Maeda Yuki

Maeda Yuki (前田有紀) is a former Japanese singer.

She started her career under the management of Enka singer Itsuki Hiroshi in 1994undefined, before joining Hello! Project as a soloist in 2000, debuting her first single "Naki Usagi" under the renowned enka label Teichiku.

She was part of the Hello! Project shuffle units: SALT5, Akagumi 4 (as Danielle's replacement), and H.P. All Stars. She graduated with the rest of the Elder Club in 2009, but continued her singing career as part of the agency.

In June of 2012, she announced on her twitter account that she was five months pregnant, and that she would retire from the music industry to focus on being a mother.

Biography
Before starting a singing career, Maeda participated in several song contests. In March 1991, she joined a nationwide karaoke contest, and in 1993 she participated in a talent search for Columbia Records who were looking for new members (for their label). undefined

In 1994, she was a finalist at the 18th Nagasaki Song Festival, and later that year she won the Hiroshi Itsuki ’94 POPULAR SINGER’S CONTEST, singing the song Hana Banka (Flower Elegy). A few days later, she was in a television show called NHK BS Tournament Song Championship, where she sung the song Kamome… Kamome (Seagull… Seagull). She came in second place, only beaten by Kondo Kaori with one point.undefined

In 1995, she went to Tokyo to study at Meiji Nakano High School, taking vocal lessons at the same time. The same year she was featured as one of the female singers in Hiroshi Itsuki’s duet album Itsuki Hiroshi Duet Special Selection 14, credited as ゆき (Yuki).

She graduated from Meiji Nakano High School in 1998.undefined

2000
On April 4th, Maeda apperaed on national television for the first time, on the show Idol wo Sagase. Iida Kaori (from Morning Musume) got to be a manager for Itsuki Hiroshi for a while, and later on was given the opportunity to become Maeda’s manager.undefined

In April of 2000, Maeda became a member of Hello! Project and started her career under the renowned enka record label Teichiku with her debut single Naki Usagi. For the summer months, Maeda went on a tour promoting the single, singing at different arenas in five cities. undefined

In July she participated in her first Hello! Project concert, performing in 12 cities, with an audience up to 200.000 people.undefined

2001
On January 1, she released her second single "Tokyo You Turn".

On January 20, she presented songs at three events in Nagoya.undefined

On March 31, she was part of "FamilyMart presents! Hello! Project Athletes" event at Saitama Super Arena.undefined

Danielle from Coconuts Musume became sick, and Maeda took her place in the shuffle group Akagumi 4. She only performed their song once at one concert. undefined

Teichuki released a compilation album featuring Maeda’s single released earlier this year.undefined

2002
On February 21, she released her third single "Tokyo, Yoimachigusa.". She also participated on Hiroshi Itsuki’s album Nagoya Misonoza Koen Live 2002 "Uta Mai Sou", where she sang the songs Hana and Shimauta. The live performances were taken form the concert of the same name where Maeda was a special guest.undefined

In the Hello! Project concert that year, she performed not her own song, but Itsuki’s song «Chigiri» («Eternal Promise»).undefined This song would later be released as a single the following year (by Itsuki).undefined

This year Teichiku released a compilation album featuring Maeda’s single. It also features a track where Maeda covers the song «Anata to Ikiru», originally by Teresa Teng.undefined

UFA started releasing a series of albums called «Douyou Pops» («Childrens’ songs») in 2002, where different members from Hello! Project would sing different well known and new childrens’ songs. Six albums, some themed according to the four seasons, and two DVDs with promotional videos were released. Maeda sung several of the songs, and she is in the promotional video for «Oomakiba wa Midori» («The Big Meadow is Green»).

2003
In 2003, she joined the shuffle unit SALT5. In the group she sang her first rap song, "GET UP! Rapper".

In 2003, Maeda switched record labels and signed with Up-Front Works and their label Zetima, releasing her fourth single Tokyo Kirigirisu. Starting this year, Oricon changed how they count single releases. Earlier they only counted the top 100 singles, but from now they started counting the top 200 singles. As a result, there are sales figures for «Tokyo Kirigirisu»: the single sold 1,661 copies and charted for two weeks.

She also joined the shuffles for the first time this year. She became a part of SALT5.. They released a song called GET UP! Rapper with a video to accompany it. In the video the girls rap, and it is the first time we get to see Maeda do a dance routine.

She was also a guest at Hiroshi Itsuki’s 55sei Happy Birthday Concert in Yokohama Arena, alongside several other members from Hello! Project.

2004
On January 1, she released her fifth single "Sarasara no Kawa".

In mid-2004 she was transferred to another UP-FRONT WORKS label, Rice Music, and on September 29, she released her sixth single "Nishi Shinjuku de Atta Hito".

She was part of H.P. All Stars which was a Hello! Project Shuffle Unit. Unlike other years, where there had been three separate units, H.P. All Stars was the only shuffle unit of the year, and consisted of members from all of Hello! Project that year.

2006
In 2006, it was announced that Maeda would release her sixth single, entitled Nagai Tunnel («Long Tunnel»). It was also announced that this would be her graduation single.undefined But eventually there was another announcement where the title changed to Omae no Namida wo Ore ni Kure, and the graduation reference disappeared entirely. Therefore it is unknown if she was actually going to leave, or if she (or the management) reconsidered. The single sold no more than 500 copies before falling off the charts.

On the same day her single was released, UFA also released a radio drama show on CD, in which Maeda had a role.

She would also be part of a play later that year called Showa Kayou Teater Shyuuchaku Eki and she appeared regularly on the Hello! Project cover song show Uta Doki! Pop Classics.

In the summer, a fan club tour with Iida Kaori called Otona no Nouryousai Fan Club Tour 2006. Clips from this concert was released on a fan club DVD called ''Hello! Days vol. 7''.

2007
From June 9-17, Maeda appeared in the stage play "Tokyo" alongside Shibata Ayumi.undefined

On September 26, she released her eighth single "Ai Ai Daiko".

From November 28 to December 2, she appeared in the stage play "Olivia wo ki Kinagara" alongside Yoshizawa Hitomi and Kimura Ayaka.undefined

2008
In May and June of 2008, she started hosting a weekly radio show entitled «Maeda Yuki no Yume Ongakukan» («Maeda Yuki’s Music Mansion»). It ran every sunday at night time, and lasted thirty minutes. After the show went off the air, Maeda became a regular at Music Bird hosting a weekly show entitled «Maeda Yuki’s Music & Diary». This show ended March 31st, 2009. She also hosted NHK Radio Broadcast’s «Uta no Sanpomichi» («Promenade of Songs»), which was set in NHK studio park.

In October, the Hello! Project website announced that 22 of it’s members would graduate from in 2009, including Maeda. She will remain with up-front agency and continue on as a solo singer.

2009
On February 25, she released her ninth single "Kenchana ~Daijoubu~".

On March 31, she graduated from Hello! Project along with the rest of the Elder Club. After her graduation she was a regular at the radio shows Maeda Yuki no Ai no Uta Kokoro no Uta and ''Maeda Yuki no Hayaoki Banzai. ''She also started her own blog after her graduation, called Yuki Style.undefined This was closed in 2012.

On September 9, she released her first album, Maeda Yuki Zenkyoku Shuu ~Kenchana~.

From September 27-30, she appeared in the stage play "FAR AWAY" alongside Abe Natsumi and Kimura Ayaka.undefined

2010
On April 4, she released her tenth single "Mianeyo ~Gomennasai~". The release annoucement also stated that this would be her second release in her «South Korean series. For this series, she started collaborating with a Korean lyricist, singer, composer and screen writer, named Hae-Joon Yoo. He does all of the composing of the music, while Chiyoko Mori does most of the lyrics.

Maeda started hosting a new radio show called 前田有紀のぎふとＦｏｒＹｏｕ (Maeda Yuki’s gift For You), starting in early April. It is a show where she plays song requests from listeners and interviews guests active in the music industry. Around the same time she opened her official twitter account.

Since the release of «Kenchana -Daijoubu-«, Maeda starting taking language courses learning to speak Korean. At fan club events she has held since this, her Korean has improved and she says herself she is now capable of every day lingo and basic greetings.undefined

2011
She released her third Korean-themed single, and 11th single overall, in May 2011. It is entitled Busan Hatsu, and contains five tracks. One of the songs is a Korean version of the title track. It charted for one week and sold 500 copies.

Shortly after the release of the single, it was announced that Maeda would release her first mini-album. It was released in November, and is entitled Busan Hatsu～Kankoku Series Best～.

2012
In June of 2012, Maeda announced through her twitter account and on her blog that she had married a man she met while studying Korean in South Korea. She also announced she was five months pregnant, and that she had made the decision to retire from the music industry to focus on being a wife and mother. She expressed that she hoped to return to the music industry in the future.

Yuki Maeda's blog June 22ndundefined "I have a very important announcement to make. I’ve been dating a man who I always wished to spend my future with. I am happy to announce that we are getting married this month. Also, I’m expecting as well: I’m 5 months pregnant. The reason I haven’t been able to update my blog was because my morning sickness has been quite serious. Also, at the beginning of my pregnancy, I almost miscarried my baby. That’s why I had to take some time and rest for a while.

Now that I’m in my 2nd trimester, I can safely announce my pregnancy. Every day, I am enjoying the moment.

As for my future plan, I’d like to focus on delivering a healthy baby and raising my child. Therefore, I’ve decided to pause my career for a while.

To be honest, I’d like to do both. But I think it’s best for me to take some time away from my career for now.

Every day, I’m monitoring my health as well as my baby’s.

This blog will be closed in June. Until then, you should still be able to access and view my entries.

As for my Twitter, I will still maintain that account. So please stay tuned.

I don’t like to say goodbyes, so let me say that I am looking forward to seeing all of you again.

If/when I return to the stage in the future, please welcome me back with your warm support.

Please keep thinking about me, as I’ll do the same for you.

I feel grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful people.

Thank you.

With love, Yuki Maeda."

In late November, she gave birth to a baby girl, and announced her retirement as a singer saying she wishes to focus on her family.undefined

Several Hello! Project acts congratulated Maeda when she posted the news:

http://www.michiyo34.com/diary/ ☆祝・おめでとう☆ Congratulations!

I apologize for the delayed response. Yuki Maeda, congratulations on your marriage and pregnancy! J

Back then, when I was going through the toughest or the second toughest time of my life, She, Acchu (Atsuko Inaba), and HITO (Hitomi Saito) gave me words of encouragement. She was always a quiet, patient and a great listener for me. Although we are the same age, I was always relying on her.

She totally deserves awesome news like this! And I am genuinely happy for her. Her husband seems like a nice, kind guy. They seem like a perfect couple and watching them together makes my heart melt. I think kindness is the must-have quality in a husband!

She’ll soon be delivering and nurturing her baby. Becoming a mother involves a lot of hard work, so I hope her husband can help her out in raising a child whenever he has free time from his work. And finally, we’ll be mommy-friends! This is another wonderful news! Let’s get together more often!

Also, Yu-chan (Yuko Nakazawa), congratulations on your marriage and pregnancy! I welcome great news from my big sister at any time. She’s worked so hard since her debut. It’s time for her to enjoy happiness to her heart’s content!

Speaking of becoming a mom, Ayaka, Fujimoto and Kago have all become mothers. I love hearing great news of my friends/old colleagues.

No. 179 by Michiyo, Thursday, June 28th, 2012.

*****

Kaori Iida's congratulationsundefined

"I received the important announcement from Yuki Maeda, a.k.a. Yukidon about her wedding and her pregnancy! Congratulations! I remember when she met this wonderful man, she told me about him and I was so excited for her. I'm so happy for you!! Once you have a family of your own, you'll be busy and we may not be able to meet as often as we'd like. But when you told me, "I'd like to stay in touch with you as a good friend forever", I was so happy! Of course, we'll be good friends forever! Yuki-don, congratulations!"

Yuko Nakazawa's gratulationsundefined Kago-chan had a baby girl! Congratulations to her! I am so happy! Her baby and mine will be in the same grade.

I never expected my future would turn out this way 12 years ago… To me, both Tsuji-chan and Kago-chan were like baby monsters that exploded with excessive energy. Every day was chaotic. Ah, good times… In terms of parenting, those two are my “senpai” since they have more experience than I do.

Also, I heard Yuki Maeda’s news about her marriage & pregnancy. Her baby and mine will be in the same grade as well. Yuichi Yamadera got married the other day as well. As you can see, I am surrounded by a series of wonderful news!!

I wish there would be more great news like this waiting for me in the future. Oops, I guess I shouldn’t be so greedy. In any case, congratulations, everybody!

Hitomi Saito's congratulationsundefined Please let me take a break from the posts about my Guam trip, and write a few things about my best friend. Yuki Maeda, who is a great friend from Hello!Project and my best friend, has announced her marriage!! She is very important to me, and I’m happy to see her happy like this!

She’s also expecting, so essentially, I’ve received two wonderful news at the same time! Yuki-chan, congratulations!

She has tried so hard to make her dream come true since she was a little girl. I really admire her talent. I get goose bumps when I hear her sing. She has been a huge inspiration to me.

She will take a break from her career in order to focus on delivering and raising her baby. I believe she’s going to come back as a singer some day.

Everyone, please send her best wishes on her new journey. Let’s hope that she’ll come back and let us hear her beautiful voice once again!

Lately, many of my friends from Hello!Project are having babies.

Best wishes to all!

2013
In 2013, Hello! Project held a concert called Hello! Project Countdown 2013 ~Hello & Good Bye~, Maeda was one of the acts performing on stage along with several other graduated members.

2014
In November, Maeda Yuki gave birth to a son.undefined

2016
On April 20, she announced that she was pregnant with her third child.undefined She gave birth to a son on August 8.undefined

2019
Debut Kinenbi Yes! Shiawase ~Issho ni Iwatte Kuremasu ka?~ was a live talk by Taiyou to Ciscomoon held at Dai Ani LIVEBASE Nishiazabu on April 21, 2019. Maeda Yuki, who also celebrated her 19th debut anniversary on April 21, was featured as one of the guests.undefined

Profile

 * Name: Maeda Yuki (前田有紀)
 * Nicknames: Yukidon
 * Birthdate:
 * Birthplace: Ehime Prefecture, Japan
 * Raised: Kochi,  Kochi Prefecture, Japan
 * Blood Type: A
 * Star Sign: Virgo
 * Hobbies: Watching movies, taking pictures, listening to favorite CDs
 * Favorite colors: Light blue, black, red
 * Favorite flowers: Roses, baby's breaths
 * Favorite season: Summer
 * Favorite words: Effort, sympathy
 * Favorite food: Chicken, fruits
 * Disliked food: Salmon roe
 * Moto: "Ring Angel Hair" (laughs)
 * Shuffle Units:
 * 2000: Akagumi 4 (Second Generation)
 * 2003: SALT5
 * 2004: H.P. All Stars
 * 2009: Elder Club
 * UP-FRONT PROMOTION:
 * Ganbarou Nippon Ai wa Katsu Singers (2011)

SALT5

 * GET UP! Rapper

H.P. ALL STARS

 * ALL FOR ONE & ONE FOR ALL!

Ganbarou Nippon Ai wa Katsu Singers

 * Ai wa Katsu

Discography
Albums=
 * Mini Albums
 * 1) [2011.11.23] Busan Hatsu ~Kankoku Series Best~


 * Best Albums
 * 1) [2009.09.09] Maeda Yuki Zenkyoku Shuu ~Kenchana~


 * Collaboration Albums
 * 1) [1995.11.25] [[Itsuki Hiroshi Duet Special Selection 14]
 * 2) [2002.09.04] Nagoya Misonoza Koen Live 2002 "Uta Mai Sou"


 * Other Albums
 * 1) [2006.07.26] Hello! Project Radio Drama Osaka Compilation Vol. 4


 * -|Singles=
 * Singles
 * 1) [2000.04.21] Naki Usagi
 * 2) [2001.01.01] Tokyo You Turn
 * 3) [2002.02.21] Tokyo, Yoimachigusa.
 * 4) [2003.07.16] Tokyo Kirigirisu
 * 5) [2004.01.01] Sarasara no Kawa
 * 6) [2004.09.29] Nishi Shinjuku de Atta Hito
 * 7) [2006.07.26] Omae no Namida wo Ore ni Kure
 * 8) [2007.07.26] Ai Ai Daiko
 * 9) [2009.02.25] Kenchana ~Daijoubu~
 * 10) [2010.04.04] Mianeyo ~Gomennasai~ (ミアネヨ ～ごめんなさい～ )
 * 11) [2011.05.25] Busan Hatsu


 * -|DVDs=
 * 1) Hello! Project Douyou Eizou Shuu ~Ponkikies21~
 * 2) Atarashii Douyou
 * 3) Itsuki Hiroshi 55sei Happy Birthday Concert in Yokohama Arena
 * 4) Showa Kayou Teater Shyuuchakueki
 * 5) Gekidan Senior Graffiti Yokosuka Story
 * 6) Gekidan Senior Graffiti Showa Kayo Theater - Far Away


 * -|Compilations=
 * 1) [2001.03.23] Saishin Enka! Hayari Uta Best 16
 * 2) [2002.02.20] The Douyou Pops 2 Haru no Uta Shuu
 * 3) [2002.06.05] The Douyou Pops 3 Natsu no Uta Shuu
 * 4) [2002.06.21] Enka Kyouen! Saishin Hayari-uta
 * 5) [2002.09.04] The Douyou Pops 4 Aki no Uta Shuu
 * 6) [2002.12.04] Shinsaku Douyou Pops 1
 * 7) [2003.03.26] Shinsaku Douyou Pops 2
 * 8) [2003.12.17] Petit Best 4
 * 9) [2004.12.22] Petit Best 5
 * 10) [2005.12.21] Petit Best 6
 * 11) [2006.12.20] Petit Best 7
 * 12) [2007.12.12] Petit Best 8
 * 13) [2008.12.10] Hello! Project Shuffle Unit Mega Best
 * 14) [2008.12.10] Hello! Project Special Unit Mega Best

Concerts

 * Hello! Project 2002 ~Kotoshi mo Sugoizo!~ (#6 Chigiri (契り))
 * Uta Doki! (Mou Ichido Aitai (もう一度逢いたい))
 * Hello! Project 2003 Winter ~Tanoshin Jattemasu!~ (#5 Yosakoi Setsu (よさこい節 ))
 * Hello! Project 2005 Winter ~A Happy New Power! Shirogumi~
 * Hello! Project 2005 Winter All-Stars Dairanbu ~A HAPPY NEW POWER! Iida Kaori Sotsugyou Special~
 * Hello Project Concert Tour Winter 2007 ~Elder Club THE CELEBRATION~

Theater

 * [2007] Tokyo (東京)
 * [2007] Olivia wo ki Kinagara (オリビアを聴きながら)
 * [2009] FAR AWAY

Trivia

 * She is in no way related to the former Whiteberry vocalist of the same name.
 * Iida Kaori is the main reason why Maeda became a part of Hello! Project.
 * She got the nickname Yukidon from Iida.
 * She is one of the few enka soloists under Hello! Project.
 * She didn't have her first charting single, "Tokyo Kirigirisu", until she signed with the Up-Front Works label, zetima in 2003.