Kumai Yurina

Kumai Yurina (熊井友理奈) is a J-pop idol, actress, and model currently managed by. She is a former member of Hello! Project, having joined as a member of Hello! Project Kids in 2002 and later debuting as a member of Berryz Koubou in 2004. During her time in Hello! Project, she was also a member of Tanpopo, Guardians 4, BeriKyuu, Cat's♥Eye 7, and Ujicha♥Taishi Maccha's.

She graduated from Hello! Project on March 3, 2015 in a joint graduation concert with the other members of Berryz Koubou.

Early Life
Kumai Yurina was born on August 3, 1993 in Kanagawa, Japan.

2002
On June 30, Kumai Yurina was announced as one of the 15 winners of the 2002 Hello! Project Kids audition.

2004
She was chosen as one of the eight members of Berryz Koubou.

2009
Kumai, Mitsui Aika, Sugaya Risako and Nakajima Saki were chosen to join a sub-group called Guardians 4 which focused on songs for the anime Shugo Chara!.

Kumai was put in the revival of Tanpopo with Kamei Eri, Mitsui Aika, and Okai Chisato.

She was chosen to promote the rock band Base Ball Bear's new album, (WHAT IS THE) LOVE & POP, in a TV commercial that featured only her, which was her first time doing a solo CM. Some fans speculated that one of the reasons Kumai might have been chosen is for her surname (Kumai = Kuma = Bear) or because front man Koide Yusuke was a long time Hello! Project and Berryz Koubou. She also left a comment on the official BBB site: ''"Love&POP contains many up-tempo songs, and the whole album conveys a lot of power. My favorites are "Stairway Generation" and "Umi ni Naritai pt2! I had these on loop. I'd definitely like to go to their concert as well."'' Base Ball Bear is a Japanese rock band under EMI Music Japan. When the CM appeared on YouTube, it had a record of over 12 million views and over 80 comments. The majority of users left comments like Kumai-chan is "kirei" and "kawaii" written in English and Japanese.

2010
For the first time during her time in Berryz Koubou, Kumai was given the center position for an A-side in the PV of "Shining Power". It was also the first time she was the main vocalist for an A-side.

2011
Kumai, along with other members of Hello! Project Kids, starred in the horror film Ousama Game. Kumai played the lead role of high-school student Honda Chiemi.

2012
On July 25 it was announced that Berryz Koubou's Kumai Yurina, Shimizu Saki, Sudo Maasa, Sugaya Risako and ℃-ute's Yajima Maimi, Nakajima Saki and Hagiwara Mai would be performing in an stage play titled CAT'S♥EYE, based on a manga. The stage play ran from 9/22 to2 9/30.

2013
On April 26, Kumai appeared on the cover of the magazine Weekly Famitsu Taiwan.

2014
On August 4, Kumai celebrated her 21st birthday at a special event called Berryz Koubou ~Kumai Yurina Birthday Event 2014~. The event featured two performances in Tokyo.

2015
After concluding her activities in Berryz Koubou on March 5, Kumai announced that she would focus on her education and graduating within 4 years. She also revealed plans on becoming a model in the near future. She was moved to not long after.

On May 1, Kumai became a member of M-line club.

On June 16, Kumai appeared in the weekly newspaper Tokyo Sports.

On July 29, Kumai appeared on the television show Nakai no Mado.

On August 22, Kumai appeared in POKER FACE 2015 SUMMER alongside Nogizaka46, Nakajima Saki, Hagiwara Mai, Okada Robin Shoko, Akiyama Yurika, and various other idols.

On October 6, Kumai appeared in the November 2015 issue of the magazine Top Yell as a guest in Fukuda Kanon's interview about her impending graduation.

On October 7, Kumai made a guest appearance on THE Karaoke ★ Battle, a television show aimed at finding the best male vocalist.

On October 10, Kumai began appearing as a regular on the TBS television show Ousama no Brunch.

In September, Kumai appeared in her first photoshoot as a visual model for DAMMY's 2015 collection.

2016
On February 14, Kumai held a solo fan-club event titled Kumai Yurina FC Event ~Enjoy Valentine's Day~.

On February 16, Kumai appeared in Katsura Yumi's wedding themed fashion show at the Tokyo International Forum.

On March 13 and 21, Kumai held a solo casual dinner show titled Kumai Yurina Casual Dinner Show ~Enjoy Spring~.

2017
In July, Kumai appeared in the music video for Tsubaki Factory's "Shuukatsu Sensation".

On July 25, Kumai was a runway model for the 2017 YUMI KATSURA GRAND COLLECTION in OSAKA.

On August 3, she celebrated her 24th birthday at a fanclub event titled Kumai Yurina FC Event "8×3=24", which had three shows at Shibuya SHIDAX Culture Hall.

2018
On August 3, Kumai celebrated her 25th birthday at the Kumai Yurina Birthday Event ~ENJOY!25♡~ with two shows at Shibuya Shidax Culture Hall. Then on August 4 and 5, she will hold the Kumai Yurina Casual Dinner Show ~Enjoy! Happy Summer!!~, featuring four shows at Music Restaurant La Donna.

Personal Life
Family= Kumai has two younger brothers.

She also has a pet dog named Mint-kun. His birthday is November 9, 2005.

When Kumai joined Hello! Project Kids, she was a third year elementary school student. She graduated from high school in March 2012.
 * -|Education=

Kumai decided to continue pursuing her education and, as of April 2014, a third year college student.

The following list are notable friendships Kumai Yurina has acquired:
 * -|Friendships=
 * Sudo Maasa: Within Berryz Koubou, she is closest to Sudo Maasa.
 * Fukuda Kanon: She is good friends with ANGERME member Fukuda Kanon.

Yurina's kanji in her family name, means bear (熊; kuma).
 * -|Name Meaning=

Here is a list of nicknames that was used to refer to Kumai Yurina:
 * -|Nicknames=
 * Kumai-chan (熊井ちゃん): Official nickname. Used by members and fans.
 * Kumaicho (くまいちょー): Official nickname. Given and used by Tsugunaga Momoko since 2005. It is now used by fans.
 * Yuri (うり): Former Official Nickname, given to her since the formation of Berryz Koubou.
 * Yuriine (ユリーネ): Given and used by Yaguchi Mari. Given to her during the "Charisma Idol Yagucchan" corner of the former mini show Hello Kids.
 * Daikumai (ダイクマイ): Self given nickname. Meaning "Big Kumai", children use to call her "Daikumai" due to her tall height. According to Kumai, it gives her a scary image.
 * Kamoi-chan (かもいちゃん): Kamoi is a Japanese traditional architectual term for lintel. Kumai Yurina, also known as Kumai-chan, has hit her head into it a couple of times because of her exceptional height for Japanese women. Some wotas named that action “Kamoi-chan” jokingly.

Profile
Stats=
 * Name: Kumai Yurina (熊井友理奈)
 * Birthdate:
 * Official Nicknames: Kumai-chan (熊井ちゃん), Kumaichō (くまいちょー)
 * Blood Type: B
 * Birthplace: Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
 * Height: 181cm
 * Western Zodiac: Leo
 * Eastern Zodiac: Rooster
 * Hello! Project Status:
 * 2002-06-30: Member
 * 2004-01-14: Berryz Koubou Member
 * 2015-03-03: Graduated
 * Years in Berryz Koubou: 11 Years
 * Official Kaomoji: 川*＾∇＾)||
 * Berryz Koubou Color:
 * Green (2005-2015)
 * Purple (2007)
 * Cat's♥Eye 7 Color: Red
 * Hello! Project Kids Audition Song: "Koi wo Shichaimashita!" by Tanpopo
 * Current Groups:
 * Hello! Project Kids (2002-2015)
 * Berryz Koubou (2004-2015)
 * Guardians 4 (2009-2010)
 * Tanpopo# (2009-2015)
 * Bello! (2009)
 * Hello! Project Mobekimasu (2011-2013)
 * BeriKyuu (2011-2015)
 * Ujicha♥Taishi Maccha's (2011-2015)
 * Cat's♥Eye 7 (2012)
 * Shuffle Units:
 * H.P. All Stars (2004)
 * -|Q&A=
 * Favorite Food: Matcha dessert, yakiniku, tart, Kinakomochi
 * Favorite Things: Disney, monotone, magazines
 * Hobbies: Shopping, listening to music.
 * Favorite English Word: "Generation".
 * Favorite Subject: Music, Physics, Math
 * Best Subject: Japanese
 * Favorite Ai no Album ⑧ Song: "Because Happiness"
 * Favorite Song in the Past: "Dango 3 Kyoudai" by Hayami Kentarou and Shigemori Ayumi (with Hidamari Kids and Dango Chorus), "Natsu Matsuri" by Whiteberry.
 * Current Favorite Song: "Oh!" by Shoujo Jidai (Girls Generation).
 * -|More=
 * Hello! Project Daihyakka (2004) Details
 * Hobby: Purikura, collecting stickers, listening to music
 * Special skill: Jump rope, unicycle
 * Strong point: I don't really know, but my friends say, "You're bright and funny"
 * Weak point: Natural airhead!? I can't get up in the mornings!
 * Habit: Putting my hair behind my ears
 * Favorite color: Light blue, white, orange, etc. I like black and brown clothes!
 * Favorite flower: Hibiscus, baby's breath
 * Disliked thing/thing to do: Bugs: bees, stink bug, praying mantis, horsefly. Birds: crows!
 * Scared of: Monsters, fires, earthquakes
 * Favorite movie: "Hotaru no Hoshi," "Koinu Dan no Monogatari," "Monsters, Inc."
 * Favorite book: "Musume Monogatari," "Tottemo Minimoni," "Helen Keller"
 * Favorite word: "HAPPY," "shiawase" (happiness), "LOVE"
 * Favorite season: Summer
 * Favorite food: Ice-cream, sushi rolls, yakiniku
 * Least favorite food: Green peas, tomatoes, mayonnaise
 * Favorite song: "Hare Ame Nochi Suki♥" (Morning Musume Sakura Gumi), "Iku ZYX! FLY HIGH" (ZYX), "First KISS" (Aa!)
 * Charm point: My tall height... haha


 * [2010.01] Nation Junior Magazine (Thailand)
 * 1. Is it hard for teenagers working in the entertainment industry?:
 * No matter what time of the day it is, we always say "Ohayou Gozaimasu" (good morning). It was difficult getting used to this.
 * 2. What has been the most impressive moment of your career?:
 * Saitama Super Arena event; we were the youngest artists ever to appear at this venue.
 * 3. What are your goals?:
 * I want more recognition and want the group to become idols that everybody loves.
 * 4. Where do you see yourself in 50 years?:
 * I will be 66. I hope I am healthy and still young!

Discography

 * See also: List:Kumai Yurina Discography Featured In

Solo DVDs

 * [2007.04.01] Kumai Yurina Berryz Koubou DVD Magazine Vol.8 (DVD Magazine)
 * [2011.12.23] one day in autumn (“e-Hello!” DVD)
 * [2012.04.18] Lily (“e-Hello!” DVD)
 * [2013.10.05] brand new day (“e-Hello!” DVD)
 * [2016.06.25] Kumai Yurina FC Event ~Enjoy! Valentine's day~ (Fanclub DVD)
 * [2017.02.11] Kumai Yurina Fanclub Bus Tour in Kyoto (Fanclub DVD)

Other DVDs

 * [2010.11.xx] Berryz Days 2 (with Shimizu Saki & Tokunaga Chinami)
 * [2011.02.xx] Berryz Days 3 (Sudou Maasa & Natsuyaki Miyabi)
 * [2012.03.xx] Berryz Days 4 (with Sugaya Risako)
 * [2013.12.26] Kumai Yurina Birthday Event ~enjoy twenty summer~
 * [2014.10.27] Berryz Koubou Birthday Event 2014 Sudo Maasa, Kumai Yurina & Natsuyaki Miyabi
 * [2015.02.28] Berryz Koubou DVD Magazine Vol.41 (with Natsuyaki Miyabi)
 * [2015.02.28] Berryz Koubou DVD Magazine Vol.41 (with Tokunaga Chinami)
 * [2015.xx.xx] M-line Memory Vol.19
 * [2016.xx.xx] M-Line Memory Vol.22
 * [2017.05.26] Sudo Maasa・Kumai Yurina FC Event "KuMaazu Nashi de wa Ikite Yukenai"

Photobooks

 * See also: List:Kumai Yurina Publications Featured In

Solo Photobooks

 * 1) [2007.08.29] Yurina (友理奈)
 * 2) [2009.07.27] FLOWERAGE
 * 3) [2010.12.17] KumaSpo!

Digital Photobooks

 * [2009.07.31] Berryz Koubou in Hawaii (Berryz工房 in HAWAII) (Yurina version)
 * [2010.08.17] Flowerage -Femme-
 * [2010.05.14] Flowerage -Fille-
 * [2011.03.01] Rainbow Berryz (虹色ベリーズ) (Yurina version)
 * [2011.05.31] KumaSpo! -DIVE!!- (クマスポ！-DIVE!!-)
 * [2011.06.29] KumaSpo! -RUN!!- (クマスポ！-RUN!!-)
 * [2011.07.27] KumaSpo! -SWIM!!- (クマスポ！-SWIM!!-)
 * [2013.10.01] Alo-Hello! Berryz Koubou 2013 (アロハロ！Berryz工房2013) (Yurina version)

Concert Photobooks

 * [2008.01.04+2008.01.27] Hello! Project 2008 Winter
 * [2012.03.30] Hello! Project 2012 WINTER Hello☆Pro Tengoku Live Shashinshū ~Rock-chan & Funky-chan~

Movies

 * [2002] Koinu Dan no Monogatari (仔犬ダンの物語)
 * [2004] Hotaru no Hoshi (ほたるの星)
 * [2011] Ousama Game (王様ゲーム) (as Honda Chiemi)

TV Programs

 * [2002–2007] Hello! Morning (ハロー! モーニング)
 * [2002-2004] Hello Kids
 * [2007–2008] Haromoni@ (ハロモニ@)
 * [2008] Berikyuu! (ベリキュー!)
 * [2008–2009] Yorosen! (よろセン!)
 * [2010–2011] Bijo Gaku (美女学)
 * [2011–2012] Hello Pro! TIME (ハロプロ！ＴＩＭＥ)
 * [2011–2013] Kaette Kita Berryz Kamen! (帰ってきたBerryz仮面!)
 * [2012–2013] Hello! SATOYAMA Life (ハロー！ＳＡＴＯＹＡＭＡライフ)
 * [2014–2015] The Girls Live
 * [2015] Nakai no Mado
 * [2015] THE Karaoke ★ Battle
 * [2015–] Ousama no Brunch

TV Drama

 * [2003] Little Hospital (リトル・ホスピタル)

Theater

 * [2006] Edo Kara Chakushin!? ~Timeslip to Kengai!~ (江戸から着信!? 〜タイムスリップto圏外!〜)
 * [2007] Reverse! ~ Watashi no Karada Doko Desu ka? (リバース! 〜私の体どこですか?)
 * [2008] Berryz Koubou VS Berryz Koubou (Berryz工房 VS Berryz工房)
 * [2009] Thank You Very Berry (サンク ユー ベリー ベリー)
 * [2010] Sanokuen Shoujo (三億円少女)
 * [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] Sengoku Jieitai
 * [2012] CAT'S♥EYE (キャッツ♥アイ)
 * [2013] Warera Jeanne ~Shoujo Seisen Kageki~ (我らジャンヌ 〜少女聖戦歌劇〜) (as Olga and Rene)
 * [2014] Sengoku Jieitai

Internet

 * [2011] Michishige Sayumi no "Mobekimasutte Nani??" (道重さゆみの『モベキマスってなに？？』)
 * [2013–2015] Hello! Project Station (ハロ！ステ)

Radio

 * [2009–2012] Tsuukai! Berryz Oukoku (痛快! ベリーズ王国)
 * [2012–2015] BZS1422

Commercials

 * [2003] Japan Meat Information Service Center (日本食肉消費総合センター)
 * [2009] Base Ball Bear - (WHAT IS THE) LOVE & POP?

Music Videos

 * [2017] Tsubaki Factory - Shuukatsu Sensation

Solo Events
1st Event= The event took place on May 21, 2008.

Performances
 * Suki na Senpai (好きな先輩) by Morning Musume
 * Koi wo Shichaimashita! (恋をしちゃいました!) by Tanpopo
 * Watarasebashi (渡良瀬橋) by Matsuura Aya

The event took place on September 12, 2008.
 * -|2nd Event=

Setlist
 * TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY by Berryz Koubou
 * Romantic Ukare Mode (ロマンティック浮かれモード) by Fujimoto Miki

The event took place on April 25, 2009.
 * -|3rd Event=

Setlist
 * Anshinkan (安心感) by Berryz Koubou

The event took place on January 13, 2010.
 * -|4th Event=

Setlist
 * Waracchaou yo BOYFRIEND (笑っちゃおうよBOYFRIEND) by Berryz Koubou
 * Lemon Iro to Milk Tea (レモン色と) by Morning Musume
 * Otoko Tomodachi (男友達) by Morning Musume
 * Itsuka Dokoka de. (いつかどこかで) by Guardians 4
 * CLAP! by Tokunaga Chinami, Natsuyaki Miyabi and Kumai Yurina

Rankings

 * She was voted 2nd favorite member in the 2010 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She ranked 1st in a magazine's 2011 "Girls that seem like they'll become big stars in the future" poll.
 * She ranked 10th most stylish idol by high school girls in a 2014 women's magazine.

Trivia

 * She is the tallest girl in all of Hello! Project.
 * Ogata Haruna thinks that Yurina is the coolest member of Hello! Project.
 * Her favorite artists are ayaka, Crystal Kay, UNJASH and Sakurazuka Yakkun.
 * In a recent Berryz Koubou DVD Magazine, she said her favorite Berryz member was Natsuyaki Miyabi.
 * She claimed that her own name is a bit difficult to say.
 * She sometimes gets to keep the change when it's 30 yen or so. And when her grandfather comes to visit, he sometimes give her 10 thousand yen as a gift.
 * In one of Berryz Koubou's DVD magazines, Kumai claimed she wants to visit the country of Belize. Also, Sugaya Risako said "I often share a hotel room with Kumai-chan. She sets an alarm clock, which rings really loud. Even though it is ringing really loud, she doesn't wake up at all. She always turns it to up the maximum volume."
 * According to Natsuyaki Miyabi, she believes Kumai's new nickname should be "tissues."
 * She has claimed that all the dance lessons they took, prior to debuting in Berryz Koubou, were the hardest things in her life.
 * She said that it is important to keep the memories of past times with her, for example, in an album. To her, that and her family and friends are all precious.
 * Since she likes fireworks, she wants to make a firework with the words "Berryz Koubou."
 * In Yorosen!, she taught Berryz Koubou about fashion.
 * Says she'd like to release a fourth photo book and would like to try on different kinds of clothes.
 * She admires pretty girls who, curiously, don’t have much make-up on, like Nose Karina and Hasegawa Jun.
 * She'd like to try out being a fashion model and also aims to become a cool woman.
 * Said she can't live without her dog Mint, because she soothes her every day.
 * She saved a fan letter that was sent to her in 2005 from Sashihara Rino.
 * Sudo Maasa said that she is an airhead.
 * When she was asked which smile of all Hello! Project members she likes the most she answered it would be either Yajima Maimi or Sudo Maasa.
 * Her favorite ANGERME song is Please Miniskirt Postwoman!.