Niigaki Risa

Niigaki Risa (新垣里沙, born October 20, 1988 in Kanagawa, Japan) is a Japanese Pop singer and idol managed by J.P. Room. She was formerly part of Hello! Project as a fifth generation member and the former leader of the Japanese pop group Morning Musume and was a member of the group Tanpopo and the leader of Athena & Robikerottsu, as well as participating in the shuffle units Happy 7, 7AIR, ZYX-α and H.P. All Stars. She was also a member of the Morning Musume splinter group, Morning Musume Sakura Gumi.

She joined Morning Musume in 2001 along with Takahashi Ai, Konno Asami and Ogawa Makoto. Niigaki was the sub-leader of Morning Musume, inheriting the title from the the former leader Takahashi Ai and was sub-leader until Takahashi's graduation. As of 2009, she was the longest serving sub-leader. Niigaki Risa was also a former leader of Hello! Project.

On January 2nd 2012, it was announced that Niigaki Risa would graduate after Morning Musume Concert Tour 2012 Haru ~Ultra Smart~. On May 18, 2012, she graduated from Morning Musume and Hello! Project, alongside Mitsui Aika, at Nippon Budokan.

Early Life
Niigaki Risa was born on October 20, 1988.

2001
Niigaki joined Morning Musume as a fifth generation member along with Takahashi Ai, Konno Asami, and Ogawa Makoto. Morning Musume producer Tsunku said he chose Niigaki because she "shined during the final studio recording" for the audition song that all the finalists had to sing.

She debuted on the group's 13th single, "Mr.Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~" alongside her fellow generation members.

2002
Her first appearance on a full-length Morning Musume recording was on the album, 4th Ikimasshoi!.

In June, she also debuted in a shuffle unit, as part of Happy 7, coincidentally with two other members of her generation (Takahashi and Ogawa).

Niigaki participated in a drama alongside her fellow Morning Musume members, titled Angel Hearts. She also participated in another drama, Ore ga Aitsu de Aitsu ga Ore de. Niigaki also received a part in the movie Tokkaekko alongside other Morning Musume members. It was released on July 17.

Later in September, all of the fifth generation members were placed into subgroups. Niigaki was placed into Tanpopo as a member of the third generation, along with Konno Asami. The new grouping released only one single before becoming inactive.

Niigaki continued her career in Morning Musume during 2002 and into 2003.

Niigaki also released a joint photobook with the rest of the fifth generation members.

On December 14, the movie Koinu Dan no Monogatari was released in theaters, in which Niigaki played the minor character Kawaguchi Ako.

2003
In a surprise move by Tsunku, Morning Musume was split into two halves - Morning Musume Otome Gumi and Morning Musume Sakura Gumi - so that the large group could perform in smaller towns that could not hold the larger numbers the full ensemble needed. Niigaki was placed into Sakura Gumi and they released two singles before the two groups merged together once more.

Niigaki was included in the 2003 Elemental Shuffle Groups as a member of 7AIR.

2004
Niigaki performed alongside the entire then-ensemble of Hello! Project in a single, large shuffle unit, H.P. All Stars, releasing one single with the unit, "ALL FOR ONE & ONE FOR ALL!".

She released her first solo photobook Niigaki Risa.

2005
Niigaki joined the Hello! Project concert unit Hello! Project Akagumi as a member of Morning Musume. She also participated in two radio shows, TBC Fun Fīrudo Mōretsu Mōdasshu and Hello Pro Yanen!!.

2006
Niigaki joined the Hello! Project concert unit Wonderful Hearts as a member of Morning Musume.

Niigaki released her second solo photobook Amanatsu on June 25.

2007
Niigaki was chosen to be a member of Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai along with Iida Kaori, Abe Natsumi, Goto Maki and Kusumi Koharu. The unit was created to celebrate Morning Musume's 10th anniversary. Their first single, Bokura ga Ikiru MY ASIA, was released on January 24. On June 1, following Fujimoto Miki's resignation from Morning Musume, Takahashi Ai replaced Fujimoto as leader, while Niigaki took Takahashi's place as sub-leader.

On May 27, Niigaki released her third solo photobook Isshun.

Following Tsuji Nozomi's pregnancy announcement, Niigaki took over the role of Athena in the animation series Robby & Kerobby. In October, Niigaki was placed in the unit Athena & Robikerottsu along with fellow Morning Musume member Mitsui Aika, as well as Nakajima Saki and Okai Chisato of ℃-ute.

2008
On April 25, Niigaki released her fourth solo photobook Happy Girl.

It was announced in July that Niigaki and fellow Morning Musume member Takahashi Ai would play the 80's J-pop duo Pink Lady in the TV Drama Hitmaker Aku Yū Monogatari. From August 6 through August 25, Morning Musume, along with members of the Takarazuka Revue, performed a version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, with Niigaki playing the Prince.

On August 26, Niigaki became one of four members to remain in Morning Musume for seven years or more (the others being Iida Kaori, Yoshizawa Hitomi and fellow fifth generation member Takahashi Ai).

2009
On January 17, Niigaki and Takahashi became the longest serving members in Morning Musume history, breaking the four year old record set by Iida Kaori.

In 2009, Niigaki was assigned to be a part of the new shuffle group ZYX-α along with Kusumi Koharu, Umeda Erika, Tsugunaga Momoko, Tokunaga Chinami, Sudo Maasa, Wada Ayaka, and Ogawa Saki.

It was announced by the official Anime Expo website that Japanese pop group Morning Musume would be attending the annual anime convention, the Anime Expo in Los Angeles, California in July. They were the guests of honor at the event. She and all other members of the then-current lineup attended the Anime Expo. At the convention, Morning Musume held autograph sessions and a concert. Over 7,000 fans attended the concert. In an interview for the event, Niigaki revealed that her favorite anime was Sailor Moon, stating that "we copied the hairstyles and had a 'Sailor Moon' playhouse in kindergarten." She also said that "The movies that Disney makes are full of dreams, but when I have children, I'd like them to know about war, the pain of death and such things, so I hope they will watch [anime]."

2010
On July 14, Niigaki released her fifth solo photobook Alo!-Hello Niigaki Risa Photobook -MAHALO-.

It was announced in that Niigaki would be starring in a movie called Gekijoubon Hontou ni Atta Kowai Hanashi 3D as one of the main characters. The movie would star Niigaki along with Nakajima Saki of ℃-ute and Hello Pro Kenshuusei members Takagi Sayuki and Sato Ayano.

2011
On the January 9, fellow 5th generation member Takahashi Ai announced that she would be graduating from the group at the end of their Autumn concert tour, making Niigaki the new leader of the group once Takahashi graduated. Niigaki would become the member with the longest tenure in the groups history, and the first leader to have once been the youngest member.

On August 26, Niigaki and Takahashi Ai made 10 years being in Morning Musume, and 10 years that 5th generation were held.

On September 30, 2011, she became the new Leader of Morning Musume and Hello! Project after Takahashi Ai graduated.

Niigaki starred in a stage play titled Reborn ~Inochi no Audition~ along with Tanaka Reina, the 9th Generation members, and Kudo Haruka.

2012
On January 2, it was announced that Niigaki would graduate from Morning Musume and Hello! Project on the last day of the Morning Musume Concert Tour 2012 Haru ~Ultra Smart~ Niigaki Risa Mitsui Aika Graduation Special on May 18, at the Nippon Budokan. She became the longest-serving member of Morning Musume with 3918 days, or 10 years, 8 months and 22 days.

When Niigaki graduated, Morning Musume and Hello! Project's leadership was passed on to Michishige Sayumi.

Niigaki Risa would conclude activities in Morning Musume and Hello! Project by promoting "Ren'ai Hunter" and the Morning Musume Concert Tour 2012 Haru ~Ultra Smart~ Niigaki Risa Mitsui Aika Graduation Special.

On February 7, she announced a solo fanclub tour held on April 21 and 22.

On February 17, Niigaki opened an official Ameblo blog.

On April 27, Niigaki released her sixth and last solo photobook ASCENSION.

On May 6, it was revealed that Morning Musume's 8th Generation member Mitsui Aika would graduate alongside Niigaki. Mitsui graduated from Morning Musume due to an ankle fracture which was always under strain due to dancing, especially during concerts, and she had been on hiatus since May 2011. Niigaki and Mitsui graduated from Morning Musume at Morning Musume's 2012 Spring Concert Tour on May 18, 2012 at the Nippon Budokan.

In May, Niigaki starred in a movie called Tobidase Shinsengumi!, which opened in spring 2013.

From June 6 to July 10, Niigaki starred in the stage play Minori.

2013
On March 2 and 3, Niigaki participated in SATOYAMA e Yukou ~Forest For Rest~ along with other Hello! Project and UP-FRONT PROMOTION members.

From March 16 to 20, Niigaki starred in the stageplay Zettai Kareshi (English: Absolute Boyfriend) as the lead character Izawa Riiko. The stageplay is based on the manga of the same name by Watase Yuu.

On July 15, Niigaki held a dinner show titled Niigaki Risa First Summer Casual Dinner Show.

On December 3, it was announced Niigaki would participate in the stage play Anta Jutte Motta?, which ran from March 6 to 18, 2014.

2014
On February 1, Niigaki held a live titled Niigaki Risa Spring Live 2014 ~Gakisan wa, LIVE Banchou!~ at Duo MUSIC EXCHANGE in Shibuya, Tokyo. On March 22, Niigaki held another live under the same name at FANJ twice in Osaka, Japan. The live was released on M-line Memory Vol.14.

On April 23, it was announced Niigaki would be starring in a horror movie titled Black Film. It premiered in theaters on January 24, 2015.

From December 3 to 11, Niigaki starred in the stageplay Kurukuru to Shi to Shitto, along with Kikkawa Yuu, S/mileage 3rd generation Aikawa Maho, Country Girls 5th generation member Yamaki Risa and Hello! Pro Kenshuusei member Yamagishi Riko.

2015
On October 1, Niigaki starred in an episode of the NHK Educational TV drama Otona e Novel.

On October 20, it was announced Niigaki would be starring in the stageplay adaptation of the manga Akatsuki no Yona as the lead character Yona. The play will run from March 16 to 21, 2016.

Personal Life
Family= She has a younger sister.

On March 9, 2012, Niigaki's grandmother passed away at the age of 78.

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

The following list are notable friendships Niigaki Risa has acquired:
 * -|Friendships=
 * Takahashi Ai: Niigaki met Takahashi Ai during the 5th generation training camp and became close friends since.
 * Ikuta Erina: She also gets along well with Ikuta Erina in concert.

Niigaki's given name, "Risa", means hometown (里; ri) combined with one hundred-millionth (沙; sa). It's a feminine Japanese given name and surname.
 * -|Name Meaning=

Here is a list of nicknames that was used to refer to Niigaki Risa:
 * -|Nicknames=
 * Gaki-san (がきさん): Official nickname, given her since joining Morning Musume. Used by members and fans.
 * Risa-Chii (りさちい): Used by fans.

Profile
Stats=
 * Name: Niigaki Risa (新垣里沙)
 * Nickname: Gaki-san (ガキさん), Risa-Chii (りさちい), Risarisa (りさりさ), Niinii (ニイニイ), Mame (マメ), Mame and Sacchun, Omame-chan (お豆ちゃん), MC GAKI,
 * Birth date:
 * Birthplace: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
 * Blood type: B
 * Height: 154.5cm
 * Hello! Project Status:
 * 2001-08-26: Member
 * 2001-08-26: Morning Musume Member
 * 2012-05-18: Graduated Morning Musume
 * 2012-05-18: Graduated Hello! Project
 * UP-FRONT PROMOTION Status:
 * 2001-08-26: Member
 * 2012-10-01: Transfered to J.P. Room
 * J.P. Room Status:
 * 2012-10-01: Member
 * Years in Morning Musume: 10 Years
 * Morning Musume Color: Yellow-Green
 * Morning Musume Sakura Gumi Color: Yellow
 * Eastern Zodiac: Dragon
 * Western Zodiac: Libra
 * Hello! Project Groups:
 * Morning Musume (2001–2012)
 * Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai (2007)
 * Athena & Robikerottsu (2007–2008)
 * ZYX-α (2009-2012)
 * Hello! Project Mobekimasu (2011-2012)
 * Subgroups:
 * Tanpopo (2002)
 * Morning Musume Sakura Gumi (2003–2004)
 * Concert Units:
 * Hello! Project Akagumi (2005)
 * Wonderful Hearts (2006–2012)
 * Shuffle Units:
 * Happy 7 (2002)
 * 7AIR (2003)
 * H.P. All Stars (2004)
 * Other:
 * Pocky Girls (2002)
 * Metro Rabbits H.P. (2006)
 * M-Line (2012-Present)
 * -|Q&A=
 * Hobby: Going to Disneyland, going to the Disney store
 * Favorite food: Eihire (dried stingray fins), Mickey waffles, grilled eel and parfaits
 * Disliked food: Fried meat
 * Favorite saying: "Be considerate every day and try the hardest you can! hehe"
 * Favorite color: Pea-green and white
 * Favorite flowers: Sunflowers
 * Favorite season: Winter
 * Specialty: Hangul, finishing a task, can text without looking at the keys, and is a self-proclaimed Disney master.
 * Favorite Animal: Cat, penguin

Discography

 * ''See Also: List:Niigaki Risa Discography Featured In

Digital Singles

 * [2010.12.10] Seinaru Kane ga Hibiku Yoru (聖なる鐘がひびく夜) (Tanpopo cover)
 * [2011.01.26] Egao ni Namida ~THANK YOU! MY DEAR FRIENDS~ (笑顔に涙～THANK YOU! DEAR MY FRIENDS～) (Matsuura Aya cover)
 * [2011.01.26] Onegai Miwaku no Target (お願い魅惑のターゲット) (Melon Kinenbi cover)
 * [2011.01.26] Koi no Hana (恋の花) (Abe Natsumi cover)
 * [2011.01.26] Koi wo Shichaimashita! (恋をしちゃいました!) (Tanpopo cover)
 * [2011.01.26] Kousui (香水) (Melon Kinenbi cover)
 * [2011.01.26] Furusato (Morning Musume cover)
 * [2011.01.26] Manatsu no Kousen (真夏の光線) (Morning Musume cover)
 * [2011.01.26] LOVE Namida Iro (LOVE涙色) (Matsuura Aya cover)

Event V

 * [2012.04.28] Egao ni Namida ~THANK YOU! DEAR MY FRIENDS~

Albums

 * [2012.09.05] Hello Cover (ハロカバ)

Solo Songs

 * [2004.12.04] Furusato (ふるさと) (Morning Musume cover)
 * [2012.04.11] Egao ni Namida ~THANK YOU! MY DEAR FRIENDS~ (Matsuura Aya cover)

Compilations

 * [2012.12.04] Petit Best 13 (プッチベスト13) (#14 Egao ni Namida ~THANK YOU! DEAR MY FRIENDS~)

Solo DVDs

 * [2007.06.13] Alo-Hello! Niigaki Risa DVD
 * [2009.01.21] Alo-Hello! 2 Niigaki Risa DVD
 * [2010.07.14] Alo-Hello! 3 Niigaki Risa DVD
 * [2012.05.16] as it is
 * [2012.06.24] Morning Musume Niigaki Risa Sotsugyou Memorial (モーニング娘. 新垣里沙卒業メモリアル) (DVD Magazine)

Solo Fanclub DVDs

 * [2012.08.29] Morning Days Happy Holiday ~ Tokubetsuhen Risa Niigaki Fanclub Tour in Shizuoka (～Morning Days Happy Holiday～特別編 新垣里沙 ファンクラブツアー in 静岡)
 * [2014.11.27] Niigaki Risa Live ~ Popcorn to Uzura ~ & in Okinawa (新垣里沙 Live ～ ポップコーンとうずら～＆in沖縄)

Solo Photobooks

 * 1) [2004.10.07] Niigaki Risa (新垣里沙)
 * 2) [2006.06.25] Amanatsu (あま夏)
 * 3) [2007.05.27] Isshun (一瞬)
 * 4) [2008.04.25] Happy Girl
 * 5) [2010.07.14] Alo!-Hello Niigaki Risa Photobook -MAHALO- (アロハロ！新垣里沙写真集-MAHALO-)
 * 6) [2012.04.27] ASCENSION

Digital Photobooks

 * [2011.10.21] Niigaki Risa "Alo-Hello! Morning Musume 2011" (アロハロ！モーニング娘. 2011) (Risa version)
 * [2012.06.11] Graduation (卒業)

Group Photobooks

 * [2002.03.28] Morning Musume Gonagoto Photobook
 * [2002.08.16] 5 - Morning Musume 5ki Member Shashinshū (5　モーニング娘. 5期メンバー写真集) (Takahashi Ai, Konno Asami, Ogawa Makoto, Niigaki Risa)
 * [2004.11.17] Alo-Hello! Morning Musume (アロハロ!モーニング娘. 写真集)

Cover girl



 * [2012.02.02] Weekly Famitsu Taiwan
 * [2012.04.26] Hello! Channel Vol.8
 * [2012.11.22] Hello! Channel Best Selection (Back cover) (with Takahashi Ai)

Movies

 * [2002] Tokkaekko (とっかえっ娘. )
 * [2003] Koinu Dan no Monogatari (子犬ダンの物語)
 * [2010] Gekijouban Hontou ni Atta Kowai Hanashi 3D (ほんとうにあった怖い話3D)
 * [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)
 * [2012] Days ~Watashi ga Aitsu ni Natta Toki...~ (デイズ 〜私がアイツになった時・・・〜)
 * [2013] Tobidase Shinsengumi! (とびだせ新選組!)
 * [2015] Black Film (ブラック・フィルム)

TV Dramas

 * [2002] Haikara-san ga Tooru (はいからさんが通る) (as Sumire)
 * [2002] Ore ga Aitsu de Aitsu ga Ore de (おれがあいつであいつがおれで) (as Kawahara Keiko)
 * [2002] Angel Hearts (エンジェールハーツ)
 * [2008] Hitmaker Aku Yu Monogatari (ヒットメーカー 阿久悠物語) (as Kei of Pink Lady)
 * [2010] Hanbun Esper (半分エスパー) (as Super Bus Guide Niigaki)
 * [2012] Suugaku♥Joshi Gakuen (数学♥女子学園)
 * [2013] Dai! Tensai Terebi-kun Dora Machigai (大!天才てれびくんドラまちがい)
 * [2015] Otona e Novel (オトナヘノベル)

TV Programs

 * [2001–2007] Hello! Morning (ハロー! モーニング. )
 * [2002–2004] Tintin TOWN! (ティンティンTOWN!)
 * [2003] Soreyuke! Gorokkies (それゆけ!ゴロッキーズ)
 * [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!)
 * [2007–2008] Haromoni@ (ハロモニ@)
 * [2008–2009] Yorosen! (よろセン!)
 * [2010–2011] Bijo Gaku (美女学)
 * [2011–2012] Hello Pro! TIME (ハロプロ！ＴＩＭＥ)

Anime

 * [2007–2008] Robby to Kerobby (ロビーとケロビー) (as Athena) (37 episodes)
 * [2014] Jewelincle ~12 no Yousei to Fushigina Houseki-Bako~ (JEWELINCLE じゅえりんくる〜12の妖精とふしぎな宝石箱〜)
 * [2015–] Ponpon Pororo (ポンポン ポロロ) (as Nyao)

Music Videos

 * [2014] Shinseikamattechan (神聖かまってちゃん) - Front Memory (フロントメモリー)

Internet

 * [2011] UstreaMusume (Host)
 * [2011] Michishige Sayumi no "Mobekimasutte Nani??" (道重さゆみの『モベキマスってなに？？』)

Radio

 * [2002–2003] Tanpopo Henshubu OH-SO-RO! (タンポポ編集部 OH-SO-RO!)
 * [2007–2008] GAKI KAME
 * [2009–2010] FIVE STARS
 * [2011–2012] Risa's NightHouse
 * [2012] NHK Gekiraji Live SP (Radio Drama; as Takigawa Kazuko)

Theater

 * [2006] Ribbon no Kishi The Musical (リッボンの騎士ザ・ミュージカル) (as Nouveau)
 * [2008] Cinderella the Musical (シンデレラ the ミュージカル) (as the Prince)
 * [2010] Fashionable (ファッショナブル) (as Murata Miyuu)
 * [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] Real-etude Minna no Ie Girl's STAGE (リアルエチュード みんなの家 Girl's STAGE)
 * [2011] Reborn ~Inochi no Audition~ (リボーン～命のオーディション～) (as Joan of Arc)
 * [2011] Sanada Juyushi ~Bokura ga Mamori Takatta Mono~ (真田十勇士～ボクらが守りたかったもの～) (as Yukino)
 * [2012] Minori (みのり)
 * [2012] Stage Play "Tumbling" vol.3 (舞台「タンブリング」vol.3)
 * [2012] Dietrich Ikita Aishita Eien ni (ディートリッヒ 生きた 愛した 永遠に)
 * [2013] Kiben Hashiremerosu (詭弁・走れメロス)
 * [2013] Zettai Kareshi (絶対彼氏) (as Izawa Riiko)
 * [2013] Taklimakan (タクラマカン)
 * [2013] Watashi no Atama no Naka no Keshigomu 5th letter (私の頭の中の消しゴム 5th letter)
 * [2013] Destiny (デスティニー)
 * [2013] Onna, Hito Urei (オンナ、ひと憂. )
 * [2013] Shiritsu Hasuhasu Jogakuin!! (私立ハスハス女学院!!)
 * [2014] Uchouten Kazoku (有頂天家族)
 * [2014] Anta Jutte Motta? (あんた十手もった？)
 * [2014] BACK STAGE
 * [2014] The Kaidan Alps Ichiman Jaku Final (The Kaidan アルプス一万尺 Final)
 * [2014] SONG OF SOULS -Keichou Genma Senki- (SONG OF SOULS-慶長幻魔戦記-)
 * [2014] Kurukuru to Shi to Shitto (くるくると死と嫉妬)
 * [2015] Taki Rentaro no Yuujin, to Chijin to Sonohoka no Moromoro (瀧廉太郎の友人、と知人とその他の諸々)
 * [2015] Hoshi no Koe (ほしのこえ)
 * [2015] Shinpan Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura (新版・義経千本桜)
 * [2015] Lizzy Borden Jiken (リジー・ボーデン事件) (as Lizzy Borden)
 * [2015] Maboroshi no Jou ~Sengoku no Utsukushiki Kyouki~ (幻の城 〜戦国の美しき狂気〜)
 * [2015] Soshuu Yakyoku (蘇州夜曲)
 * [2016] Hoshikuzu no Machi ~ Kanketsu-hen (星屑の町～完結篇)
 * [2016] Akatsuki no Yona (暁のヨナ) (as Yona)
 * [2016] Cherry Boys (チェリーボーイズ)
 * [2016] Kiben Hashire Melos! (詭弁・走れメロス)

Rankings

 * She ranked #68 in CDTV's 2004 "Which artist do you want as your girlfriend/lover?" poll.
 * She ranked #65 in CDTV's 2005 "Who you wanted to have as your Valentine" poll.
 * She was voted 10th favorite member in the 2007 Hello! Project Music Awards Event.
 * She ranked #18 in CDTV's February 2008 "Which artists would you have as a girlfriend/lover?" poll.
 * She was voted 9th favorite member in the 2008 Hello! Project Music Awards Event.
 * She was voted 5th favorite member in the 2009 Hello! Project Music Awards Event.
 * She was voted 10th favorite member in the 2010 Hello! Project Music Awards Event.
 * She was voted 4th favorite member in the 2011 Hello! Project Music Awards Event.
 * She was voted 9th favorite member in the 2012 Hello! Project Music Awards Event.

Trivia

 * She is the youngest member and the last to graduate of the 5th generation.
 * She held the record for longest serving member of Hello! Project (also Morning Musume, until 6th generation member Michishige Sayumi took the spot on October 12th, 2013).
 * Prior to joining Morning Musume, Niigaki was a finalist out of 1,000 entrants in the Kiss Girl Audition to become the new Tomy image girl, held by  TV Tokyo' s Oha Star program. She appeared in a commercial with the other finalist, Hasegawa Ai, for Tomy Karaoke Machine Kiss-site, but ultimately lost out the Grand Prix prize to Hasegawa (ironically, Niigaki later starred in a commercial for the same company as a part of Morning Musume).
 * Niigaki did some work as a magazine model since spring 2000.
 * In a recent Jpop Wave interview, she said that her favorite KPOP artists are BoA, Se7en and TVXQ.
 * On August 26, 2011, Niigaki and Takahashi Ai turned 10 years in Morning Musume.
 * Niigaki and Takahashi held the joint record for longest tenures as members of the group. They also participated in the most number of Morning Musume singles, with 35. She later surpassed Takahashi and participated in the most singles of any Morning Musume member, with 37 until 6th Generation Member Michishige Sayumi surpased the record with 38.
 * Called her grandmother "Baba-chan".
 * Niigaki was the youngest member ever to become sub-leader, being only 18 at the time, until member Fukumura Mizuki was asigned sub-leader at age 16.
 * Goto Maki calls her "Nii Nii".
 * She is allergic to cats and pollen.
 * Her shoe size is 37.
 * Has said that the song that gets her fired up at concerts is "HOW DO YOU LIKE JAPAN? ~Nihon wa Donna Kanji Dekka?~" and the song that fits her perfectly is "Shanimuni Paradise".
 * Her opinions of the characters of the other Morning Musume members are the following:
 * Takahashi Ai: Sabaa! (Refreshing!)
 * Kamei Eri: PPP!! (Poke Poke Puu~)
 * Michishige Sayumi: Surprisingly quick!!!
 * Tanaka Reina: Hyper Hyper Girl.
 * Kusumi Koharu: Does things at her own pace.
 * Mitsui Aika: Intelligent.
 * Junjun: Crybaby.
 * Linlin: Interesting.
 * The other members' opinions on Niigaki's character are the following:
 * Takahashi: Reliable person.
 * Kamei: Sparkling!
 * Michishige: Nice!!
 * Tanaka: Reliable.
 * Kusumi: Reliable.
 * Mitsui: Reliable.
 * Junjun: Hardworking.
 * Linlin: Green princess!
 * She was the last remaining member in Morning Musume and Hello! Project that joined before Hello! Project Kids.
 * In 2011, she said that if she could become another Hello! Project member that she would become Sayashi Riho or Suzuki Kanon, because she wants to see what it's like to be young again.
 * Ikuta Erina said that if she could become another member of Hello! Project, that she would be Niigaki.
 * In Yorosen!, she taught Morning Musume about coming-of-age celebrations.
 * In Japan Files comments for 10 MY ME, all members said that Niigaki is the best rapper of Morning Musume.
 * Niigaki is the only member to have ever been once the youngest member, and become leader of Morning Musume and the oldest member of Hello! Project.
 * She is learning Korean.
 * She announced her graduation on January 2, 2012 at Hello! Project 2012 WINTER Hello☆Pro Tengoku ~Rock-chan~ after being leader for only three months and two days.
 * She has the third shortest tenure as the leader, the first being Fujimoto Miki, and the second being Yaguchi Mari.
 * She is the fourth Morning Musume and Hello! Project member to graduate at Nippon Bukodan, the first being Ichii Sayaka, second being Ishikawa Rika, and third being Takahashi Ai.
 * She is sometimes called Mame-chan (bean) due to her small face.
 * She named Abe Natsumi as the Morning Musume member she admired the most. Stated in Ongaku Senshi MUSIC FIGHTER that when she was young she asked her mother to cut her hair like Abe's which, according to Niigaki, made her looked like "Gegege no Kitaro" instead, leaving her traumatized.
 * In March 2012, her "Baba-chan" (grandma) passed away.
 * She recently transferred her blog from Oricon to Ameba. Until then she was the only Morning Musume member to have an Oricon blog.
 * Her grandparents are from Okinawa.
 * She is the seventh Morning Musume member to graduate from both Morning Musume and Hello! Project. The first being Fukuda Asuka, the second being Ishiguro Aya, the third being Ichii Sayaka, the fourth being Kusumi Koharu, the fifth being Kamei Eri, Junjun, and Linlin and the sixth being Takahashi Ai.
 * She said when she thinks of China she thinks of Junjun and Linlin.
 * In a Hello! Morning episode, she was called the greediest member of Morning Musume.
 * Niigaki had her first kiss during the Zettai Kareshi stageplay in March 2013.