Side:Morning Musume Eras



All of Morning Musume's eras over the years.

Since Morning Musume's formation, only three eras have been officially recognized by fans (Japanese and international) and the group. However, it is often debated when each era begins and ends.

Golden Era (1999-2001)
There’s been an endless controversy over the definition of the "Golden Era" (黄金期; Ougon-ki). Some insist it began with the huge hit of "LOVE Machine," while others say it started as the 4th generation joined in, yet many fans would agree it ended with the addition of 5th generation. "The Golden Era", as the most successful period of Morning Musume, would be only two years between "LOVE Machine" and "The☆Peace!"

Singles

 * LOVE Machine
 * Koi no Dance Site
 * Happy Summer Wedding
 * I WISH
 * Ren'ai Revolution 21
 * The☆Peace!

Platinum Era (2007-2010)
The period started after the secession of Fujimoto Miki and lasted until the graduations of Kamei Eri, Junjun, and Linlin (2007-2010). It is approximately equal to the period Takahashi Ai was the leader (2007-2011). In the "Platinum Era" (プラチナ期; Platinum-ki), Morning Musume was at the height of their performance skills with a stable line-up, in spite of being less popular than in the previous era.

Singles

 * Onna ni Sachi Are
 * Mikan
 * Resonant Blue
 * Pepper Keibu
 * Naichau Kamo
 * Shouganai Yume Oibito
 * Nanchatte Ren'ai
 * Kimagure Princess
 * Onna ga Medatte Naze Ikenai
 * Seishun Collection
 * Onna to Otoko no Lullaby Game

Colorful Era (2012-Present)
This period started since "One•Two•Three / The Matenrou Show" and it is called the "Colorful Era" (カラフル期; Colorful-ki). This era was first led by Michishige Sayumi. Following Michishige's graduation, Fukumura Mizuki lead the era.

Colorful Era is presumed to have ended with the addition of the 13th generation, and the release of BRAND NEW MORNING / Jealousy Jealousy, however a name for the new era has yet to be decided.

Singles

 * One•Two•Three / The Matenrou Show
 * Wakuteka Take a chance
 * Help me!!
 * Brainstorming / Kimi Sae Ireba Nani mo Iranai
 * Wagamama Ki no Mama Ai no Joke / Ai no Gundan


 * Morning Musume '14
 * Egao no Kimi wa Taiyou sa / Kimi no Kawari wa Iyashinai / What is LOVE?
 * Toki wo Koe Sora wo Koe / Password is 0
 * TIKI BUN / Shabadaba Doo~ / Mikaeri Bijin


 * Morning Musume '15
 * Seishun Kozou ga Naiteiru / Yuugure wa Ameagari / Ima Koko Kara
 * Oh My Wish! / Sukkato My Heart / Imasugu Tobikomu Yuuki
 * Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only


 * Morning Musume '16
 * Utakata Saturday Night! / The Vision / Tokyo to Iu Katasumi
 * Sexy Cat no Enzetsu / Mukidashi de Mukiatte / Sou ja nai


 * Morning Musume '17
 * BRAND NEW MORNING / Jealousy Jealousy
 * Jama Shinai de Here We Go! / Dokyuu no Go Sign / Wakain da shi!