook called Blue Rose.

2014
On January 1, Michishige started off the new year with a total of 4000 days in Morning Musume.

On January 19, Michishige became the first member to be in the group for 11 years.

On March 31, it was announced Michishige would hold a fanclub bus tour for her birthday, from July 12 to July 14 in her home prefecture Yamaguchi.

On April 29, during the Morning Musume '14 Concert Tour Haru ~Evolution~ concert in Yamaguchi, Michishige announced her graduation from Morning Musume and Hello! Project at the the end of Morning Musume '14's fall concert tour.

On June 14, Michishige, along with T.M.Revolution and w-inds., hosted the MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2014.

On September 20, Michishige announced that after her Yokohama Arena graduation, she would be taking a temporary leave of entertainment activities to rest her body and mind.

Michishige concluded her radio show Michishige Sayumi no Konya mo Usa-chan Peace on November 24 with an 1 hour special.

On November 26, Michishige graduated from Morning Musume and Hello! Project at Yokohama Arena. Michishige sang "Akai Freesia" as her graduation song in Morning Musume '14 Concert Tour Aki GIVE ME MORE LOVE ~Michishige Sayumi Sotsugyou Kinen Special~.

2016
On February 4, her last appearance on Music Station before her graduation, performing "One•Two•Three (Updated)" and "TIKI BUN" with Morning Musume '14, was featured as one of the most memorable last stages performance in the past 30 years of the TV program.

On October 2, Michishige made an entry on her blog for the first time in two years, simply saying, "Long time no see. I've tried to... update."

Thereafter, she has noticeably been making blog entries in a pattern. The first character of each entry title spelled out her name, and each entry was posted one day earlier than the one before it. Her second entry was posted after 10 days, the third entry was posted after 9 days, and so forth. Fans predicted that the dates would eventually count down to November 26, Michishige's graduation date, when she would announce her return.

On November 26, Michishige's blog entry finally spelled out "Michishige Sayumi Saisei" (道重さゆみ再生; Michishige Sayumi Rebirth) in hiragana, and in it she announced that should would be resuming activities next spring. Michishige aims for a "new sensation" of performance on stage, different from lives and musicals. She took vocal and dance lessons again in order to bring up her stamina and would announce her exact schedule once it has been decided.

On December 26, it was announced that Michishige would be joining M-line club in 2017.

2017
On January 27, it was announced on the M-line club website that Michishige would hold the first performance series of her return, titled SAYUMINGLANDOLL ~Saisei~, from March 19 to April 16 at COTTON CLUB and from May 17 to May 21 at STUDIO PARTITA. A soundtrack album, also Michishige's first solo album, was released at the venue on April 10.

On March 18, Michishige made her first media appearance since graduating as a guest on Sanma's radio show Young Town Doyoubi, in which she was previously a regular.

On March 27, she brought back her former radio show for a one night special, titled Michishige Sayumi no Konya mo Usa-chan Peace ~Ichiya Kagiri no Saisei Special~, and previewed a couple new songs from SAYUMINGLANDOLL ~Saisei~.

Michishige provided commentary for the cat photo collection Itoshi no Paris Neko -Oshare de Kawaii Paris no Neko Café de Iyasareru!-, which was photographed by Masa Tanaka at the two Le Café des Chats locations in Le Marais and Bastille. It was published on April 17.

Personal Life
Family= Her father works as a researcher for the chemical company Ube Industries. She has two siblings: an older brother, who is a tax accountant, and an older sister, a part-timer. She was raised as the youngest of 3 children.

After joining Morning Musume, Michishige moved to Tokyo with her mother and older sister. Michishige has strong bonds with both of them.

On November 20, 2013, Michishige's grandfather passed away. He had been in a coma since December 2012, and she had been making frequent visits to Yamaguchi Prefecture. Michishige has said in her blog that he was one of the most supportive family members and was always proud of her. A year later, on November 4, 2014, Michishige blogged that her grandmother passed away.

In extended family history, she is second cousins with Michishige Saho, a member of the idol group Houkago Princess. It has also been revealed that Buddhist Priest Michishige Shinkyo is Michishige Sayumi's ancestor from her paternal family's side.

On September 18, 2014, Michishige had been bothered by some red looking bubbles on her body for the past three days and they became painful when she sweat during rehearsals. After going to the hospital she was diagnosed with shingles and was prescribed medication for it to heal.
 * -|Health=

When Michishige joined Morning Musume in January 2003, she was near the end of her first year of middle school. It is assumed that she graduated from high school in March 2008.
 * -|Education=

The following list are notable friendships Michishige Sayumi has acquired:
 * -|Friendships=
 * Kamei Eri: Michishige met Kamei Eri during the 6th generation training camp and became close friends since.
 * Tanaka Reina: Michishige became close friends with the former Morning Musume member Tanaka Reina since Kamei Eri's graduation.
 * Sato Masaki: Michishige gets along well with Morning Musume member Sato Masaki.

During a release event for her photobook Blue Rose, Michishige revealed that she has no intentions of dating or getting married. If she were to get married, she'd like to live separately. She doesn't intend to get a divorce, she just wants to live with her sister and her mother because it's so comfortable for her, as new people make her feel uncomfortable.
 * -|Relationships=

As a member of Morning Musume for over a decade, Michishige has had a large number of nicknames through the years. Here is a list of nicknames that was used to refer to Michishige Sayumi:
 * -|Nicknames=
 * Sayumin (さゆみん): Official nickname, given her since joining Morning Musume. Used by members and fans.
 * Sayu (さゆ): Originally used by fellow 6th generation members Kamei Eri and Tanaka Reina. It has now been used by other members and fans.
 * Shige-san (シゲさん, 重さん): During the dance lessons for Morning Musume's 19th single, Shabondama, Yoshizawa Hitomi began calling Michishige "Shige-san" (しげさん). It has first heard publicly during a handshake event in May 2003 and was first recorded in the 2003-07-13 episode of Hello! Morning, both said by Yoshizawa. It has been used by other members and fans as well. In the contrary, Michishige doesn't like being called by that nickname as she doesn't find it cute. While a kanji version (重さん) has been used before, but it's used less frequently.
 * Oyakata (親方; Master): Originated in Youngtown Doyoubi. Commonly used by Sanma-san and herself.
 * Shige-pink (重ピンク): Used during Rainbow Pink performances.
 * Minishige-san (みにしげさん): Used by Sato Masaki.
 * Shige-chan (しげちゃん): Used by Nakazawa Yuko since September 2003.
 * Yayaomo (稍重 / ややおも): Used by Ishibashi Takaaki, when Morning Musume was at Utaban to take a lie detector test. Nakai Masahiro couldn't read her name properly and thus Ishibashi Takaaki made it up.
 * Sayu-chan (さゆちゃん): Used by family members. Sugaya Risako has also used it.
 * Sayusuke (さゆすけ): Used by Niigaki Risa.
 * Shigeko (重子): Used by Konno Asami.
 * Michi-san (道さん): Used by Sugaya Risako.
 * Sayurin: Used by Yaguchi Mari.
 * Chayu: (チャ湯) Name composed by American fans.

Michishige is named after NHK announcer Horie Sayumi, who her father was a fan of and so, hoping his own daughter would grow up to resemble Horie, decided to name her Sayumi.
 * -|Name Meaning=

Profile
Stats=
 * Name: Michishige Sayumi (道重さゆみ)
 * Official Nicknames: Sayu (さゆ), Sayumin (さゆみん)
 * Birth Date:
 * Birth Place: Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
 * Blood Type: A
 * Height: 160.4cm (5'3")
 * Hello! Project Status:
 * 2003-01-19: Member
 * 2003-01-19: Morning Musume Member
 * 2014-11-26: Graduated
 * UP-FRONT AGENCY Status:
 * 2003-01-19: Member
 * 2012-10-01: Transferred to UP-FRONT PROMOTION (as part of Morning Musume)
 * UP-FRONT PROMOTION Status:
 * 2012-10-01: Member
 * Years in Morning Musume: 11 Years
 * Official Kaomoji: 从*･ ｡.･）
 * Image Color:  (2006-present)
 * Morning Musume Color:
 *  (2005-2006)
 *  (2006-2014)
 * Morning Musume Otome Gumi Color: Purple
 * Hello! Project Groups:
 * Morning Musume (2003-2014)
 * Morning Musume Otome Gumi (2003-2004)
 * Ecomoni (2004–2007)
 * Rainbow Pink (2006-2009)
 * Zoku v-u-den (2009-2011)
 * Muten Musume (2010)
 * Hello! Project Mobekimasu (2011-2013)
 * Subgroups:Morning Musume Otome Gumi (2003–2004)
 * Concert Units:
 * Hello! Project Akagumi (2005)
 * Wonderful Hearts (2006)
 * Shuffle Units:
 * 2004: H.P. All Stars
 * Other:
 * Metro Rabbits H.P. (2006)
 * M-Line (2017-Present)
 * -|Q&A=
 * Hobbies: Collecting things (hair ties, stickers, collectible toys, erasers, etc.), talking.
 * Special skill: Braiding, Y-balance, math
 * Motto: Never refuse a gift
 * Favorite Word: "Thank you." (ありがと. ), "Left-right symmetry" (左右対称)
 * Favorite English Word: "Japan"
 * Favorite Color: Pink
 * Favorite Sports: Tennis
 * Favorite Artists: BeForU
 * Inspirational People: Ogura Yuko (Michishige has stated she thinks Yuko looks like herself)
 * Favorite Movie: Titanic, Celeb to Binbo Taro
 * Favorite Flowers: Red freesias
 * Favorite Animal: Cats (Retitled to Hello!Kitty)
 * Favorite Season: Summer, winter
 * Favorite Food: Mentaiko spaghetti, chocolate
 * Disliked Food: Avocado, milk
 * Favorite Manga: Bokura ga Ita, Angel Lip, Sugar Sugar Rune, Paradise Kiss, and Detective Conan.
 * Favorite Songs: "Go Girl ~Koi no Victory~," "KI・SE・KI," "Samui ne.", "Zutto Zutto Tomodachi," "Follow Me," "Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi," "Tokyo to Iu Katasumi"
 * Favorite Songs in the Past: "White Love," "Ai no Shirushi" by PUFFY, "Hidamari no Uta" by Le Couple

Discography

 * See Also: List:Michishige Sayumi Discography Featured In

Solo Albums

 * [2017.04.10] Michishige Sayumi "SAYUMINGLANDOLL ~Saisei~" Original Soundtrack

Solo DVDs

 * [2007.07.18] 17 ~Love Hello! Michishige Sayumi DVD~
 * [2008.10.01] LOVE STORY
 * [2009.07.22] 20's time.
 * [2010.04.28] Sayu
 * [2011.03.30] homey  (“e-Hello!” DVD)
 * [2013.11.26] Morning Days Happy Holiday ~Michishige Sayumi Birthday Fan Club Tour in Ibaraki~ (Fanclub DVD)
 * [2014.09.20] Morning Musume'14 Michishige Sayumi Sotsugyou Memorial (DVD Magazine)
 * [2014.10.26] Morning Days Happy Holiday ~Michishige Sayumi Birthday FC Bus Tour in Yamaguchi (Fanclub DVD)
 * [2014.11.19] SAYUMI+
 * [2015.01.27] Morning Musume'14 Michishige Sayumi FC Event 2014 (Fanclub DVD)

Solo Songs

 * [2004.09.14] Senkou Hanabi (せんこう花火; Toy Fireworks)  (Morning Musume cover)
 * [2009.03.18] It's You
 * [2012.09.12] Lalala no Pipipi (ラララのピピピ; The Pipipi of Lalala)
 * [2013.09.25] Aruiteru (Updated) (歩いてる) (Morning Musume cover)
 * [2014.10.15] Shabadaba Doo~ (シャバダバ ドゥ〜)

Publications

 * See also: List:Michishige Sayumi Publications Featured In

Photobooks

 * 1) [2004.10.29] Michishige Sayumi (道重さゆみ)
 * 2) [2007.01.13] Doukei (憧憬)
 * 3) [2007.06.30] 17 Love-Hello! Michishige Sayumi (17ラブハロ! 道重さゆみ)
 * 4) [2007.12.09] Sousou (蒼蒼)
 * 5) [2008.09.25] LOVE LETTER
 * 6) [2009.07.11] 20sai 7gatsu 13nichi (20歳7月13日)
 * 7) [2010.04.26] Lā
 * 8) [2011.10.27] Sayuminglandoll
 * 9) [2013.01.25] Mille-feuille (美ルフィーユ)
 * 10) [2013.10.27] Blue Rose
 * 11) [2014.10.26] YOUR LOVE

Digital Photobooks

 * [2007.08.10] 17 ~Love Hello! Michishige Sayumi~ Sweet Hen (17 ～ラブハロ!道重さゆみ写真集～ Sweet編)
 * [2008.01.23] 17 ~Love Hello! Michishige Sayumi~ Honey Hen (17 ～ラブハロ!道重さゆみ写真集～ Honey編)
 * [2011.11.04] Alo-Hello! Morning Musume 2011 (アロハロ！モーニング娘. 2011)
 * [2012.12.21] Alo-Hello! Morning Musume 2012 (アロハロ！モーニング娘. 2012)

Other Books

 * [2014.07.13] Sayu (Personal Book)
 * [2017.04.17] Itoshi no Paris Neko -Oshare de Kawaii Paris no Neko Café de Iyasareru!- (Commentary)

Movies

 * [2003] Hoshizuna no Shima, Watashi no Shima ~Island Dreamin'~ (星砂の島、私の島 ~アイランド・ドリーミン~)
 * [2005] Tatakae!! Cyborg Shibata San (闘え!! サイボーグしばた3)
 * [2011] Keitai Deka THE MOVIE 3 Morning Musume Kyuushutsu Daisakusen! ~Pandora no Hako no Himitsu (ケータイ刑事　THE　MOVIE3　モーニング娘. 救出大作戦！～パンドラの箱の秘密)
 * [2011] Kare wa Imouto no Koibito (彼は、妹の恋人)

Internet

 * [2005] Dai 10 Kai Hello Pro Video Chat (第10回ハロプロビデオチャット)
 * [2006] Hello Pro Hour (ハロプロアワー) (4 episodes)
 * [2006] Aozora Shower (青空シャワー)
 * [2011] Michishige Sayumi no "Mobekimasutte Nani??" (道重さゆみの『モベキマスってなに？？』
 * [2013–2014] Hello! Project Station

TV Programs

 * [2003–2007] Hello! Morning (ハロー! モーニング)
 * [2003] Soreyuke! Gorokkies (それゆけ!ゴロッキーズ)
 * [2003–2004] M no Mokushiroku (Mの黙示録) (regular)
 * [2004] Futarigoto (二人ゴト)
 * [2006-2008] Utadoki! ~Pop Classics~ (歌ドキッ! ～ポップクラシックス～)
 * [2007–2008] Haromoni@ (ハロモニ@)
 * [2008] Berikyuu! (ベリキュー!)
 * [2008–2009] Yorosen! (よろセン!)
 * [2009–2010] Bijou Houdan (美女放談)
 * [2010–2011] Aimai na! (あいまいナ!) (regular)
 * [2010–2011] Bijo Gaku (美女学)
 * [2011] Zaki Kami! ~Zakiyama-san to Yukai na Nakamatachi~ (ザキ神っ! ～ザキヤマさんとゆかいな仲間たち～) (regular)
 * [2011–2012] Hello Pro! TIME (ハロプロ！ＴＩＭＥ)
 * [2011] Ikinari Ougon Densetsu (いきなり黄金伝説) (In 10,000 Yen Challenge)
 * [2012] Chihara Geinousha (千原芸能社)
 * [2012-2013] Hello! SATOYAMA Life (ハロー! SATOYAMA ライフ)
 * [2014; 2017–] The Girls Live

TV Dramas

 * [2010] Hanbun Esper (半分エスパー)
 * [2012] Suugaku♥Joshi Gakuen (数学♥女子学園)

Web Dramas

 * [2006] Ojigi 30 Do (おじぎ30度) (as Chii Ruruka)
 * [2011] Kare wa, Imouto no Koibito (彼は、妹の恋人)

Video Games

 * [2011] Dragon Nest

Commercials

 * [2013] Dragon Nest

Theater

 * [2006] Ribbon no Kishi The Musical
 * [2008] Ojigi 30do On Stage
 * [2008] Cinderella the Musical
 * [2009] Ojigi de Shape Up!
 * [2010] Fashionable
 * [2011] Real-etude Minna no Ie Girl's STAGE (リアルエチュード みんなの家 Girl's STAGE)
 * [2012] Idol Nihonryuu ~Onna Nichibu~ (アイドル日本流～おんな日舞～)

Radio

 * [2006–2014] Michishige Sayumi no Konya mo Usa-chan Peace (道重さゆみの今夜もうさちゃんピース)
 * [2007–2014; 2017] Young Town Doyoubi (ヤングタウン土曜日)
 * [2017] Michishige Sayumi no Konya mo Usa-chan Peace ~Ichiya Kagiri no Saisei Special~ (道重さゆみの今夜もうさちゃんピース〜一夜限りの再生スペシャル〜)

Rankings

 * She ranked #51 in CDTV's 2004 "Which artist do you want as your girlfriend/lover?" poll.
 * She ranked #54 in CDTV's 2005 "Who you wanted to have as your Valentine" poll.
 * She was voted 5th favorite member in the 2008 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She was voted 8th favorite member in the 2009 "Hello! Project Music Awards event.
 * She ranked #5 in the TV show Prime Minister Ōta's 2010 "Most hated celebrities by women".
 * She ranked #2 in Nikkei Entertainment magazine's 2010 "Most HATED female entertainers".
 * She ranked #9 in Shukan Bunshun magazine's 2010 "female celebrities most hated by women".
 * She ranked #13 in goo's 2010 "Most promising new adults".
 * She ranked #2 in "Girls Other Girls Love to Hate 2010".
 * She ranked #18 in CDTV's 2010 "Which artist do you want as your sweetheart?" poll.
 * She ranked #85 in ENTAME magazine's "Most Influential female Idols of 2010".
 * She was voted 8th favorite member in the 2010 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She ranked #11 in Shukan Bunshun magazine's 2011 "Female Celebs Most Disliked by Other Women".
 * She ranked #14 on BUBKA magazine's most hated women of 2011.
 * She was voted 3rd favorite member in the 2011 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She was voted 2nd favorite member in the 2012 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She ranked at #26 in Anikan R Yanyan magazine's May 2013 "Singing idol you like the most".
 * She ranked 2nd in mixi's June 2013 Hello! Project Popularity Ranking.
 * She ranked #18 in All Night Nippon Listener's 2013 Overall Female Idol Ranking.
 * She ranked 5th in Nippon Cultural Broadcasting recommendation's 2013 "Female Idol Faces General Election".
 * She ranked #3 in Ichiban song show's 2013 "Top 5 artists from Yamaguchi Prefecture" ranking.
 * She ranked at #23 in Anikan R Yanyan magazine's September 2013 "Singing idol you like the most".
 * She ranked at #29 in Anikan R Yanyan magazine's October 2013 "Singing idol you like the most".
 * She was voted 2nd favorite member in the 2013 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She ranked #18 in Nikkei Entertainment magazine's 2014 "Talent Power Ranking".
 * In a poll taken by J-melo, she was voted the most popular member of Morning Musume in foreign countries.
 * She ranked at #8 in Recomen!'s 2nd annual "Female idol face" election.
 * She ranked 10th in Oricon Star magazine's 2014 "Favorite female idol chosen by 300 female readers".
 * She ranked 4th in Oricon Star magazine's 2014 "Favorite female idol chosen by 100 female readers in their 20's".
 * She ranked 7th in Oricon Star magazine's 2014 "Favorite female idol chosen by 100 female readers in their 30's".
 * She ranked 3rd in a poll done on AKB48's TV show "※AKB Shirabe" asking which non-AKB48 idols they're glad they don't have to compete with as rivals within the group.

Trivia

 * She is currently the longest running Morning Musume member with a total of 11 years (4329 days). She is also featured in the most Morning Musume singles with 39 total.
 * At the time of her graduation, she was the only Morning Musume member to have been in the group at the same time as a first, second, fourth, and seventh generation members. The oldest generation after her graduation (9th generation) have been in the group with a member of every generation from five onwards, with the exception of seven.
 * When Michishige passed the audition to join Morning Musume, Tsunku wrote a comment about her saying her singing was weak. After the audition, Michishige took vocal lessons to improve her singing, but even she admitted that her own singing was still bad.
 * It was revealed by Tsunku in Music Fighter that although her singing skill is below average, she was chosen for her unknown charm point at that time. However, she did want to sing and asked Tsunku to give her more singing parts.
 * In the Hello Pro Maruwakari BOOK 2014, Michishige answered that her favorite member was Sugaya Risako, she would like to have Yajima Maimi as her boyfriend and Wada Ayaka as her girlfriend, and she thought Haga Akane was an interesting Hello Pro Kenshuusei.
 * She is a fan of AKB48, Perfume, Idoling!!!, and BeForU.
 * She is noted for not having changed her hair in terms of color since she joined, since she considers her natural black hair as her charm point.
 * Prior to joining Morning Musume, she admired Takahashi Ai and Ishikawa Rika the most.
 * She is known to be the most narcissistic member.
 * She is well known for trying to kiss the other members during concerts, especially Takahashi Ai.
 * She called Ikuta Erina her rival.
 * In Yorosen!, she taught ℃-ute about railroads. Michishige revealed she is a "rail-ota" (combination of "railroad" and "otaku") and her favorite train is the Blue Train.
 * When asked who she would be if she could be another Hello! Project member, she said Suzuki Airi with the comment "to have that good feeling, singing songs with charm, just like her!"
 * When asked what point of her makeup she is most particular about she replied curling her lashes and keeping her cheeks pink.
 * During a TV performance recording of "Shabondama" in 2003, she accidently tossed her microphone on the floor and pretended to sing with a mic for the rest of the song. It was never aired, but was shown as a question in a Hello! Morning quiz episode.
 * Since she became leader, Tsunku showed his appreciation towards Michishige by saying how reliable she has become and how her singing has improved vastly since becoming leader.
 * She is allergic to cats, however, she one day wants to own one, and she often blogs pictures with her sister's cat.
 * Her favorite word in English is "Japan".
 * She has mentioned that her favorite Hello Pro Kenshuusei member was Makino Maria, who Michishige is also idolized by in return.
 * When she joined Morning Musume as a 12th generation member, Makino was happy she was given light pink as her official member color because she loved Michishige, who's own member color was pink.
 * Every single released under her leadership was certified Gold by RIAJ, recognizing more than 100,000 copies sold.
 * She has multiple fans in show business (outside Hello! Project), including Ichikawa Miori, Kojima Haruna, Yanagihara Kanoko, Furusaki Hitomi, Sasazaki Mami and Sakaguchi Anri.
 * On her radio show, Michishige says her family all became narcissistic like her.
 * She is the last member of her generation to graduate.
 * During her graduation concert, she kissed Sayashi Riho in "Kare to Issho ni Omise ga Shitai!".
 * Takahashi Ai sent her a picture of a running man once, and nothing else, which confused her.
 * Her likeness was used in episode #18 of the anime series Gintama as a maid cafe waitress doing the Usa-chan Peace pose.