Wada Ayaka

"ANGERME's goal is to become the number one in Hello! Project. It's a big dream, but we'd like to work hard at it. In 2016, ANGERME saw a series of graduations and new entries. But now, we'll be doing our best in our new form, so we'd be happy if you would support us in 2017 as well. We ask for your kindness."

- Wada Ayaka, January 2017

Wada Ayaka (和田彩花) is a Japanese pop singer signed to Hello! Project. She joined in 2004 as a member of Hello Pro Egg and is a former member of Shugo Chara Egg!. She is the current leader of ANGERME and Hello! Project. She was also a former member of the duo Peaberry.

Early Life
Wada Ayaka was born on August 1, 1994 in Gunma, Japan to a couple whose names are undisclosed.

2002
On June 30, Wada Ayaka participated in the Hello! Project auditions to find singers to form Hello! Project Kids but failed.

2004
Wada Ayaka joined Hello! Project as a member of Hello Pro Egg in June 2004 when she passed the auditions alongside twenty-nine other girls. The aim of the group was to prepare the young girls for their debut into the world of entertainment. As such, Wada received free dance and vocal training alongside the other Eggs.

2006
Wada continued her training and appeared at numerous Hello! Project concerts as a backing dancer, including the Country Musume concert Country Musume LIVE2006 ~Shibuya des Date~.

2007
In November 2007, Wada received a part in the musical ''Reverse! ~Watashi no Karada Doko desu ka?''. Wada also took part in a television show, Chao.TV.

2008
Wada was selected to be one of the four members for a new Hello Pro Egg unit alongside Maeda Yuuka, Fukuda Kanon, and Saho Akari. The group was called Shugo Chara Egg! and was formed to record the opening songs for the anime Shugo Chara!. The line up released two singles.

2009
On April 4th, Tsunku announced on his blog that a new group, later named S/mileage, was in the works. The members listed were Wada Ayaka, Maeda Yuuka, Fukuda Kanon and Ogawa Saki. He stated the lineup was subject to change, and that it would be their "major debut".

Wada and the original Shugo Chara Egg! were in Shugo Chara! the Musical. Wada and Saho Akari both played students, X-characters, and X-eggs.

From November 11 to 19, Wada starred in Koisuru Hello Kitty alongside the other S/mileage members and Mano Erina.

2010
Starting on March 29, Wada was a regular for the NHK educational television program Test no Hanamichi.

Wada and the other members of S/mileage graduated Hello Pro Egg in May 2010 and became full Hello! Project members. Wada, Maeda, and Fukuda became members of a new unit called Lilpri for the anime Hime Chen! Otogi Chikku Idol Lilpri in which all three girls voice characters. Wada also became a regular on a nagoya TV show called ''Go! Bungee Police'' with Yaguchi Mari.

2011
On February 25, Wada released her first solo photobook titled Wada Ayaka 16.

On August 9, Wada teamed up with Japan Press Network 47 News as a columnist. Her column, "Art Mileage", featured articles about her visits to museums in Japan. The column ran until November 17 with 10 articles in total.

2012
On February 15, Wada released her second solo photobook titled Aya aya.

On July 20, it was announced that Wada and Sayashi Riho were chosen to form the duo Peaberry. The unit released an indies single, titled "Cabbage Hakusho / Forest Time" (with Harvest), on November 7.

On September 23, Wada sprained her right ankle during the S/mileage Live Tour 2012 Aki ~Choi Kawa Banchou~ concert in Osaka. She was out for 2 to 3 weeks in order to heal.

2013
On February 27, a special gravure mook titled Graduation -Koukou Sotsugyou- featuring Wada and Suzuki Airi, in honor of their high school graduations, was released.

On February 12, it was announced that Wada would participate in a stageplay titled Moshimo Kokumin ga Shusho o Erandara. There was eleven showings, which it ran from April 24 to April 30.

On March 18, Wada had her last appearance on Test no Hanamichi.

On March 20, it was announced at an event that Wada and Fukuda Kanon will have a shared photobook about their last moments in high school. It is set to be released in April.

Beginning on September 27, 2013, Wada teamed up with PHP Biz Online Shuchi as a columnist. Her column, "Otome no Kaiga Annai" (乙女の絵画案内), consisted of review articles on antique western paintings and was compiled as a book.

2014
On March 14, Wada published her first art appreciation book, Otome no Kaiga Annai.

Starting from June 26, Wada began writing an art column for asianbeat titled "Ayaka Wada(ANGERME) presents 'Ukiyo-e'". The column concluded on April 23, 2015 with 10 articles.

On September 1, Wada celebrated her 20th birthday. She had a special birthday event, titled S/mileage ~Wada Ayaka Birthday Event 2014~. The event featured two performances in Tokyo.

2015
On February 2, it was announced that Wada Ayaka along with Fukuda Kanon were chosen as the plus models for this month issue of H!P Digital Books.

On March 25, Wada was announced as a new Charge Girl (weather girl) on TV Tokyo's morning program Charge 730!, appearing every Thursday.

On July 27, it was announced Wada's book Otome no Kaiga Annai would also be published in Traditional Chinese as Shao Nu De Ming Hua Dao Lan.

On August 3, Wada celebrated her 21th birthday. She had a special birthday event, titled ANGERME Wada Ayaka Birthday Event 2015. The event featured two performances in Tokyo.

On September 24, Wada graduated as Charge Girl on the morning program Charge 730!.

2016
On February 10, Wada announced her second art appreciation book, Bijutsu de Meguru Nippon Saihakken ~Ukiyo-e・Nihonga Kara Butsuzo Made~, would be published on March 12.

On August 1, Wada celebrated her 22nd birthday at a fanclub event, titled ANGERME Wada Ayaka Birthday Event 2016, which featured two performances at Yamano Hall.

On December 31 at the Hello! Project COUNTDOWN PARTY 2016 ~GOOD BYE & HELLO!~, it was announced that Wada would succeed Yajima Maimi as the 6th leader of Hello! Project with Fukumura Mizuki as the sub-leader from 2017.

2017
On February 26, Wada participated as a one-day curator for a commentary course in the Sengoku Period Exhibition at the Museum of Kyoto.

On August 1, Wada celebrated her 23rd birthday at a fanclub event titled ANGERME Wada Ayaka Birthday Event 2017. The event had two performances at Yamano Hall.

On November 30, she will begin a monthly column in BIG ONE GIRLS magazine titled "ANGERME Wada Ayaka no Saishoku Kenbi" (ANGERME Wada Ayaka's Coloration and Beauty).

Personal Life
Family=
 * Main article: Family of Wada Ayaka

Her family is known for running a tombstone shop. She has a younger sister and a pet cat named Toranosuke.

Wada also had a pet dog named Cheese who passed away in December 2013.

When Wada joined Hello Pro Egg in 2004, she was a nine-year-old, turning ten, in the fourth year of elementary school. Since entering high school, Wada began to have an interest in western art and began visiting museums more often.
 * -|Education=

In December 2012 at the launch event for the single "Samui ne.", Wada and Fukuda Kanon both announced that they both would take the upcoming university entrance exams, which usually takes place in the winter season. On January 19, 2013, Ayaka announced on her blog that she began taking the entrance exam for an undisclosed university.

On April 1, 2013, Wada announced on that she had graduated from high school the day before, March 31, and would be starting university. It was rumored she is attending Jissen Women's University, majoring in art. In September 2013, it was confirmed that Wada was majoring in art and specializing in western paintings.

In an asianbeat interview published in March 2016, Wada said that she wants to become a curator.

In March 2017, Wada graduated from university with a bachelor's degree. On April 1, Wada announced she would continue her studies by starting graduate school that month.

The following list are notable friendships Wada Ayaka has acquired:
 * -|Friendships=
 * Fukuda Kanon: Wada became close friends with former ANGERME member Fukuda Kanon.
 * Maeda Yuuka: She is good friends with former S/mileage member Maeda Yuuka.
 * Ogawa Saki: She is good friends with former S/mileage member Ogawa Saki.
 * Iikubo Haruna: She is close friends with Morning Musume member Iikubo Haruna, who is the same age as her.
 * Aikawa Maho: She gets along well with ANGERME member Aikawa Maho.

Wada's given name, Ayaka, means "color" (彩; aya) combined with "flower" (花; ka). Her parents chose it from either Reina, Reika, Erika, or Ayaka.
 * -|Name Meaning=

Here is a list of nicknames that was used to refer to Wada Ayaka:
 * -|Nicknames=
 * DAWA: Official nickname, given her since joining Hello Pro Egg. Used by members and fans.
 * Ayacho (あやちょ／あや著): Official nickname, given to her by Fukuda Kanon. Used by members and fans.

Profile
Stats=
 * Name: Wada Ayaka (和田彩花)
 * Nickname: DAWA, Ayacho (あやちょ/あや著)
 * Birthdate:
 * Birthplace: Gunma prefecture, Japan
 * Bloodtype: A
 * Height: 163cm
 * Western Zodiac: Leo
 * Eastern Zodiac: Dog
 * Hello! Project Status:
 * 2004-6: Hello Pro Egg member
 * 2009-04-04: S/mileage member
 * Years in ANGERME: 7 Years
 * Official Kaomoji: 川 ´‘ _‘||
 * S/mileage / ANGERME Color:
 * Blue (2009-2014)
 * Red (2014-present)
 * Hello! Project Groups:
 * Hello Pro Egg (2004-2010)
 * Shugo Chara Egg! (2008-2009)
 * ANGERME (2009-Present)
 * ZYX-α (2009-2011)
 * Lilpri (2010-2011)
 * Hello! Project Mobekimasu (2011)
 * Peaberry (2012-2016)
 * Suzuki Kanon ni Peaberry wo Soete (2015)
 * Hagi-King (2017)
 * -|Q&A=
 * Hobbies: Collecting sparkling accessories, collecting belts and hats, shopping for clothes.
 * Special skills: Swimming, track-and-field.
 * Likes: Clothes, belts, hats, decorations.
 * Dislikes: Green caterpillars, TV shows with scary beings.
 * Favorite Food: American cherry
 * Least Favorite Food: Liver, milk
 * Favorite Colors: Pink, purple, and black
 * Favorite Animal: Dogs and Cats
 * Favorite English Word: "English"
 * Favorite Songs: "Dondengaeshi", "Namidacchi"
 * Looks up to: Matsuura Aya, Takahashi Ai

Discography

 * See also: List:Wada Ayaka Discography Featured In

Solo Songs

 * Gensou Genwaku Innocence  (from LILIUM -Lilium Shoujo Junketsu Kageki-)
 * aMa no Jaku (S/mileage cover; from SMILE FANTASY!)
 * Believe in Me (from MODE)
 * Oni no Producer (from Yumemiru Television)

Solo DVDs

 * [2011.03.02] Ayaka
 * [2012.03.07] Aya
 * [2013.02.14] Vivid Flower (“e-Hello!” DVD)
 * [2014.08.01] The Season (“e-Hello!” DVD)

Solo Fanclub DVDs

 * [2015.xx.xx] ANGERME Wada Ayaka Birthday Event 2015
 * [2016.xx.xx] ANGERME Wada Ayaka Birthday Event 2016

Publications

 * See also: List:Wada Ayaka Publications Featured In

Solo Photobooks

 * 1) [2011.02.25] Wada Ayaka 16 (和田彩花 16)
 * 2) [2012.02.15] aya (彩 aya)

Books

 * [2014.03.14] Otome no Kaiga Annai (乙女の美術案内; A Maiden's Guide to Art)
 * [2016.03.12] Bijutsu de Meguru Nihon Saihakken ~Ukiyo-e・Nihonga Kara Butsuzo Made~ (美術でめぐる日本再発見～浮世絵・日本画から仏像まで～)

Movies

 * [2012] Kaidan Shin Mimibukuro・Igyou (怪談新耳袋・異形) (as Shiori)
 * [2017] JK Ninja Girls (cameo)

TV Programs

 * [2007.09.02] Chao.TV (ちゃお.TV)
 * [2010–2013] Test no Hanamichi (テストの花道) (Regular)
 * [2010–] Hanasaka Times (Disney Corner; Hanasaka Disney)
 * [2010] Oha Star (おはスタ) (2 episodes)
 * [2010] Go! Bungee Police (出動！バンジーP)
 * [2011] Smile Factory
 * [2011-2012] Hello Pro! TIME (ハロプロTIME)
 * [2012] S/mileage no Sono Joshiki Choto Mate Kudasai! (スマイレージのその常識チョトマテクダサイ!)
 * [2012-2013] Hello! SATOYAMA Life (ハロー! SATOYAMA ライフ)
 * [2014-] The Girls Live
 * [2015] Charge 730! (チャージ730！)

TV Dramas

 * [2010] Hanbun Esper
 * [2010] Love Letter 5 Years Ago (5年後のラブレター) (as young Kanzaki Mai)
 * [2012] Suugaku♥Joshi Gakuen (数学♥女子学園)

Anime

 * [2010–2011] Hime-chen! Otogichikku Idol Lilpri (ひめチェン!おとぎちっくアイドル リルぷりっ) (as Yukimori Ringo)

Theater

 * [2007] Reverse! ~ Watashi no Karada Doko Desu ka? (リバース！～私の体どこですか？～)
 * [2009] Obaachanchi no Curry Rice ~Smile Recipe~
 * [2009] Shugo Chara! (しゅごキャラ!) (as Sakura, X-Egg)
 * [2009] Koisuru Hello Kitty
 * [2013] Moshimo Kokumin ga Shusho wo Erandara (もしも国民が首相を選んだら)
 * [2013] Warera Jeanne ~Shoujo Seisen Kageki~ (我らジャンヌ 〜少女聖戦歌劇〜) (as Jeanne d'Arc and Gigi)
 * [2014] LILIUM -Lilium Shoujo Junketsu Kageki- (LILIUM －リリウム 少女純潔歌劇－) (as Snow)
 * [2014] SMILE FANTASY!
 * [2016] MODE
 * [2017] Yumemiru Television

Radio

 * [2015-] ANGERME Wada Ayaka no Bijurme (アンジュルム和田彩花のビジュルム)

Select Concerts

 * [2007.02.10] カントリー娘. LIVE2006～Shibuya des Date～ (Country Musume LIVE2006 ~Shibuya des Date~)

Music Videos

 * [2009] Mano Erina - Hajimete no Keiken (はじめての経験) (as back dancer)
 * [2009] Mano Erina - Sekai wa Summer Party (世界は サマー・パーティ) (as back dancer)
 * [2009] Mano Erina - Kono Mune no Tokimeki wo (この胸のときめきを) (as back dancer)
 * [2009] Mano Erina - Love&Peace=Paradise (Love&Peace＝パラダイス) (as back dancer)
 * [2017] ℃-ute - To Tomorrow

Commercials

 * [2011] Zombie Daisuki (ぞんびだいすき)
 * [2011] McDonald's
 * [2012] Mister Donut (ミスタードーナツの)

Internet

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

Rankings

 * She was voted 7th favorite member in the 2011 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She was ranked 3rd in the High School Group of the Beautiful Idol General Election 2012.
 * She ranked 10th in mixi's June 2013 Hello! Project Popularity Ranking.

Trivia

 * Eats bread in the morning.
 * If she could join another group, she'd join Morning Musume.
 * She'd like to go on a date anywhere with Kudo Haruka.
 * Has a habit of cracking her knuckles.
 * Her favorite spot is her room.
 * She shares a close friendly relationship with Iikubo Haruna.
 * She was Amulet Diamond while in Shugo Chara Egg!.
 * She once forgot the title of S/mileage's major debut single while they were performing as the opening act at a ℃-ute concert.
 * Fans, as well as other Hello! Project members, have said she has become more reliable as a person and a leader since the 2nd generation joined.
 * As a result of an incorrectly translated article, there is a misunderstanding that she dislikes foreigners.
 * At first disliked that there were going to be new members added, but in the end, was happy and welcomed the girls.
 * She dislikes snakes so much to the point she doesn't even want to go near them even behind glass cages.
 * She is featured in magazines the most out of all the ANGERME members (namely in UTB).
 * Shares the same last name as Kobushi Factory member Wada Sakurako, and the same first name as Kobushi Factory member Hirose Ayaka.
 * She is the first member in ANGERME to become a legal adult.
 * Wada's favorite seniors are Tsugunaga Momoko and Yajima Maimi.
 * In Fukuda Kanon's final interview before her graduation, she had this to say about Wada: “She was about the least reliable member when S/mileage first started out, but now she’s trusted by everyone and she’s an amazing leader. She’s an extremely valuable individual to both ANGERME and to me."
 * As of November 2015, She is the only remaining first generation member of Hello Pro Egg still active in Hello! Project.
 * Wada's favorite western artists are Édouard Manet and Rembrandt, the former being the first artist whose work she encountered.
 * She is the first Hello! Project leader to come from Hello Pro Egg, and the first that is not a member of ℃-ute or Morning Musume.
 * She is the longest serving leader of a generational group in Hello! Project.
 * As of March 2017, Wada is the first Hello! Project member to enter graduate school.
 * If she could be reborn as someone else, she would be Matsuura Aya because she was the top songstress in Hello! Project. Wada had also been told by a past manager of Matsuura that "Matsuura truly sang from the bottom of her heart", so in that sense Wada wants to be like her when she sings.
 * She believes she is the best Hello! Project member at appreciating art.