Tsugunaga Momoko

"I, Tsugunaga Momoko will graduate next year on the 30th of June. The 30th of June is the day I passed the Hello! Project auditions and became an idol. I'll be celebrating my 15th year as an idol, so it's a big decision. I've had an interest in studying child education, so I hope to do that someday."

- Tsugunaga Momoko, November 2016

Tsugunaga Momoko (嗣永桃子) is a J-pop idol and singer under Hello! Project. She joined as a member of Hello! Project Kids in 2002 and later debuted as a member of Berryz Koubou in 2004. During her time in Hello! Project, she has been the leader of Buono! as well as a member of ZYX, ZYX-a, BeriKyuu, and Hello Pro Sentai Pink Rangers.

She graduated from Berryz Koubou on March 3, 2015 in a joint graduation concert with the other members of the group. The same day, she officially became a member of Country Girls as the playing manager.

On June 30, 2017, Tsugunaga will graduate from Country Girls and Hello! Project and retire from the entertainment industry to work in early education.

Early Life
Tsugunaga Momoko was born on March 6, 1992 in Chiba, Japan.

2002
On June 30, Tsugunaga Momoko joined Hello! Project as one of the fifteen Hello! Project Kids. She played the lead protagonist in the 2002 Hello! Project movie Koinu Dan no Monogatari.

2003
In early 2003, Tsugunaga appeared on the Promotional Video of the Fujimoto Miki single "Boogie Train '03" along with Sudo Maasa, Tokunaga Chinami, and Umeda Erika.

In mid through late 2003, Tsugunaga was a member of the unit ZYX and released two singles with the group before it became inactive.

2004
In 2004, Tsugunaga was one of the eight members selected to form Berryz Koubou and is one of the group's lead vocalists. She was also a member of Little Gatas.

2007
Tsugunaga became a part of Buono! along with Natsuyaki Miyabi and Suzuki Airi. Only a year later, she managed to become the leader of the group after two competitions between the members.

Berryz Koubou held a concert in Saitama Super Arena for first time. At this concert, Tsugunaga sang solo for the first time. She performed "Koi wa Hipparidako," a song from their first album 1st Chou Berryz.

2009
Starting April 7, she also hosted her own radio show Momoko no Puripuri Princess on JOQR every Tuesday (23:35 to 23:50), replacing Berryz Koubou's Kiritsu Rei Chakuseki.

On July 17, Tsugunaga appeared in her first solo Pizza-La commercial. Her commercial was a Tsugunaga Momoko version of Buono!'s commercial for Pizza-La's French camembert cheese.

For her fourth solo photobook momochiiii, she held a handshake event on August 31, which makes her the first Berryz Koubou member to do so (and the third among Hello! Project Kids).

In October, Momoko was featured on the cover of Radio Bangumi Hyou's autumn 2009 issue.

2010
Starting from February 23, 2010, Up to Boy (UTB) magazine and Wani Books Mobile collaborated with Tsugunaga to create "Momo Pro" (もも♥プロ), a magazine corner where Tsugunaga teaches people how to become a professional.

On April 28, in episode 56 of her radio show Momoko no Puripuri Princess, Tsugunaga announced that she would be attending university to get a teacher's license to become a kindergarten or elementary school teacher.

In September, Tsugunaga designed an original backpack to celebrate UTB magazine's 200th issue.

2011
Tsugunaga, along with the other members of Buono!, starred in the horror film Gomennasai as the character Sonoda Shiori, a main character in the film.

Tsugunaga, along with the other members of the Hello! Project Kids, starred in the horror film Ousama Game as the character Imoto Yuuko, a minor character in the film.

In July, Tsugunaga started appearing alone several different times on different Japanese variety TV shows.

In September, Tsugunaga made an appearance on a Japanese comedy show, Mecha Mecha Iketeru (also known as Mechaike) as a member of Berryz Koubou. In this show, she gained decent recognition in the Japanese media and successfully established her presence as an irritating idol (ira-dol).

On November 26, Tsugunaga appeared solo on the cover of the magazine Rod & Reel.

2012
In early January, it was announced Tsugunaga would be a regular in the internet program Fujibiji Info MAX as a "business navigator."

On January 23, a contest was held in Japan during a press event to pick a new voice for the MMORPG Dragon Nest's Harori, an in-game idol character who had previously been voiced by Michishige Sayumi. The contest was called ''God Idol! Harori Junior-Senior Battle''. The contestants were Michishige Sayumi, Barbie-san, and Tsugunaga. The rest of the match took place online in which Michishige Sayumi came out victorious.

On April 4, Tsugunaga was the ring girl for the WBA World Championship.

On July 16, Tsugunaga held a PR event for her solo song, "Momochi! Yurushite Nyan ♡ Taisou," at a beach house called Hyper Sea House in Enoshima.

On August 6, Tsugunaga appeared at a press event in Shinagawa, Tokyo, for the rice bowl dish restaurant Hanabatake Bokujo Whey Don Tei. During the event, Tsugunaga presented her "Momochi Donburi," a rice bowl dish she produced herself. Momochi Donburi was sold for a limited time, in the restaurant, at 50 dishes a day.

On October 27-28, she had her first solo bus tour which was titled Momochi to Iku Otomomochi Tour ~Neboushi Chattara Yurushite Nyan♡~. She also opened up her own official Ameba blog.

2013
On January 2, Tsugunaga held an event titled Momochi-tsuki Taikai. At this event, she performed a New Year's version of "Momochi! Yurushite Nyan ♡ Taisou" and is presented with a Christmas tree that was decorated with images of her face.

On March 14, Tsugunaga appeared on three versions of a Pizza-La commercial with Sekine Mari. This was her first time appearing on a Pizza-La commercial representing just herself and not Buono!.

On April 29, Tsugunaga appeared solo on the cover of the magazine an weekly.

On May 20, it was announced Tsugunaga's first photo essay book would be released on June 22 titled Momochi no Kimochi.

On May 24, Tsugunaga appeared solo on the cover of the magazine Weekly Famitsu Taiwan.

On July 13, Tsugunaga appeared for a second time with Sekine Mari on a Pizza-La commercial.

2014
On January 14, it was announced Tsugunaga would hold a birthday fanclub event on March 6 at TOKYO FM HALL, titled Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai ~2 Nyan 2 Nyan 22sai Otomomochi Zenin Shugo~.

On March 2, it was announced Tsugunaga's radio show, Momoko no Puripuri Princess, would end on March 30.

On March 31, it was announced Tsugunaga would be a regular on the TV show Oha Suta, appearing every Thursday.

On November 5, it was announced that Tsugunaga would be a member of the Country Musume reboot unit, Country Girls. She would become the group's playing manager after Berryz Koubou goes on indefinite hiatus in spring 2015.

2015
On January 30, it was announced Tsugunaga would hold a birthday fanclub event for her 23rd birthday on March 6 at Yamano Hall, titled Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai ~Otomomochi Zenin Shugo 2015~.

On March 26, Tsugunaga graduated from her regular position on Oha Suta.

2016
From March 5 to 16, Tsugunaga celebrated her 24th birthday during a special bus tour event titled Momochi to Iku Otomomochi Tour ~Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai 2016~.

During the Country Girls Live Tour 2016 Fuyu day concert at Shinjuku ReNY on November 5, Country Girls' second anniversary, Tsugunaga announced that she will be graduating from Country Girls and Hello! Project, as well as retire from the entertainment industry, on June 30, 2017 to work as a teacher, which she had already graduated from university in 2014 studying early education.

2017
On February 21, it was announced that Tsugunaga would hold a solo special live from March 22 to April 13 titled HAPPY DINNER TIME ~Momo ni Sachi Are!~.

On March 6, Tsugunaga will release her last solo photobook titled Momochi. She will also celebrate her 25th birthday at a special event titled Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai 2017, featuring two performances at Differ Ariake.

From June 2 to June 4, Tsugunaga will hold her last solo fanclub tour, Momochi to Iku Otomomochi Tour ~Minna Zutto Otomomochi da yo~.

Personal Life
Family= She has a younger brother.

When Tsugunaga joined Hello! Project Kids, she was a fifth year elementary school student.
 * -|Education=

In April 2010, Tsugunaga graduated from high school and announced that she would be attending university to get a teacher's license to be an elementary school teacher.

In November 2012, she participated in a student teacher program, in which she taught an elementary school class. For the entire month, she put away almost all her Hello! Project-related activities to concentrate on student teaching.

In January 2014, Tsugunaga talked about her graduation thesis for her university on her radio show Momoko no Puripuri Princess. The thesis was on disabled people, particularly the status of those in a persistent vegetative state - people who have some form of awareness but can no longer move. It had 20,000 characters and went over 50 pages.

On March 5, 2014, Tsugunaga confirmed, at the Sengoku Musou press event, that she would be graduating from university that year.

The following list are notable friendships Tsugunaga Momoko has acquired:
 * -|Friendships=
 * Okai Chisato: She's close friends with Okai Chisato from ℃-ute.
 * Mano Erina: Momoko's close friends with former Hello! Project solist Mano Erina.

Tsugunaga's given name, "Momoko", means peach tree (桃; momo) combined with child (子; ko). It's a feminine Japanese given name and surname.
 * -|Name Meaning=

Here is a list of nicknames that was used to refer to Tsugunaga Momoko:
 * -|Nicknames=
 * Momochi (ももち): Official nickname, given her since joining Berryz Koubou. Used by members and fans.

On October 10th, 2015, Tsugunaga posted to her blog that she had been diagnosed with vocal chord polyps. To give herself time to recover, she decided to take a break from performances and handshake events. Because of this, she missed the first four days of Country Girls Live Tour 2015 Aki Fuyu. On October 24th, she safely returned to work.
 * -|Health=

Yurushite-nyan
Tsugunaga’s favorite apology expression, modified from a proper phrase for apologizing "yurushite kudasai (please forgive me)", always used with a gesture mimicking cat’s paws.

Profile
Stats=
 * Name: Tsugunaga Momoko (嗣永桃子)
 * Birthdate:
 * Nickname: Momochi (ももち), Momo (もも), Momo-chan (ももちゃん), Piichicchi (ぴーちっち), Tsugu-san (つぐさん), Tsugu-chan (つぐちゃん), Tsugunaga-Pro (嗣永プロ)
 * Birthplace:  Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
 * Blood Type: O
 * Height: 150cm (4'11") (158cm in heels)
 * Western Zodiac: Pisces
 * Eastern Zodiac: Monkey
 * Audition Song: "Koi wo Shichaimashita!" by Tanpopo
 * Hello! Project Status:
 * 2002-06-30: Member
 * 2004-01-14: Berryz Koubou Member
 * 2014-11-05: Country Girls Playing Manager
 * Years in Berryz Koubou: 11 Years
 * Official Kaomoji: ∋∞( ´_ゝ`)∞∈
 * Berryz Koubou Color: Pink
 * Buono! Color: Pink (2007-)
 * Country Girls Color: Pink (2014-)
 * Hello! Project Groups:
 * Hello! Project Kids (2002-)
 * ZYX (2003, 2009-)
 * Berryz Koubou (2004–2015)
 * Buono! (2007–)
 * Hello! Project Mobekimasu (2011-2013)
 * BeriKyuu (2011-2015)
 * Country Girls (2014-)
 * Concert Units:
 * Hello! Project Shirogumi (2005)
 * Wonderful Hearts (2006–)
 * Shuffle Units:
 * H.P. All Stars (2004)
 * Other:
 * Little Gatas (2004–2007)
 * Gatas Brilhantes H.P. (2007–) (Reserve player)
 * -|Q&A=
 * Strong points: Doing my best till the end even if I'm not good at it, Going My Way, Being cute.
 * Weak points: Always taking up lots of time no matter what I do!, being fickle, people getting sick of me.
 * Hobbies: Reading manga! I love manga!
 * Special skills: I can sleep anywhere!?, Momo Attack.
 * Habit: When I'm nervous my voice gets higher?
 * Rival: Ashida Mana
 * Favorite Foods: Kanpachi, eel, crab, nattou, strawberry shortcake.
 * Least Favoite Food/Drink: Green peas, green "matcha" tea
 * Favorite Word: Itsumo happy (always happy)
 * Favorite English Word: Berryz
 * Favorite Color: Momo-iro (pink)
 * Favorite Flower: Tulip (red ones)
 * Favorite Season: Fall!! (Because there's lots of delicious things to eat).
 * Favorite Song: Uwaki na Honey Pie
 * Favorite Song in the Past: "Dango 3 Kyoudai" by Hayami Kentarou and Shigemori Ayumi (with Hidamari Kids and Dango Chorus), "Moonlight Densetsu" by DALI, "Toshishita no Otoko no Ko" by Candies
 * Current Favorite Songs: Akai Sweet Pea, "365-nichi" by Mr.Children
 * Favorite Books: Manga, picture books, mystery novels.
 * Favorite Movie: Hamtaro!!
 * Favorite Subject: Music
 * Favorite Animals: Chicks, Foxes
 * Favorite Artist: Sakurazuka Yakkun
 * Favorite Idol: Seiko Matsuda
 * Favorite Group: Yuzu
 * Dislikes: festival clowns (still screams when she sees them), showing her forehead.
 * Scared of: Roller coasters, haunted houses...
 * Disliked thing to do: Dance...
 * Charm Point: My little finger that acts as an antenna for receiving everyone's love <3.
 * Looks up To:Yaguchi Mari,Tsuji Nozomi

Discography

 * See also: List:Tsugunaga Momoko Discography Featured In

Digital Singles

 * [2010.12.10] Seinaru Kane ga Hibiku Yoru (聖なる鐘がひびく夜) (Tanpopo cover)
 * [2011.03.29] Koi wo Shichaimashita! (恋をしちゃいました!) (Tanpopo cover)
 * [2011.03.30] Egao ni Namida ~THANK YOU! DEAR MY FRIENDS~ (笑顔に涙) (Matsuura Aya cover)
 * [2011.03.30] Kousui (香水) (Melon Kinenbi cover)

Solo Songs

 * [2011.08.10] Kia Ora Gracias Arigato (キャオラ・グラシャス・ありがと)
 * [2012.01.25] Hatsukoi Cider (初恋サイダー) (Buono! cover)
 * [2012.07.25] Momochi! Yurushite Nyan ♡ Taisou (ももち! 許してにゃん♡体操)
 * [2013.01.30] Momochi! Yurushite Nyan ♡ Taisou (Yurusa Nyai Remix) (ももち！許してにゃん♡体操（許さにゃい Remix)
 * [2014.07.09] Koi wa Hipparidako (恋はひっぱりだこ)  (Berryz Koubou cover)

Compilations

 * [2012.12.05] Petit Best 13 (#15 Momochi! Yurushite Nyan ♡ Taisou)

Solo DVDs

 * [2008.12.03] momo only.
 * [2009.09.09] momo ok.
 * [2010.10.27] Momochi DVD Zukan
 * [2011.03.06] Momo Play♡ (“e-Hello!” DVD)
 * [2011.12.23] Momo Play 2 ~Yoru mo Uzai ne~ (“e-Hello!” DVD)
 * [2012.04.25] Momochi Hatachi
 * [2013.02.23] Momochi to Iku Otomomochi Tour ~Neboushi Chattara Yurushite Nyan♡~  (Fanclub DVD)
 * [2013.03.06] Momo Play 3 ~Rest Another Day~ (“e-Hello!” DVD)
 * [2014.07.27] Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai ~2 Nyan 2 Nyan 22sai Otomomochi Zenin Shugo~ (Fanclub DVD)
 * [2015.05.27] Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai ~Otomomochi Zenin Shugo 2015~ (Fanclub DVD)
 * [2016.xx.xx] Momochi to Iku Otomochi Tour ~Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai 2016~ (Fanclub DVD)

Other DVDs

 * [2013.05.25] Berryz Days6 ～Subete wa Anata no Tame dakara! Tokunaga・Tsugunaga Hen~ (Fanclub DVD)
 * [2015.02.28] Berryz Koubou DVD Magazine Vol.41 (with Sudo Maasa)
 * [2015.02.28] Berryz Koubou DVD Magazine Vol.41 (with Tokunaga Chinami)

Other

 * [2015.07.14] 2nd Greeting ~Tsugunaga Momoko~ (Web limited video)

Publications

 * See Also: List:Tsugunaga Momoko Publications Featured In

Photobooks

 * [2007.06.19] momo
 * [2008.03.19] momo16
 * [2008.11.21] Momo no Mi
 * [2009.08.21] momochiiii
 * [2010.10.20] Momochi Zukan
 * [2012.03.06] Hatachi Momochi
 * [2017.03.06] Momochi

Digital Photobooks

 * [2009.09.07] Berryz Koubou in Hawaii (Berryz工房 in HAWAII) (Momo version)
 * [2011.03.15] Rainbow Berryz (虹色ベリーズ) (Momo version)
 * [2013.09.17] Alo-Hello! Berryz Koubou 2013 (アロハロ！Berryz工房2013) (Momo version)

Other Books

 * [2013.06.22] Momochi no Kimochi (ももちのきもち) (Photo essay book)

Movies

 * [2002] Koinu Dan no Monogatari (仔犬ダンの物語) (as Morishita Mao)
 * [2004] Promise Land ~Clovers no Daibouken~ (Promise Land ~クローバーズの大冒険~)
 * [2011] Ousama Game (王様ゲーム) (as Imoto Yuuko)
 * [2011] Gomennasai (ゴメンナサイ) (as Sonoda Shiori)

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!)
 * [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–] The Girls Live
 * [2014–2015] Oha Suta (おはスタ) (as a Thursday regular)

TV Dramas

 * [2012] Suugaku♥Joshi Gakuen (数学♥女子学園) (as Harajuku Tomoko)

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 (戦国自衛隊) (Stageplay)
 * [2013] Warera Jeanne ~Shoujo Seisen Kageki~ (我らジャンヌ 〜少女聖戦歌劇〜) (as Belle)

Commercials

 * [2009] Pizza-La's French Camembert Cheese with 4 Kinds of Selected Ham Pizza - "Camemdance (Tsugunaga Momoko Ver.)"
 * [2013] Pizza-La's Circular Cheese Cut Into 4 Quarters - "Music Hen", "Sizzle Hen", "Mari・Antoinette Hen"
 * [2013] Pizza-La's Ebi-LA - "Ebi-dansu Hen"

Music Videos

 * [2003] Fujimoto Miki - "Boogie Train '03" (as back dancer)

Internet

 * [2008–2009] DogaDoga7 (ドガドガ7) (as a regular)
 * [2011] Michishige Sayumi no "Mobekimasutte Nani??" (道重さゆみの『モベキマスってなに？？』)
 * [2012–2014] Fujibiji Info MAX (ふじびじインフォMAX) (as a regular)
 * [2013–] Hello! Project Station (ハロ！ステ)

Radio

 * [2004–2009] Berryz Koubou Kiritsu! Rei! Chakuseki! (Berryz工房 起立! 礼! 着席!)
 * [2009–2014] Momoko no Puripuri Princess (桃子のぷりぷりプリンセス)
 * [2011] Viva!Paella Presesnts - MUSIC Buono! (Shonan Beach FM)
 * [2011–2013] PIZZA-LA presents - Cafe Buono! (Shonan Beach FM)
 * [2013–2015] PIZZA-LA presents - Torattoria Buono! (Shonan Beach FM)

Milestones

 * She was the first and, up until April 2012, the only Hello! Project member to attend university while still continuing her activities as an H!P member (there are four other members also attending university now).
 * She is the first Hello! Project member to graduate from university while still being a member.
 * 'Momo Attack,' an attack she created, is a tournament in the TV show Sakigake Ongaku Banzuke Eight.
 * She has participated twice in VS Arashi, a popular variety show in which people play games with the famous boy band Arashi.
 * She was the ring girl for the WBA World Championship.
 * The Otomomochi Version to her song Yurushite Nyan Taisou has over 1 million views, and is currently the 6th highest viewed video on Berryz Koubou's Youtube channel.
 * She has the most solo photobooks and solo DVDs out of all the Berryz Koubou members.
 * She gets at least one solo line in every Berryz Koubou single except VERY BEAUTY.

Rankings

 * She was voted 7th favorite member in the 2007 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She was voted favorite member in the 2008 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She ranked 2nd in Radio Bangumi hyou's Autumn 2009 "Favorite Radio DJ’s" Ranking.
 * She was voted favorite member in the 2009 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She ranked 2nd in Asian Plus Photo Book's April 2010 "6 hot girls from Hello! Project" ranking.
 * She was voted favorite member in the 2010 "Hello! Project Music Awards" e vent.
 * Her catch phrase, Yurushite Nyan! was voted the most popular catch phrase on Yahoo! JAPAN by males in 2011 (It was voted 3rd most popular by females).
 * She was voted favorite member in the 2011 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She ranked 9th best idol, 8th prettiest idol, and 8th coolest idol in BIGLOBE's May 2012 'The Best Idol General Election'.
 * The MV to her song "Momochi! Yurushite Nyan ♡ Taiso" debuted at #1 on Recochoku's daily music video chart, and ranked at #3 on their weekly music video chart.
 * She ranked 9th in the 2012 "Break Talents Ranking" with 92 solo TV appearances (she had 24 in 2011).
 * She was voted favorite member in the 2012 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She ranked 1st on Twipple Trends' "Talent" ranking on February 19, 2013.
 * Her nickname Momochi ranked 1st on Twipple Trends‎' "Hot word" ranking on February 19, 2013.
 * She ranked 10th on Orisuta magazine's "Female idols that girls like the most" ranking.
 * She ranked #18 in Nikkei Entertainment magazine's 2013 "Top Female Idol Ranking".
 * She ranked 1st in BOMB magazine's "Idols who seem good at handling children" ranking.
 * She ranked 3rd in mixi's June 2013 Hello! Project Popularity Ranking.
 * She ranked #36 in All Night Nippon Listener's 2013 Overall Female Idol Ranking.
 * She ranked 12th in Nippon Cultural Broadcasting recommendation's 2013 "Female Idol Faces General Election".
 * She was voted favorite member in the 2013 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.
 * She ranked #15 in Nikkei Entertainment magazine's 2014 "Talent Power Ranking".
 * She ranked 8th in Oricon Star magazine's 2014 "Favorite female idol chosen by 300 female readers".
 * She ranked 4th in Oricon Star magazine's 2014 "Favorite female idol chosen by 100 female readers in their 10's".
 * She ranked 9th in Oricon Star magazine's 2014 "Favorite female idol chosen by 100 female readers in their 20's".
 * She ranked 1st in the TV show "Takajin Mune Ippai"'s 2014 "Young female talents who are good with talks" ranking.
 * She ranked 2nd in a poll done on AKB48's TV show "※AKB Shirabe" asking which non-AKB48 idols they're glad they don't have to compete with as rivals within the group.