Yajima Maimi

Yajima Maimi (矢島舞美, born on February 7, 1992 in Saitama, Japan) is the leader of ℃-ute, a group within Hello! Project. She is also a member of the SATOYAMA movement unit DIY♡ and the SATOUMI movement unit Mellowquad.

On October 8, 2014, it was confirmed that Yajima will become the 5th Hello! Project leader following the upcoming graduation of the current leader, Michishige Sayumi, on November 26.

Early Life
Yajima Maimi was born on February 7, 1992 in Saitama, Japan to a couple whose names are undisclosed.

2002
Yajima Maimi first joined Hello! Project on June 30 as one of the fifteen children chosen from the Hello! Project Kids auditions after performing "♡Momoiro Kataomoi♡" by Matsuura Aya. She made her debut the same year in the movie Koinu Dan no Monogatari, taking on one of the main roles as an antagonist.

2003
In 2003, Yajima became a member of the unit ZYX, which released two singles before it became inactive.

2004
In 2004, Berryz Koubou was formed, with the intention of rotating the kids throughout the unit. Yajima didn't make the original pick, and the idea was eventually dropped.

2005
In 2005, the remaining seven in Hello! Project Kids formed ℃-ute. Although it was Umeda Erika, being the oldest, who was originally chosen to be the group's leader, she did not believe herself responsible for the task, and so the position was passed down to the second oldest, Yajima Maimi.

2006-2007
℃-ute did not make their official debut until late in 2006, with their first official single released in February of 2007.

Aside from leading ℃-ute, Yajima also became the sub-captain of Little Gatas, the Hello! Project Kids futsal team.

2008
Yajima co-hosted ℃-ute's weekly radio program, Cutie Party. She took over the role when Murakami Megumi left the group. Yajima also collaborated with Abe Natsumi to release the single 16sai no Koi Nante on January 16, 2008.

In 2008 Yajima was selected to be a member of Hello! Project's new unit, High-King.

2009
On March 11, Kojina (President of Mirai CO) revealed in his blog that Yajima and Fukuda Kanon would be participating in the movie Fuyu no Kaidan. The film hit the theaters on May 23th, 2009. Yajima is the movie protagonist, and has the role of "extermining evil spirits/ghosts". She also starred in a play called Shin Gumi 10nen 7gatsu Kouen Ran.

2011
In January, it was announced that Yajima would be in a movie titled  Black Angels.

On August 7th, it was announced that Yajima would be in a movie tittled Zomvideo. The movie released in 2012.

2012
From May 15 to May 17, Yajima starred in a new stage play titled Theatre in the Round..

On July 20, it was announced that Yajima was one of the chosen members to form the SATOYAMA movement unit DIY♡. The unit released an indies single, titled "Forefore ~Forest For Rest~ / Boys be ambitious!" (with GREEN FIELDS), on November 7.

On July 25, it was announced that Yajima would be performing in an stage play titled CAT'S♥EYE, based on a manga. She also became a member of the group Cat's♥Eye 7 to promote the musical. The stage play ran from September 22 to September 30.

From November 21 to December 2, Yajima and Tokunaga Chinami performed in an stage play titled Sugar Spot.

2013
On February 23, Yajima and Tsugunaga Momoko attended Mano Erina's graduation ceremony.

On March 2, at Forest For Rest ~SATOYAMA e Ikou~ SATOYAMA movement in YOKOHAMA, Yajima was announced a member of the new SATOUMI movement unit, Mellowquad.

2014
On February 5~7, Yajima, Nakajima Saki, and Hagiwara Mai celebrated their birthday. The special event was called Yajima Maimi, Nakajima Saki, & Hagiwara Mai 2014 Birthday Event, the event featured six performances in Saitama, Osaka, and Tokyo.

On February 12, it was announced Yajima would be appearing on the TV Tokyo drama "Urero mi Taiken Shoujo" Season 3, starring Hayami Akari, on February 21.

On October 8, it was confirmed in an interview with Michishige Sayumi that Yajima will be next Hello! Project leader once Michishige graduates on November 26. This makes Yajima the first Hello! Project leader to not be from Morning Musume.

Personal Life
Family= She has two older brothers. She is also first cousins with S/mileage's Takeuchi Akari.

She has four pet dogs named Rookie, Cologne, Aroma, and Toilette.

When Yajima joined Hello! Project Kids, she was a fifth year elementary school student. She graduated from high school in March 2011.
 * -|Education=

The following list are notable friendships Yajima Maimi has acquired:
 * -|Friendships=
 * Suzuki Airi: Yajima is good friends with Suzuki Airi and is known for her good relationship with her.
 * Nakajima Saki: She is good friends with Nakajima Saki.
 * Okai Chisato: She is good friends with Okai Chisato.
 * Hagiwara Mai: She is good friends with Hagiwara Mai.
 * Tokunaga Chinami: She is good friends with Berryz Koubou member Tokunaga Chinami.
 * Miyazaki Yuka: She gets along well with Juice=Juice member Miyazaki Yuka.

Yajima's given name, "Maimi", means beautiful dance (舞美; maimi). It's a feminine Japanese given name and surname.
 * -|Name Meaning=

Here is a list of nicknames that was used to refer to Yajima Maimi:
 * -|Nicknames=
 * Maimiii (まいみぃ～): Official nickname, given her since joining ℃-ute. Used by members and fans.
 * Yaji (やじ): Second official nickname, given her since joining ℃-ute. Used by members and fans.

Profile
Stats=
 * Name: Yajima Maimi (矢島舞美)
 * Birth Date:
 * Birthplace: Saitama, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
 * Nickname: Maimiii (まいみぃ～), Yaji (やじ), Maimi (まいみ), Miitan (みぃたん), Yajisan (やじさん), Yassui
 * Blood Type: O
 * Height: 165 cm
 * Western Zodiac: Aquarius
 * Eastern Zodiac: Monkey
 * Audition Song: ♡Momoiro Kataomoi♡
 * Hello! Project Status:
 * 2002-06-30: Member
 * 2005-06-11: ℃-ute Member (Leader)
 * Years in ℃-ute: 9 Years
 * Official Kaomoji: 从*・ゥ・)
 * ℃-ute Color:
 * Pink (2006-2009)
 * Red (2009-Present)
 * DIY♡ Color:
 * Red (2012-Present)
 * Cat's♥Eye 7 Color:
 * Light Blue (2012-Present)
 * Hello! Project Groups:
 * Hello! Project Kids (2002-)
 * ZYX (2003)
 * ℃-ute (2005–)
 * High-King (2008)
 * Bello! (2009)
 * Hello! Project Mobekimasu (2011-2013)
 * BeriKyuu (2011-)
 * DIY♡ (2012-)
 * Cat's♥Eye 7 (2012)
 * Mellowquad (2013-)
 * Shuffle Groups:
 * H.P. All Stars (2004)
 * Other:
 * Little Gatas (2004–2007)
 * Mix Gatas (2006–2007)
 * Gatas Brilhantes H.P. (2007–)
 * -|Q&A=
 * Strong Point: Steadily putting in effort
 * Weak Point: Being shy
 * Habit: Saving food I love the most till the last moment.
 * Special Skill: Horizontal bar, hula hoop, unicycle.
 * Hobbies: Making bee mascots, writing letters to friends
 * Favorite Color: White, green, yellow, pink, light blue, yellow-green
 * Favorite Flower: Hibiscus, cosmos, lily of the valley
 * Disliked Thing/Thing to do: Getting shots and anything else that hurts
 * Scared of: Snakes, bugs, monsters.
 * Favorite Subject: Physical Education
 * Favorite Movie: Home Alone (all three)
 * Favorite Book: Fuuchan no Harmonica
 * Favorite Word: "Zenryoku toukyuu!!" (Go all out)
 * Favorite Season: Spring
 * Favorite Food: Quail eggs, umeboshi, fruits, cherries, meat
 * Least Favorite Food: Fish, Liver, ginger, wasabi, sea urchin
 * Favorite Animal: Dogs (they're too cute)
 * Favorite Hello! Project Song: I WISH
 * Favorite Song in the Past: "Dango 3 Kyoudai" by Hayami Kentarou and Shigemori Ayumi (with Hidamari Kids and Dango Chorus),
 * Charm Point: Silky hair

Discography

 * See also: Yajima Maimi Discography Featured In

Singles

 * [2008.01.16] 16sai no Koi Nante (with Abe Natsumi)

Digital Singles

 * [2010.12.10] Seinaru Kane ga Hibiku Yoru
 * [2011.03.02] Egao ni Namida ~THANK YOU! DEAR MY FRIENDS~
 * [2011.03.30] Kousui

Solo Songs

 * [2007.04.18] Natsu DOKI Lipstick
 * [2009.01.28] Seishun Song
 * [2010.02.24] Lonely girl's night
 * [2012.04.18] Kimi wa Jitensha Watashi wa Densha de Kitaku
 * [2013.02.06] Ame

Solo DVDs

 * [2009.04.29] 17's
 * [2010.06.23] Fix no E
 * [2011.03.27] Kaifuu (“e-Hello!” DVD)
 * [2011.08.30] a foggy doll (“e-Hello!” DVD)
 * [2011.09.30] a rainy day (“e-Hello!” DVD)
 * [2011.11.12] Imagine Classic (“e-Hello!” DVD)
 * [2012.12.19] Chelsie
 * [2013.06.06] My Museum Special DVD
 * [2013.12.16] Smiling sky (“e-Hello!” DVD)
 * [2014.04.09] Blue Wind

Other DVDs

 * [2012.08.08] Yajima Maimi & Suzuki Airi Acoustic Live at Yokohama BLITZ
 * [2013.06.xx] °C-ute Birthday Kikaku ~Kotoshi wa 5-ri de Birthday Event Yacchaimasu! Datte minna de tanoshi mitai mon! (Fanclub DVD)
 * [2014.06.26] Yajima Maimi, Nakajima Saki, & Hagiwara Mai 2014 Birthday Event (Fanclub DVD)

Publications

 * See alos:Yajima Maimi Photobooks &amp; Magazines

Solo Photobooks

 * 1) [2007.04.27] Maimi ( 舞美 )
 * 2) [2008.01.27] Sou Sola ( 爽・空 )
 * 3) [2009.04.24] 17
 * 4) [2010.06.05] Yajima Maimi Shashinkan 2008-2010 (矢島舞美写真館 2008-2010) (Compilation PB)
 * 5) [2011.11.27] Tabioto (タビオト)
 * 6) [2012.11.27] Hatachi (ハタチ)
 * 7) [2013.05.27] My Museum (マイミュージアム)
 * 8) [2013.10.15] Glass to Mizu (ガラスと水)
 * 9) [2014.03.27] PURE EYES

Digital Photobooks

 * [2010.02.05] Alo-Hello! C-ute (アロハロ！℃-ute) (Maimi version)
 * [2011.05.02] Hello! Channel - Landlady of the inn・Waitress hen (ハロー！チャンネル旅館の女将・仲居編) (with Takahashi Ai)
 * [2012.02.14] Cutest (Maimi version)
 * [2012.06.29] Awa Awa, to. (あわあわ、と. )
 * [2012.08.29] Leader Set (リーダー集合) (with Takahashi Ai, Shimizu Saki, & Wada Ayaka)
 * [2012.10.22] Alo-Hello! C-ute 2012 (アロハロ！℃-ute 2012) (Maimi 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~

Other Photobooks

 * [2010.03.24] Hello! Project BEST SHOT!! Vol.18 (with Mano Erina, Tsugunaga Momoko, Sugaya Risako, & Suzuki Airi)

Solo Events
1st Event= The event took place in June, 2008.

Performances
 * ♡Momoiro Kataomoi♡ (♡桃色片想い♡) by Matsuura Aya
 * Watashi no Koibito na no ni (私の恋人なのに) by Abe Natsumi and Yajima Maimi
 * Iki wo Kasanemashou (息を重ねましょう) by Abe Natsumi

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

Setlist
 * Time﻿ Capsule (タイムカプセル) by ℃-ute

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

Setlist
 * Omoi Afurete (想いあふれて) by Matsuura Aya
 * Big dreams by ℃-ute

The event took place on November 10, 2009.
 * -|4th Event=

Setlist
 * EVERYDAY Zekkouchou! ( ＥＶＥＲＹＤＡＹ絶好調!) by ℃-ute
 * Image Color (イメージカラー) by Yajima Maimi and Suzuki Airi
 * Watashi no Koibito na no ni (私の恋人なのに) by Abe Natsumi and Yajima Maimi
 * Watarasebashi (渡良瀬橋) by Matsuura Aya
 * Natsu DOKI Lipstick (夏ＤＯＫＩリップスティック) by Yajima Maimi

The event took place in April, 2010.
 * -|5th Event=

Setlist
 * Kioku no Meiro by High King
 * 16sai no Koi Nante by Abe Natsumi and Yajima Maimi

Movies

 * [2002] Koinu Dan no Monogatari (仔犬ダンの物語)
 * [2009] Fuyu no Kaidan ~Boku to Watashi to Obaachan no Monogatari~ (冬の怪談 ~ぼくとワタシとおばあちゃんの物語~)
 * [2011] Black Angels (ブラック・エンジェルズ)
 * [2011] Ousama Game (王様ゲーム) (as Hamura Reiko)
 * [2012] Zomvideo (ゾンビデ)
 * [2012] Black Angels 2 (ブラック・エンジェルズ2)
 * [2012] Black Angels 3 (ブラック・エンジェルズ3)

TV Programs

 * [2002-2007] Hello! Morning (ハロー! モーニング)
 * [2007-2008] Haromoni@ (ハロモニ@)
 * [2008] Berikyuu! (ベリキュー!)
 * [2008-2009] Yorosen! (よろセン!)
 * [2009] Bijou Houdan (美女放談) (2 episodes)
 * [2010-] Piramekiino G (ピラメキーノG) ("Zakkuri Senshi Piramekid" corner)
 * [2010-2011] Bijo Gaku (美女学)
 * [2011-2012] Hello Pro! TIME (ハロプロ！ＴＩＭＥ)
 * [2012-2013] Hello! SATOYAMA Life (ハロー！ＳＡＴＯＹＡＭＡライフ)
 * [2012] U! Style (遊!Style)
 * [2014-] The Girls Live
 * [2014-] °C-ute no Challenge TV (℃-uteのチャレンジTV)

TV Dramas

 * [2011] Mannequin Girls (マネキン・ガールズ)
 * [2012] Suugaku♥Joshi Gakuen (数学♥女子学園)
 * [2014] Urero mi Taiken Shoujo (ウレロ☆未体験少女)

Theater

 * [2009] Romantic ni Yoroshiku (ロマンチックにヨロシク)
 * [2010] Ran (らん)
 * [2011] Ran-2011 New Version!!- (らん―2011 New version!!―)
 * [2011] Real Etude Minna no Ie (リアルエチュード　みんなの家)
 * [2011] Sengoku Jieitai
 * [2012] Theater in The Round (青山円形劇場)
 * [2012.09.22~09.30] CAT'S♥EYE (キャッツ♥アイ)
 * [2012] Sugar Spot (シュガースポット)
 * [2013.03] Sakura no Hanataba (さくらの花束) as Hirano Sakiko (平野咲子)
 * [2013.05.31~06.11] Taklimakan (タクラマカン)

Music videos

 * [2007] Buono! - "Honto no Jibun" (ホントのじぶん)

Commercials

 * [2005] American Family Seimei Hoken Kaisha Nippon Shisha 'Urashima Taro Hen' (アメリカンファミリー生命保険会社日本支社「浦島太郎篇」)

Internet

 * [2006] Hello! Pro Hour
 * [2011] Michishige Sayumi no "Mobekimasutte Nani??" (道重さゆみの『モベキマスってなに？？』)
 * [2012] 'Hagiwara Mai Desu ga... Nani ka?'
 * [2013-] Hello! Project Station (ハロ！ステ)

Radio

 * [2006-2008] CUTIE PARTY
 * [2008-] ℃-ute Yajima Maimi no I My Me Maimi~ (℃-ute矢島舞美のI My Me まいみ~)
 * [2013] Tokai no Hitorigurashi (都会の一人暮らし) (Radio drama)

Cover girl

 * [2008.03.13] Young Sunday
 * [2008.05.20] Photo technic digital
 * [2008.06.10] Weekly ASCII
 * [2009.06.23] UTB vol.192
 * [2009.07.09] Weekly Shonen Champion No.32
 * [2009.09.10] Weekly Shonen Champion No.41
 * [2012.04.03] Weekly ASCII
 * [2012.05.20] funride
 * [2012.08.18] GooBike
 * [2013.04.19] Weekly Famitsu Taiwan vol.432
 * [2013.07.24] BASEBALL GAME VOL.07
 * [2014.01.16] Weekly Famitsu Taiwan vol.468
 * [2014.08.25] an vol.34

Featured on the cover

 * [2008.01.29] YAHOO! Internet Guide JAPAN (with Abe Natsumi)
 * [2009.12.23] UTB vol.195 (with Suzuki Airi)
 * [2010.11.09] Hello! Channel Vol.2 (with Takahashi Ai)
 * [2011.07.12] Hello! Channel Vol.5 (with Takahashi Ai, Shimizu Saki, and Wada Ayaka)
 * [2011.09.24] Hello! Channel Vol.6 (Back cover) (with Tsugunaga Momoko and Fukuda Kanon)
 * [2011.11.14] CD&DL Data (with Tanaka Reina, Mano Erina, Tsugunaga Momoko, Suzuki Airi, Wada Ayaka, Sayashi Riho, and Tamura Meimi)
 * [2011.12.19] Hello! Channel Vol.7 (Back cover) (with Mano Erina, Shimizu Saki, & Tsugunaga Momoko)
 * [2012.04.20] Photo technic digital (with Suzuki Airi)
 * [2012.06.25] BIG ONE GIRLS (with Tsugunaga Momoko, Sugaya Risako, and Suzuki Airi)
 * [2012.07.17] Hello! Channel Vol.9 (Back cover) (with Mano Erina)
 * [2012.08.29] Young Sunday (with Suzuki Airi)
 * [2012.09.24] UTB+ Vol.10 (with Michishige Sayumi, Mano Erina, Tsugunaga Momoko, Suzuki Airi, Wada Ayaka, Ishida Ayumi, and Sayashi Riho)
 * [2012.10.06] Confetti Vol.095 (with Tokunaga Chinami)
 * [2012.11.26] girls! Vol.37 (with Mano Erina)
 * [2013.03.25] Big Comic Spirits  (with Suzuki Airi)
 * [2013.03.25] Digimono Station Vol.134
 * [2013.06.17] Big Comic Spirits (with Nishino Nanase)
 * [2013.11.11] Anikan R Yanyan Vol.11  (with Nakajima Saki and Hagiwara Mai)
 * [2014.03.12] Weekly Shonen Magazine  (with Suzuki Airi)
 * [2014.08.16] Young Gangan  (with Suzuki Airi)

Rankings

 * She was voted 7th favorite member in the 2007 "Hello! Project Music Awards Event.
 * She ranked #9 in CDTV's 2008 "Which artists would you have as a lover?" poll.
 * She was voted 2nd favorite member in the 2008 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She was voted 2nd favorite member in the 2009 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She ranked #10 in CDTV's 2010 "Which artist do you want as your sweetheart?" poll.
 * She was voted 4th favorite member in the 2010 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She was voted 7th favorite member in the 2011 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She was voted 7th favorite member in the 2012 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She ranked at #15 in Anikan R Yanyan magazine's May 2013 "Singing idol you like the most".
 * She ranked 5th in mixi's June 2013 Hello! Project Popularity Ranking.
 * She ranked #31 in All Night Nippon Listener's 2013 Overall Female Idol Ranking.
 * She ranked 24th in Nippon Cultural Broadcasting recommendation's 2013 "Female Idol Faces General Election".
 * She ranked at #16 in Anikan R Yanyan magazine's September 2013 "Singing idol you like the most".
 * She ranked at #20 in Anikan R Yanyan magazine's October 2013 "Singing idol you like the most".
 * She was voted 7th favorite member in the 2013 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.

Trivia

 * She is considered to be one of the fastest runners in all of Hello! Project, often coming first in the running events at the annual sports festivals and listing running as one of her hobbies.
 * She has been nicknamed "Rain Girl" by fans and her fellow C-ute members, who say that she is the one that causes it to rain so often on important days, such as at concerts and events the group attends.
 * Has described herself as so forgetful she even forgets when she eats.
 * Loves cherries and shabu shabu.
 * Her specialty is Japanese calligraphy.
 * She describes her strong point as not worrying about small things.
 * She dislikes fish, and was criticized for it on Gyao's Hello! Pro Hour, since she had asked Abe Natsumi what her favorite type of sushi was, when Yajima herself doesn't eat sushi.
 * Her nickname "Yassui" was given to her by Yaguchi Mari.
 * She shares the same birthday with fellow ℃-ute member Hagiwara Mai, as well as former Hello! Project members Lehua Sandbo and Kago Ai.
 * "I My Me Mine" was the title of a magazine article about Yajima. Since it sounds similar to "Maimi", some fans call her by that name.
 * She has said that she dreams of becoming an actress in the future.
 * Wears a Japanese shoe size of 24-25.
 * She has two toy poodles and one jack russell terrier. She gave a puppy from the toy poodles to Shimizu Saki from Berryz Koubou.
 * She is good friends with Shimizu Saki,Tokunaga Chinami and Suzuki Airi.
 * She doesn't like cream, and thus rarely eats cakes, preferring tarts instead.
 * She was the first member of C-ute to release a photobook.
 * She has said that she is good at competitive eating. She once went to a wanko-soba eating contest and ate eighty-seven bowls of the food in ten minutes, more than all of the other contestants.
 * Her role models include Abe Natsumi, Yasuda Kei, and Fujimoto Miki.
 * Appeared in Buono!'s "Honto no Jibun" promotional video along with Okai Chisato.
 * After the departure of Umeda Erika, she became the tallest in ℃-ute, being 5'5 (165 cm).
 * Excluding former member Umeda Erika, she is also the oldest in ℃-ute and the first member in ℃-ute to become a legal adult.
 * Yajima and Okai Chisato are the only two current Hello! Project members still in Gatas Brilhantes H.P..
 * She currently has the most solo DVDs out of C-ute.
 * She is best friends with fellow former member Umeda Erika.
 * Known for her good relationship with Suzuki Airi (YajiSuzu).
 * When she was asked to tell one thing she thinks C-ute won’t lose against the other H!P groups she answered she would be really confident that they would be #1 in a sports festival because all the members are pretty fast and  athletic.
 * When she was asked which smile of all Hello! Project members she likes the most she answered it would be Iikubo Haruna's.
 * Juice=Juice member Kanazawa Tomoko says that she's envious of Yajima's 'pretty voice'.