Takahashi Ai

Takahashi Ai (高橋愛), Legal Name Abe Ai (阿部愛), is a Japanese singer, actress and model managed by. She is best known as the former leader of Morning Musume and Hello! Project and as a former member of Minimoni. She joined Morning Musume in 2001 through the fifth generation auditions. In 2009, Takahashi became the leader of Hello! Project. However, on September 30, 2011, she passed her leadership of Morning Musume and Hello! Project to Niigaki Risa when she graduated. As of 2009, she was the longest-serving leader.

Early Life
Takahashi Ai was born on September 14, 1986 in Sakai, Fukui Prefecture to a couple whose name are undisclosed.

During her childhood, she practiced ballet.

2001
Takahashi Ai joined Morning Musume in 2001 as part of the group's fifth generation along with Ogawa Makoto, Konno Asami, and Niigaki Risa. Her debut with the group was on their 13th single "Mr.Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~ ".

2002
In 2002, The first album she featured on was the group's fourth album, titled "4th Ikimasshoi!". It is currently their second highest selling album, with a total of 515,400 copies sold. Soon after Takahashi entered into her first Hello! Project Shuffle Unit, Happy 7, as one of the group's lead singers.

2003
In 2003, Takahashi replaced Yaguchi Mari in the Morning Musume spinoff group Minimoni, first appearing in the group's movie; Minimoni ja Movie: Okashi na Daibōken! and its accompanying soundtrack. Later in 2003, she was part of the Morning Musume splinter group Morning Musume Sakura Gumi, which performed mainly slower numbers on the group's two singles, Hare Ame Nochi Suki♥ and Sakura Mankai, and the shuffle group 7AIR, an Rhythm & Blues inspired septet.

2004
Takahashi's vocals became more prominent on the second and final Minimoni album, "Minimoni Songs 2", as well as on Morning Musume's singles from Roman ~MY DEAR BOY~ onward. She also had a duet with Tsunku on the cover version of Tsunku and Ayumi Hamasaki's duet "Love ~since 1999~" on his solo album Take1.

2005
In 2005, Morning Musume's first single release of the year, THE Manpower!!, featured Takahashi in a prominent co-lead-vocal role, a role she has retained on subsequent singles since. In the summer of that year, she became part of the 2005 shuffle group Elegies.

2006
In 2006, Takahashi played the lead role, Sapphire, in the musical "Ribbon no Kishi The Musical" which was a collaboration work of Takarazuka Revue (a famous Japanese all-female musical group) and Hello! Project. The musical was based on Tezuka Osamu's manga and also starred the entirety of v-u-den, Tsuji Nozomi, Matsuura Aya and Abe Natsumi, as well as Marcia and Kaoru Ebira of the Takarazuka Revue. Soon thereafter, Takahashi released her first solo single, Yume Kara Samete.

2007
Following then-leader Yoshizawa Hitomi graduation from Morning Musume on May 6, 2007, the current sub-leader, Fujimoto Miki ascended to the leader position, with Takahashi becoming the new sub-leader of the group. However, on June 1, 2007, after Fujimoto's resignation, Takahashi took over as the new leader.

Takahashi is also captain of the Hello! Project kickball team, Metro Rabbits H.P.

2008
Takahashi became a member of Hello Project's new unit High-King, a group created to promote Morning Musume's upcoming Cinderella the Musical, in which Takahashi played the main character. It was announced in July 2008, that Takahashi and fellow Morning Musume member Niigaki Risa would play the 80s J-Pop duo Pink Lady in the TV Drama Hitmaker Aku Yuu Monogatari.

As of September 2008, she and Niigaki Risa have the second longest tenures of any member, with only Iida Kaori remaining in the group longer. She is also one of only four members to remain in the group for seven years or more, with the others being Iida Kaori, Yoshizawa Hitomi and Niigaki Risa.

2009
In February 1, 2009, during the "Hello Pro Award '09 ~Elder Club Sotsugyo Kinen Special~" concert held at Yokohama Arena, Nakazawa Yuko passed on her leadership position in Hello! Project to Takahashi.

On February 16, 2009, Niigaki Risa and Takahashi tied with 1st Generation member Iida Kaori with 26 singles featured in.

Around December 2009, Ai Takahashi promoted the release of Final Fantasy XIII in Japan.

2010
Takahashi joined the Inter FM FIVESTARS radio lineup by getting her own regular radio show.

Takahashi is currently studying English through the use of the PSP game Talkman. Takahashi is going to dub a Korean Drama called Accidental Couple. Takahashi dubbed the part of the main actress Kim Ah-joong who plays Han Ji-soo.

Takahashi Ai has opened up an official Ameba blog.

2011
At the beginning of 2011, it was announced that Takahashi would graduate in Autumn 2011, passing leadership of Morning Musume and Hello! Project to then sub-leader Niigaki Risa.

Here's a statement from Takahashi: "Since Eri graduated, Tsunku told me to think about when I should graduate too. There is still a lot of time so, after having been the leader for 9th gen and having taken good care of them, I want to graduate." -Takahashi Ai.

It was announced that Takahashi Ai would be the lead actress in a special Valentine Day's drama titled Koi Choco - Bitter Sweet Angel (Chocolate Love – Bitter Sweet Angel).

Takahashi cut and dyed her hair blonde in around April.

It was announced that Takahashi would be opening an official Ameba Shop.

On June 23, it was announced that she would have a solo song on her last single with Morning Musume titled Jishin Motte Yume Motte Tobitatsu Kara.

On June 30, Morning Musume 2011 Autumn Concert Tour title was revealed to be "Morning Musume Concert Tour 2011 Aki Ai Believe ~Takahashi Ai Graduation Memory Special~". Takahashi would graduate from Morning Musume on the final day of the tour on September 30, at the Nippon Budokan.

On July 26, it was announced that Takahashi would release her last Photobook and DVD.

It was annoucned that Takahashi would be in a musical titled Dance Of Vampire. The musical took place from 11/27 until 12/24.

On August 26, 2011, Takahashi and Niigaki Risa turned 10 years being in Morning Musume. Both of them were the first members in Morning Musume history to pass the 10 year mark.

On September 23, 2011, it was announced that Takahashi would be appointed Ambassador for her hometown Fukui. She was appointed Ambassador on September 26, 2011.

On September 30, 2011, Takahashi officially graduated from Morning Musume and Hello! Project. Takahashi's graduation song was Jishin Motte Yume Motte Tobitatsu Kara in the Morning Musume Concert Tour 2011 Aki Ai Believe ~Takahashi Ai Graduation Memory Special~.

On October 3, 2011, it was announced that Takahashi is a part of the M-Line.

On October 11, 2011, it was announced that Takahashi would be a regular MC on the Ameba Studio show Joshi Chikara Café ~Aisukurissu~ hosted by Chris Matsumura. The show aired every Wednesday starting from October 12 at 10PM (JST).

On November 25, it was announced that Takahashi Ai would be part of the cast for a stage play titled La Patisserie. The play ran from 3/3 ~ 3/11 in Tokyo, 3/20, 3/22 in Osaka and Ishikawa

2012
On May 6, Takahashi announced that she would be part of Taira no Kiyomori, debuting in June. She played Tsuneko, the wife of Kiyomori's eldest son.

Takahashi starred in a stage play titled High School Uta Gekidan☆Otoko-gumi. The play ran from 9/12 ~ 9/23,

Oc October 1, Takahashi was transfered to along with other UP-FRONT PROMOTION members.

It was announced that Takahashi would be voicing a character in the hit anime Detective Conan. The episodes she appears in are expected to be aired in early 2013.

2013
On February 12, Hello! Project Fanclub News announced that Takahashi will star in a stageplay titled Moshimo Kokumin ga Shusho o Erandara along with Ishikawa Rika, S/mileage members Wada Ayaka and Fukuda Kanon, and Juice=Juice  members Miyamoto Karin and Uemura Akari. There will be 11 showings and it will run from April 24th through the 30th.

On March 18, Takahashi appeared in the commercial “Ai to Kumao” for insect repellent “Mushuda”. This was her first time appearing solo on a commercial.

On May 10, Takahashi was the model for Vanquish Venus fashion magazine.

Takahashi will have a solo-live titled "Takahashi Ai Sparkling Live in Yuigahama" on July 21.

Takahashi will be participating in a musical called "Merrily We Roll Along" sometime around November.

On July 3, It was annouced that Takahashi will be going to Thailand for Japan Festa 2013 this coming August 31- September 1. She will be holding a free mini live and handshaking event.

On July 16, it was annouced that she will be holding a birthday live on September 14 and 16. The title is called "Ai Takahashi Birthday Live 2013 ~HELLO♥27~" September 14 in Tokyo and September 16 in Osaka. Later, her Osaka performance was cancelled due to a typhoon.

On September 10, HMV annouced that Takahashi will be releasing her first stylebook. It will include a interview of her Morning Musume days as well as her idea of love. It will also include how to find a outfit, hair tips, and makeup. It will be released on October 18.

Takahashi will be a regular in the new TV drama Jikken Keiji Totori 2 which is set to air on October 12.

Takahashi will have a main role in the movie Kara-age☆USA. Filming for the movie will be in Usa city, Oita prefecture in late October to November. The movie will release in Summer 2014.

On December 20, it was announced that Takahashi is engaged to her boyfriend, Abe Koji, and they plan to get married on February 14, 2014. Their wedding ceremony is planned for sometime after May.

2014
On March 17, Takahashi appeared in another commercial for “Mushuda” titled "Live". 

Personal Life
Family= She is the oldest child in her family and has one sister who is two years younger.

When Takahashi joined Morning Musume, she was a third middle school student.
 * -|Education=

Friendships Takahashi met Niigaki Risa during the 5th generation training camp and became close friends since.
 * -|Relationships=

Romantic Relationships On August 16, Nikkan Sports reported that Takahashi and Abe Koji were engaged and planned to get married within the year. However, it was later revealed that neither of their agencies knew about the news and according to Takahashi, they are just friends and have no plans on getting married. On August 18, Abe Koji confirmed that he and Takahashi were in a relationship, after both of their agencies denied that they were. At that point they still had no plans of getting married.

On Feburary 14, Takahashi officially got married.

On May 30, Takahashi and Abe Koji annouced that they will have their wedding ceremony in Hawaii on June 2nd.

Here is a list of nicknames that was used to refer to Takahashi Ai:
 * -|Nicknames=
 * Ai-chan (愛ちゃん): Official nickname, given her since joining Morning Musume. Used by members and fans.

Profile
Stats=
 * Name: Takahashi Ai (高橋愛)
 * Legal Name: Abe Ai (阿部愛)
 * Nickname: Ai-chan (愛ちゃん), Aikyun, Takitty, Lovely (ラブリー), Tettekete (テッテケテー), Aiai, Ai-chan-san
 * Birth date:
 * Birthplace: Sakai, Fukui Prefecture, Japan
 * Blood type: A
 * Height: 154 cm
 * Shoe Size: 23.5 cm
 * Eastern Zodiac: Tiger
 * Western Zodiac: Virgo
 * Hello! Project Status:
 * 2001-08-26: Member
 * 2001-08-26: Morning Musume Member
 * 2011-09-30: Graduated
 * UP-FRONT PROMOTION Status:
 * 2001-08-26: Member
 * 2012-10-01: Transfered to UP-FRONT CREATE
 *  Status:
 * 2012-10-01: Member
 * Years in Morning Musume: 10 Years
 * Former Morning Musume Color:
 * Gold (2002-2006)
 * Yellow (2006-2011)
 * Former Sakura Gumi Color:
 * Light Blue (2003-2007)
 * Audition Songs: Tsumetai Umi
 * Hello! Project Groups:
 * Morning Musume (2001-2011)
 * High-King (2008)
 * Muten Musume (2010)
 * Subgroups:
 * Minimoni (2003-2004)
 * Morning Musume Sakura Gumi (2003-2004)
 * Concert Units:
 * Hello! Project Akagumi (2005)
 * Wonderful Hearts (2006-2011)
 * Shuffle Units:
 * Happy 7 (2002)
 * 7AIR (2003)
 * H.P. All Stars (2004)
 * Elegies (2005)
 * Other:
 * Pocky Girls (2002)
 * Metro Rabbits H.P. (2006-2011)
 * M-Line (2011-Present)
 * -|Q&A=
 * Hobbies: Watching movies and watching plays
 * Specialty: Making candy
 * Strong Point: Keeps Anger inside
 * Favorite Animal: Bear
 * Favorite food: Sauce Katsudon and Omurice
 * Disliked food: Mont blanc, eggplant, pineapple, musubi, perilla leaves
 * Favorite color: Red, pink
 * Favorite word: "Yes, we can"
 * Favorite English phrase: "I am Ai", "Oh sh*t"
 * Favorite season: Autumn
 * Favorite flowers: Roses
 * Favorite song: Tsumetai Umi / Start in My Life by Kuraki Mai, First Love by Utada Hikaru
 * Favorite Hello! Project member: Tanaka Reina, Niigaki Risa, Michishige Sayumi
 * Inspirations: Kana Tsugihara, Utada Hikaru, Nakazawa Yuko
 * Rival: Matsuura Aya

Discography

 * ''See Also: Takahashi Ai Discography Featured in

Singles

 * [2002.11.27] Genki Jirushi no Oomori Song / Okashi Tsukutte Okkasui~! (げんき印の大盛りソング / お菓子つくっておっかすぃ〜; Song Piled High With Energetic Signs / Making Strange Sweets) (Minimoni to Takahashi Ai + 4KIDS)

Digital Singles

 * [2006.07.02] Yume Kara Samete (夢から醒めて; Awoken from a Dream)
 * [2011.01.27] Koi wo Shichaimashita! (恋をしちゃいました!; I Fell in Love!) (Tanpopo cover)
 * [2011.03.02] LOVE Namida Iro (LOVE涙色; LOVE the Color of Tears) (Matsuura Aya cover)
 * [2011.03.30] Akai Nikkichou (赤い日記帳; Red Diary) (Akagumi 4 cover)
 * [2011.03.30] Dearest (Matsuura Aya cover)
 * [2011.03.30] Furusato (ふるさと; Hometown) (Morning Musume cover)
 * [2012.05.09] HAPPY! Ippuku Maru (HAPPY!いっぷくまる)

Solo Songs

 * [2004.09.14] Furusato  (from Morning Musume Best Shot Vol.3) (Morning Musume Cover)
 * [2006.12.13] Yuki / Ai x Anata ≥ Suki (雪 / 愛×あなた≧好き; Snow / Love x You > Love)
 * [2009.07.15] Cosmos (秋桜)
 * [2010.12.01] Denwa de ne (電話でね; On The Phone, Right?)
 * [2011.09.14] Jishin Motte Yume wo Motte Tobitatsu Kara (自信持って夢持って飛び立つから; I Take Off While Being Confident and Having Dreams)

Compilations / Other

 * [2011.12.05] Hello! Project - Petit Best 12 (#5 Jishin Motte Yume wo Motte Tobitatsu Kara)
 * [2012.05.23] Janet Kay - Idol Kay (アイドルKAY) (featured vocals on #10 LOVE Machine)
 * [2013.07.31] Atari Kousuke - Best Covers Motto ~Nippon.~ (ベストカバーズ〜もっと日本. 〜) (featured vocals on #2 Ame no Furanai Hoshi dewa Aisenai Darou?)

Publications

 * ''See also: Takahashi Ai Publications Featured in

Solo Photobooks

 * 1) [2002.12.09] Takahashi Ai (高橋愛)
 * 2) [2003.12.17] Alo Hello! Takahashi Ai (アロハロ!高橋愛)
 * 3) [2004.05.27] Wataame (わたあめ)
 * 4) [2005.06.25] Ai Gokoro (愛ごころ)
 * 5) [2006.01.27] 19
 * 6) [2006.10.27] ai
 * 7) [2007.03.14] Love-Hello! Takahashi Ai Shashinshuu in Phuket (ラブハロ！高橋愛写真集inプーケット)
 * 8) [2007.10.26] Mizu (水)
 * 9) [2008.05.26] Mou Hitotsu no Ai (もうひとつの愛)
 * 10) [2009.05.23] Watashi (私)
 * 11) [2010.05.27] Katachi (形)
 * 12) [2011.03.28] LOVE NO.10
 * 13) [2011.09.14] Ai Ai Ai (愛 愛 愛)
 * 14) [2013.10.18] AI am I. (Fashion book)
 * 15) [2014.09.13] I have AI. (Fashion book)

Movies

 * [2002] Tokkaekko (とっかえっ娘. )
 * [2002] Minimoni the Movie Okashi na Daibouken! (ミニモニ. じゃムービーお菓子な大冒険！)
 * [2002] Jam Films (segment 'Hijiki')
 * [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] Sharehouse (シェアハウス)
 * [2012] High School Kagekidan - Otokogumi (ハイスクール歌劇団☆男組)
 * [2013] Kyouryou wo Horou (恐竜を掘ろう)
 * [2014] Kara-age☆USA (カラアゲ☆ＵＳＡ)

TV Programs

 * [2001-2007] Hello! Morning (ハロー! モーニング)
 * [2002] Matthew's Best Hit TV
 * [2002-2004] Tintin TOWN! (ティンティンTOWN!)
 * [2003] Soreyuke! Gorokkies (それゆけ!ゴロッキーズ) (65 episodes)
 * [2004] Futarigoto (二人ゴト) (4 episodes)
 * [2004] Majokko Rika-chan no Magical v-u-den (魔女っ娘. 梨華ちゃんのマジカル美勇伝)
 * [2005] Musume DOKYU! (娘DOKYU!)
 * [2007] Haromoni@ (ハロモニ@)
 * [2008–2009] Yorosen! (よろセン!)
 * [2010-2011] Bijo Gaku
 * [2011] Hello Pro! TIME
 * [2013-] Soccer Planet (サッカープラネット) (as caster)
 * [2013-] Yogaku Club @ glee (洋楽倶楽部@glee)

TV Dramas

 * [2002] Angel Hearts
 * [2002] Kochira Hon Ikegami Sho (こちら本池上署) (as Tamiya Shiho) (1 episode)
 * [2002] Mikeneko Holmes no Hanzaigaku Kouza (三毛猫ホームズの犯罪学講座) (as Hamano Kaori)
 * [2002] Liliput Oukoku (リリパット王国) (Voice actor)
 * [2004] Minimoni de Bremen no Ongakutai (ミニモニ. でブレーメンの音楽隊) (as Kurimura Chiyono) (4 episodes)
 * [2006] Tenka Souran ~ Tokugawa Sandai no Inmou (天下騒乱〜徳川三代の陰謀) (as Tokugawa Misako)
 * [2006] Doutoku Joshi Tandai Ecoken (道徳女子短大 エコ研)
 * [2008] Hitmaker Aku Yu Monogatari (ヒットメーカー 阿久悠物語) (as Mie of Pink Lady)
 * [2009] Q.E.D. Shoumei Shuuryou (Q.E.D. 証明終了) (as Mizuhara Kana)
 * [2010] Hanbun Esper (半分エスパー) (special guest) (3 episodes)
 * [2011] Koi Choco Bitter Sweet Angel (恋チョコ ビターズエンジェル) (as Takagi Ayana)
 * [2012] ATARU (アタル) (as Kojima Yuko)
 * [2012] Taira no Kiyomori (平清盛)
 * [2012] Juhou 2405 Watashi ga Shinu Wake (呪報2405 ワタシが死ぬ理由)
 * [2013] Ryuusei☆Vacation (流星☆バケーション)
 * [2013] Jikken Keiji Totori 2 (実験刑事トトリ2)

Animes

 * [2003] Hamtaro Movie 3: Miracle in Aurora Valley (voice of Taka)
 * [2012] Meitantei Conan (名探偵コナン) (as Nanao Futaba)

Voice-over Dubs

 * [2010] The Accidental Couple (アクシデント・カップル) (as Han Jisoo)

Commercials

 * [2013-] S.T. Corporation (エステー)

Music Videos

 * [2012] Dream Morning Musume - Shining Butterfly
 * [2013] Ame no Furanai Hoshi de wa Aisenai Darou? - Atari Kousuke (Morning Musume cover)

Internet

 * [2006] Doutoku Joshi Tandai Ecoken (道徳女子短大エコ研)
 * [2006] Ojigi 30 Do (おじぎ30度) (as Kinoshita Karin)
 * [2009-2010] Takahashi Ai no Ichigo Ichie (苺いちえ) (FC Limited)
 * [2011-2013] Joshi Chikara Cafe~Aisuikuri~su~ (女子力cafe～あいすくりーす～)
 * [2012] Ii ne! JAPAN Project (いいね!JAPANプロジェクト)
 * [2013-] Boom UP TV

Radio

 * [2003-] Young Town Douyoubi (ヤングタウン土曜日) (on Saturdays)
 * [2004-2006] Hello Pro Yanen! (ハロプロやねん!) (6 episodes)
 * [2005] Ishikawa Rika no Chanchaka Charmy
 * [2005] TBC FUN Field Mou Let's Mou Dash (TBC FUNふぃーるど・モーレツモーダッシュ) (2 episodes)
 * [2010-2011] FIVE STARS

Theater

 * [2006] Ribbon no Kishi The Musical (リッボンの騎士ザ・ミュージカル) (as Sapphire)
 * [2008] Ojigi 30do On Stage (おじぎ30度 オン・ステージ) (as Kinoshita Karin)
 * [2008] Cinderella the Musical (シンデレラ the ミュージカル) (as Cinderella)
 * [2009] Ojigi de Shape Up! (おじぎでシェイプアップ!) (as Kinoshita Karin)
 * [2010] Fashionable (ファッショナブル) (as Hasegawa Coco)
 * [2010] Watashi no Atama no Naka no Keshigomu 2nd letter (私の頭の中の消しゴム 2nd letter) (as Kaori)
 * [2010] Real Etude ~Takahashi Family to Niigaki Family (リアルエチュード『高橋さんと新垣さん家』)
 * [2011] "Hamlet" & Tragic? "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" (「ハムレット」＆悲劇？「ローゼンクランツとギルデンスターンは死んだ」) (as Ophelia)
 * [2011] Dance of The Vampires (ダンス　オブ　ヴァンパイア) (as Sarah)
 * [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] La Patisserie (ラ・パティスリー) (as Morisawa Kaori)
 * [2012] Akage no An (赤毛のアン)
 * [2012] High School Uta Gekidan ☆ Otokogumi (ハイスクール歌劇団☆男組)
 * [2012] Joshikousei Chiyo (女子高生チヨ)
 * [2013] The Wedding Singer (ウェディングシンガー) (as Julia)
 * [2013] Moshimo Kokumin ga Shusho o Erandara (もしも国民が首相を選んだら)
 * [2013] Watashi no Atama no Naka no Keshigomu 5th letter (私の頭の中の消しゴム 5th letter)
 * [2013] Merrily We Roll Along (メリリー・ウィ・ロール・アロン)

Rankings

 * She ranked #17 in CDTV's 2004 "Which artists would you have as your girlfriend/lover" poll.
 * She ranked #17 in CDTV's 2005 "Who you wanted to have as your Valentine" poll.
 * She ranked #8 in CDTV's 2007 "Which artists would you have as your girlfriend/lover?".
 * She ranked #6 in CDTV's February 2008 "Which artists would you have as a girlfriend/lover?" poll.
 * She ranked #6 in CDTV's August 2008 "Which artists would you have as a girlfriend/lover?" poll.
 * She ranked #3 in CDTV's 2009 "Which artists would you have as your girlfriend/lover" poll.
 * She was voted 5th favorite member in the 2009 Hello! Project Music Awards Event.
 * She ranked #4 in CDTV's 2010 "Which artists do you want as your sweetheart?" poll.
 * She ranked #118 in ENTAME magazine's "Most Influential female Idols of 2010".
 * She was voted 10th favorite member in the 2010 Hello! Project Music Awards Event.
 * She ranked #26 in CDTV's 2011 "Favorite Female Artist" Ranking.
 * She ranked #5 in music goo's 2011 "The best former leaders of Morning Musume" poll.
 * She was voted 6th favorite member in the 2011 Hello! Project Music Awards Event.
 * She ranked #28 in Anikan R Yanyan magazine's May 2013 "Singing idol you like the most".
 * She ranked #2 in Ichiban song show's 2013 "Top 5 artists from Fukui prefecture".
 * She ranked #5 by males in My Navi Woman's 2013 "Favorite Morning Musume Members" poll.

Trivia

 * She is close friends with her fellow fifth generation members Konno Asami, Ogawa Makoto, and especially Niigaki Risa.
 * Graduated from Hinode High School, a private academy known for its many celebrity students.
 * Highly skilled and trained in classical ballet and singing. Entered a nation-wide competition with her junior high choir.
 * On October 7, 1999, she appeared on the "BS Junior Nodo Jiman" singing competition held in Sabaeshi in Fukui and won the Best Stage Award.
 * Her photobook 19 holds the #1 spot in photobook rankings in 2006.
 * Has been a huge fan of Takarazuka since her childhood. She wanted to be a Takarasienne but gave up on it due to her short height. She is noted by other members for trying to make them watch videos of Takarazuka productions. Her favorite performer is Mizu Natsuki.
 * Has personally acknowledged she is not good at talk/interview portions.
 * She is the first member of Morning Musume to reach the age of 24 while still in the group (Nakazawa Yuko was already 24 when the group was formed).
 * She and Niigaki Risa were the last members in Morning Musume and Hello! Project that joined before Hello! Project Kids.
 * In Morning Musume concerts, she was often kissed by Michishige Sayumi..
 * She often says that Goto Maki is senpai (先輩; senior) whom she always respects, even after Goto moved from Hello! Project to Avex.
 * On December 10, 2010, Mujack called her and AKB48 member Takahashi Minami "W Takahashi".
 * Her last single with Morning Musume was released on her birthday.
 * In Yorosen!, she taught other Morning Musume members about the Edo Period.
 * She said that if she could become another member of Hello! Project that she would become Sayashi Riho because she'd like people to call her "cute" no matter what she does. Coincidentally, Sayashi said that she would like to become Takahashi as a reply to the same question.
 * Has studied English in her spare time for several years. She occasionally writes in English on her blog.
 * Her favorite part of English is slang, and bought a English slang and profanity guide. She shared her favorite English curse word on an episode of Hello! Morning
 * She is the third Morning Musume and Hello! Project member to graduate at Nippon Bukodan.
 * For her graduation, she was the first to wear casual clothes instead of a custom dress.
 * She is a fan of the Final Fantasy series.
 * She has attended an SDN48 graduation concert.
 * She is the eigth former Morning Musume member to graduate from both Morning Musume and Hello! Project.
 * She has produced her own candy. It is tomato/strawberry flavored. She has also produced her own bracelet.
 * She had her first love scene during the "Wedding Singer" stage play.
 * She is a fan of Korean pop groups, 2NE1 and Big Bang. She has went to both of their concerts.
 * She is the first 5th generation member to get married.