Nacchi (Bacheca | contributi) (→2004) |
Nacchi (Bacheca | contributi) (→2005) |
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===2005=== |
===2005=== |
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| − | + | Il 30 Gennaio del 2005 Iida Kaori lasciò il gruppo per seguire la sua carriera da solista, lasciando la leadership a Yaguchi Mari e rendendo Yoshizawa Hitomi la sub-leader. Il suo ultimo singolo fu "[[THE Manpower!!]]". |
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| + | All'inizio del 2005 uscì anche ''Musume Document 2005'', un documentario contenente i dietro le quinte dei concerti, varie riprese inedite e interviste. Nel Febbraio del 2005, Tsunku annunciò nuove audizioni per la Settima Generazione delle Morning Musume. La vincitrice fu [[Kusumi Koharu]] che venne soprannominata "Miracle" in quanto nuovo "Asso" delle Morning Musume. |
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| − | The beginning of 2005 also saw the beginning of ''Musume Document 2005'', which covered behind-the-scenes material, historical footage, and interviews. |
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| − | In February 2005, Tsunku started another audition for Morning Musume's seventh generation. He noted that he was still intent on finding an "ace." This audition resulted with [[Kusumi Koharu]] finally being chosen as the sole "miracle" member of the new generation. |
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| + | Il 10 Aprile, sul magazine ''Friday!'' uscirono delle foto di Yaguchi Mari in compagnia di Shun Oguri. La ragazza decise di ritirarsi dal gruppo per continuare la sua carriera come solista. In una dichiarazione pubblica, Yaguchi disse di non poter continuare a essere una idol dopo lo scandalo delle foto. Data la natura della sua dipartita, non ricevette alcun concerto di Graduation. Il 15 Luglio la nuova leader divenne Yoshizawa Hitomi e Fujimoto Miki divenne la sub-leader. |
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| − | On April 10, 2005, photos were taken of Yaguchi Mari with Shun Oguri (scheduled to be published in a gossip magazine ''Friday!'' on the 15th). Yaguchi announced that she would "retire" from Morning Musume and would continue on with solo activities. In her public statement, Yaguchi said that due to the scandal and its publicity, she could no longer sustain an "idol" image befitting of Morning Musume. Because of the nature of her departure (resignation rather than graduation), Yaguchi did not receive a graduation concert. Sub-leader Yoshizawa Hitomi took over as the leader of Morning Musume, and Fujimoto Miki became sub-leader as of July 15, 2005. |
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| − | + | Il 27 Aprile uscì il ventiseiesimo singolo, "[[Osaka Koi no Uta]]". Il testo era completamente cantato nel dialetto di Osaka. Fu l'ultimo singolo di Ishikawa Rika che lasciò il gruppo il 7 Maggio per assumere il ruolo di leader nel trio [[v-u-den]]. |
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| + | Il primo singolo di Kusumi Koharu fu "[[Iroppoi Jirettai]]", considerato il più grande successo dell'anno (vendendo più di 20,000 copie in più di tutti gli altri). Per pubblicizzare il singolo furono organizzati 3 giorni di eventi in cui i fan potevano incontrare e ricevere una stretta di mano dalle Morning Musume. |
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| − | Kusumi Koharu's first single with Morning Musume was July's [[Iroppoi Jirettai]], a flamenco styled song, which was considered to be the biggest hit of the year—selling around 20,000 more copies than anything else. A 3 city handshake event was organized for the promotion of this single. |
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| − | + | L'ultimo singolo del 2005 fu "[[Chokkan 2 ~Nogashita Sakana wa Ookiizo!~]]", un remake della canzone presente del vecchio album. Il titolo del CD sarebbe dovuto essere "Koi wa Hassō Do The Hustle!" ma ottene dei risultati poco incoraggianti nell'anteprima dell'album e quindi divenne una traccia secondaria. |
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| − | |||
| − | On December 31, 2005, graduated Morning Musume members Nakazawa Yuko, Iida Kaori, Abe Natsumi, Yasuda Kei, Yaguchi Mari, Goto Maki, Ishikawa Rika, Tsuji Nozomi, and Kago Ai joined the current lineup of Morning Musume to perform the band's signature hit "[[LOVE Machine]]" on the 2005/2006 edition of ''Kōhaku Uta Gassen''. The performance was Yaguchi Mari's first since leaving Morning Musume eight and a half months earlier |
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===2006=== |
===2006=== |
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Versione delle 14:12, 1 mag 2013
| Morning Musume モーニング娘。 | |
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Origin |
Tokyo, Honshū, Japan |
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Genre |
Japanese pop |
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Years active |
1997-present |
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Label |
Zetima |
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Associated acts |
Coconuts Musume, Country Musume, Aa!, Minimoni, Morning Musume Otome Gumi, Morning Musume Sakura Gumi, Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai, Petitmoni, Tanpopo, v-u-den, W, Wonderful Hearts, Elder Club, Guardians 4, High-King, Muten Musume, Dream Morning Musume, Oha Girl Maple, Mobekimasu, Gabaro Nippon Ai wa Katsu, Hangry & Angry, ABCHO, Ecomoni, ZYX, DIY♡, Peaberry, Harvest, GREEN FIELDS, Shugo Chara Egg!, Hello! Pro Kenshuusei |
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Website |
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Members |
Michishige Sayumi (2003-Present) |
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Former Members |
Fukuda Asuka (1997-1999) |
Morning Musume Timeline (1997-Present)
Morning Musume. (モーニング娘。; Ragazze del Mattino.), anche conosciuto come Momusu (モー娘。) o Momusume (sui giornali, モー娘。),è il gruppo principale dell' Hello! Project. Il gruppo è stato formato nel 1997 in un talent show chiamato ASAYAN. In poco tempo è diventato, ed è ancora oggi, uno dei migliori gruppi femminili in Giappone. Hanno venduto 18,474,047 copie nel solo Giappone. Il gruppo è stato creato da Yamazaki Naoki e amministrato dal produttore Tsunku che è il compositore della maggior parte dei testi e delle canzoni, creatore delle copertine dei CD, designer dei costumi e del make-up e dei concerti. Attualmente, sono uno dei gruppi più famosi di pop idol femminile in Giappone, al secondo posto dei singoli più venduti (dei gruppi femminili) sulla Oricon charts nel Febbraio 2012, con un record di 51 singoli nella top ten di Oricon. Secondo MADAME NOIRE sono all’8° posto tra i Gruppi Femminili con il maggior numero di vendite di tutti i tempi, il 17 Ottobre 2011.
Dopo il debutto nel mercato discografico cinese nel 2007, il gruppo ha ufficialmente adottato il nome di Jou An Sao Nu Jou (Zǎo Ān Shào Nǚ Zǔ, 早安少女組。; buon giorno ragazze), ma spesso vengono chiamate Momusu (モー娘。) dai media e dai giornali.
Musume (娘), in questo contesto, vuol dire ragazza. Il gruppo è conosciuto per i continui cambi di immagine, attraverso un sistema di "diplomi" e audizioni che hanno luogo ogni anno. Il 2008 è stato l'unico anno senza cambiamenti di imagine: è la formazione durata più allungo, restando immutata per più di 2 anni senza diplomi né audizioni, fino al diploma di Kusumi Koharu nel dicembre 2009. In questi anni il gruppo si sta preparando per entrare nel mercato Asiatico, Europeo e Americano, esipendosi performing negli EXPO di tutto il mondo.
Il singolo più venduto delle Morning Musume è stato LOVE Machine con 1,760,000 copie vendute. Il singolo meno venduto è stato Pyocopyoco Ultra con 34,050 copie vendute.
Morning Musume, October 2012
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Morning Musume, September 1998
Members
Il loro colore nell' Hello! Project Mobekimasu è ROSSO.
Membri Attuali
- Michishige Sayumi (道重さゆみ; Rosa Chiaro) Leader
- Tanaka Reina (田中れいな; Blu Chiaro)
- Fukumura Mizuki (譜久村聖; Rosa Shock)
- Ikuta Erina (生田衣梨奈; Giallo-Verde)
- Sayashi Riho (鞘師里保; Rosso)
- Suzuki Kanon (鈴木香音; Verde)
- Iikubo Haruna (飯窪春奈; Miele)
- Ishida Ayumi (石田亜佑美; Blu)
- Sato Masaki (佐藤優樹; Verde Smeraldo)
- Kudo Haruka (工藤遥; Orancione)
- Oda Sakura (小田さくら; Lavanda)
Seconda Generazione (1998)
- Yasuda Kei (保田圭; Rosso) (Diploma: 5 Maggio 2003)
- Yaguchi Mari (矢口真里; Viola Chiaro) (Dimessa: 14 Aprile 2005; Leader 2005.01.31 - 2005.04.14)
- Ichii Sayaka (市井紗耶香; Verde Acqua) (Diploma: 21 Maggio 2000)
Terza Generazione (1999)
- Goto Maki (後藤真希; Oro) (Diploma: 23 Settembre 2002)
Quarta Generazione (2000)
- Ishikawa Rika (石川梨華; Rosa Shock) (Diploma: 7 Maggio 2005)
- Yoshizawa Hitomi (吉澤ひとみ; Viola) (Diploma 6 Maggio 2007; Leader 2005.04.15 - 2007.05.06)
- Tsuji Nozomi (辻希美; Rosa Shock) (Diploma: 1 Agosto 2004)
- Kago Ai (加護亜依; Blu) (Diploma: 1 Agosto 2004)
Quinta Generazione (2001)
- Takahashi Ai (高橋愛; Giallo) (Diploma: 30 Settembre 2011; Leader 2007.06.02 - 2011.09.30)
- Konno Asami (紺野あさ美; Rosa Chiaro) (Diploma 12 Luglio 2006)
- Ogawa Makoto (小川麻琴; Blu) (Diploma: 27 Agosto 2006)
- Niigaki Risa (新垣里沙; Giallo-Verde) (Diploma: 18 Maggio 2012; Leader 2011.09.30 - 2012.05.18)
Sesta Generazione (2003)
La sesta generazione viene aggiunta alle Morning Musume nel 2003 per un totale di quattro nuovi membri; tre scelte tramite le audizioni e una (Fujimoto Miki) aggiunta da Tsunku. Fujimoto Miki lascia le Morning Musume l'1 Giugno 2007 e Kamei Eri si diploma il 15 Dicembre 2010. Dopo il diploma di Niigaki Risa il 18 Maggio 2012 Michishige Sayumi diventa l'ottava Leader delle Morning Musume. Il 18 Novembre 2012 è stato annunciato che Tanaka Reina si diplomerà dalle Morning Musume durante il loro 2013 Spring Concert Tour.
- Michishige Sayumi (道重さゆみ; Rosa Chiaro) Leader
- Tanaka Reina (田中れいな; Blu Chiaro)
- Kamei Eri (亀井絵里; Arancione) (Diploma: 15 Dicembre 2010)
- Fujimoto Miki (藤本美貴; Rosso) (Lascia il Gruppo: 1 Giugno 2007; Leader 2007.05.07 - 2007.06.01)
Settima Generazione (2005)
- Kusumi Koharu (久住小春; Rosso) (Diploma: 6 Dicembre 2009)
Ottava Generazione (2006/2007)
- Mitsui Aika (光井愛佳; Viola Chiaro) (Diploma: 18 Maggio 2012)
- Junjun (ジュンジュン; Blu) (Diploma:15 Dicembre 2010)
- Linlin (リンリン; Verde Acqua) (Diploma: 15 Dicembre 2010)
Nona Generazione (2011)
I membri sono stati rivelati all'Hello! Project Winter Concert il 2 Gennaio 2011. La nona generazione è stata aggiunta alle Morning Musume nel 2011 per un totale di quattro nuovi membri; tre tramite le audizioni e un membro delle Hello! Pro Kenshuusei (Fukumura Mizuki) aggiunto a sorpresa da Tsunku.
- Fukumura Mizuki (譜久村聖; Rosa Shock)
- Ikuta Erina (生田衣梨奈; Giallo-Verde)
- Sayashi Riho (鞘師里保; Rosso)
- Suzuki Kanon (鈴木香音; Verde)
Decima Generazione (2011)
Le audizioni sono cominciate il 13 Giugno. Le partecipanti avrebbero potuto partecipare anche alle audizioni per le S/mileage ma sarebbe stato possibile entrare a far parte di un solo gruppo. Il giorno prima del diploma di Takahashi Ai, 29 Settembre 2011, vennero aggiunte quattro ragazze invece di due, com'era stato annunciato all'inizio.
- Iikubo Haruna (飯窪春奈; Miele)
- Ishida Ayumi (石田亜佑美; Blu)
- Sato Masaki (佐藤優樹; Verde Smeraldo)
- Kudo Haruka (工藤遥; Orancione)
Undicesima Generazione (2012)
Il 18 Maggio 2012, al diploma di Niigaki Risa e Mitsui Aika al Nippon Budokan, sono state annunciate le audizioni per l'undicesima generazione, intitolate: Morning Musume 11th Generation ~Suppin Utahime~ Audition. Il 14 Settembre 2012 al Morning Musume's 15th Anniversary Concert Tour viene annunciato che il membro delle Hello! Pro Kenshuusei Oda Sakura è la vincitrice delle audiozioni, rendendola l'unico membro dell'undicesima generazione. Oda inizierà ufficialmente le sue attività nelle Morning Musume nel Gennaio 2013 durante l'Hello! Project 2013 Winter Concert, dopo il Morning Musume's 15th Anniversary Concert Tour.
- Oda Sakura (小田さくら; Lavanda)
Membri Iniziali
Prima Gerazione (1997)
- Nakazawa Yuko (中澤裕子; Viola) (Diploma: 15 Aprile 2001; Leader 1997.09.08-2001.04.15)
- Ishiguro Aya (石黒彩) (Diploma: 7 Gennaio 2000)
- Iida Kaori (飯田圭織; Giallo) (Diploma: 30 Gennaio 2005; Leader 2001.04.16-2005.01.30)
- Abe Natsumi (安倍なつみ; Rosa Chiaro) (Diploma: 25 Gennaio 2004)
- Fukuda Asuka (福田明日香) (Diploma: 18 Aprile 1999)
History
1997
Il produttore giapponese Tsunku creò il gruppo nel 1997 attraverso un’audizione per trovare una voce femminili alla sua band, gli Sharan Q. L’audizione si svolse nel programma telesivo giapponese Asayan. La vincitrice fu Heike Michiyo, che diventò una solista in quello che più avanti sarebbe diventato Hello! Project. Tsunku decise di creare un gruppo femminile formato dalle cinque finaliste: Nakazawa Yuko, Abe Natsumi, Iida Kaori, Fukuda Asuka e Ishiguro Aya. Lanciarono la sfida di vendere 50,000 copie del loro demo, "Ai no Tane", con solo cinque giorni di eventi promozionali. Il gruppo riuscì nell’impresa con solo quattro giorni di eventi promozionali (Novembre 1997) e così Tsunku cominciò la sua missione di creare il più famoso gruppo femminile più famoso in Giappone.
1998
All’inizio del 1998, le ragazze erano pronte insieme al loro primo singolo ufficiale, "Morning Coffee". Dopo il loro primo successo (Al 6° posto delle classifiche pop giapponesi) furno aggiunti tre nuovi membri, noti come la seconda generazione: Yasuda Kei, Yaguchi Mari e Ichii Sayaka, per un totale di otto membri. Il secondo singolo, Summer Night Town, fu il primo con la nuova formazione, con toni più maturi che parlano di un tentativo inutile di nascondere i propri veri sentimenti d’amore. Il loro terzo singolo, Daite HOLD ON ME!, continua ad avere la stessa musicalità di "Summer Night Town" e raggiunge la prima posizione nelle classifiche. La leader Nakazawa Yuko inizia la carriera da solista.
Nel Luglio del 1998 viene rilasciato First Time, contenente i singoli "Ai no Tane","Morning Coffee" e "Summer Night Town".
Nello stesso anno, Tsunku Tsunku forma le Tanpopo, il primo sub-gruppo delle Morning Musume, con Iida Kaori, Ishiguro Aya e Yaguchi Mari. Le Tanpopo vengono pubblicizzate lentamente, con canzoni più mature.
1999
Nel 1999 venne lanciato il quarto singolo del gruppo Memory Seishun no Hikari che non riuscì a raggiungere il primo posto su Oricon ma si fermò al secondo. La canzone contiene delle sezioni rap e numerose parti armoniose. Fukada Asuka dichiarò a sorpresa che sarebbe stato il suo ultimo singolo. La sua è stata la carriera più breve del gruppo. La terza traccia del singolo è stata cantata da lei come solista.
A maggio venne rilasciato il singolo estivo "Manatsu no Kousen" che raggiunse il 3° posto delle classifiche vendendo la metà di "Memory Seishun no Hikari". La posizione in classifica delle Morning Musume in quel periodo stava visibilmente calando e il loro sesto singolo, "Furusato", confermò solo i fatti. L'intera canzone fu cantata da Abe Natsumi mentre gli altri membri eseguivano il coro in sottofondo. Il singolo raggiunse la 5° posizione e le vendite scesero ancora della metà.
Nel Luglio 1999 uscì "Second Morning", un album contenente i singoli "Daite Hold on Me!", "Memory Seishun no Hikari" "Manatsu no Kousen" e "Furusato".
Per ridare nuova vita al gruppo, Tsunku organizzò nuove audizioni per la terza generazione delle Morning Musume. Erano previsti due nuovi membri, ma a sorpresa fu aggiunta solo Goto Maki. Goto aveva solo 13 anni, la più giovane ragazza nelle Morning Musume in quel periodo. Il settimo singolo, "LOVE Machine," riuscì a vendere 1,730,000 copie, diventando il più grande successo del gruppo fino ad oggi. Fu il primo singolo di Goto Maki e l'ultimo di Ishiguro Aya. Incrementò drasticamente la popolarità del gruppo.
Tempo dopo, Goto Maki, Yasuda Kei e Ichii Sayaka formarono le Petitmoni. Il loro primo singolo, "Chokotto Love," sull'onda del successo di "Love Machine," riuscì a vendere 1,123,610 copie.
2000
All'inizio del 2000 uscì "Koi no Dance Site", che raggiunse il secondo posto nelle classifiche con oltre un milione di copie vendute (400 in meno di "LOVE Machine"). Le vendite della prima settimana furono le più alte mai avute dal gruppo, con oltre 600,860 copie vendute. Nonostante tutto non riuscì a raggiungere la prima posizione perché un altro singolo uscito lo stesso giorno, TSUNAMI dei Southern All Stars, riuscì a vendere 2,93 milioni di copie. Ishiguro Aya lasciò il gruppo prima dell'uscita del singolo per sposare Shiya, il batterista dei Luna Sea, lasciando il gruppo con 7 membri.
A Marzo uscì il loro terzo album, "3rd -LOVE Paradise-", che pur contenendo "LOVE Machine" e "Koi no Dance Site", non riuscì ad arrivare al primo posto della classifica (800,000 copie vendute).
Nello stesso anno ci furono nuove audizioni. I membri della quarta generazione furono Ishikawa Rika, Yoshizawa Hitomi, Tsuji Nozomi e Kago Ai. Diedero un'immagine completamente nuova al gruppo, soprattutto perché Tsuji Nozomi e Kago Ai avevano solo 12 anni. Dopo il loro singolo di debutto, "Happy Summer Wedding", (1,370,000 copie vendute), Ichii Sayaka decise di lasciare il gruppo per iniziare una nuova carriera da solista. Entrò nei Cubic Cross come cantante e sposò Yoshizawa Naoki.
Senza Ishiguro Aya e Ichii Sayaka sia le Petitmoni che le Tanpopo avevano bisogno di un cambiamento di formazione: Yoshizawa entrò nelle Petitmoni, Kago Ai e Ishikawa Rika nelle Tanpopo. Intanto Yaguchi Mari iniziò a esibirsi con Kago Ai e Tsuji Nozomi nelle Minimoni, un nuovo gruppo formato da tutti i membri più bassi di 1,50 m. Anche Mika Todd delle Coconuts Musume fu ufficialmente aggiunta al gruppo. Il loro singolo di debutto, Minimoni. Jankenpyon!, raggiunse il primo posto delle classifiche giapponesi.
Come gruppo di idol, le Morning Musume avevano un enorme successo, superando perfino le SPEED, un gruppo molto famoso in quel periodo. "I WISH" e "Ren'ai Revolution 21" (l'ultimo singolo di Nakazawa Yuko) ebbero dei toni allegri e furono dei successi come i singoli precedenti.
2001
Nell'Aprile del 2001, la leader del gruppo Nakazawa Yuko lasciò le Morning Musume per dedicarsi alla sua carriera da solista. Al suo posto Iida Kaori e Yasuda Kei divennero co-leader . Nello stesso periodo, Ishikawa Rika prese una pausa dal gruppo per iniziare la sua attività nelle Country Musume. Non entrò ufficialmente, ma cantò alcune canzoni con loro.
Nel Luglio dello stesso anno il nuovo singolo "The☆Peace!" raggiunse la prima posizione in classica. Ancora una volta trobviamo toni pop molto allegri, inoltre la leader della canzone fu Ishikawa Rika, che ottenne molte parti e la posizione centrale nella coreografia e in copertina.
Alla fine del 2001, uscì l'album più venduto dell'Hello! Project fino a oggi (2,259,510 copie vendute): "Best! Morning Musume 1". Contiene un totale di 15 tracce tra cui l'inedita "Say Yeah! -Motto Miracle Night".
Nello stesso periodo, vennero aggiunti quattro nuovi membri come 5° Generazione attraverso le audizioni "Love Audition 21:" Takahashi Ai, Konno Asami, Ogawa Makoto e Niigaki Risa, per un totale di 13 ragazze. Il loro primo singolo fu "Mr.Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~" con Yoshizawa Hitomi acome leader della canzone. Questo singolo riuscì a vendere mezzo milione di copie.
2002
A Febbraio uscì una nuova hit, "Souda! We're ALIVE" con Yaguchi Mari come leader della canzone.
Nel Luglio del 2002 uscì "Do it! Now". Questo singolo arrivò in prima posizione, per poi scendere alla terza, un fatto sorprendente considerando che è stato l'ultimo singolo di Goto Maki.
Nel Marzo dello stesso anno uscì il quarto album delle Morning Musume, "4th Ikimasshoi!", dopo due anni di attesa. Fu il primo album a raggiungere la prima posizione in classifica. Conteneva i singoli "Ren'ai Revolution 21," (ri-registrato con la nuova formazione del gruppo) "The Peace!," (in una versione più lunga) "Mr.Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~," (con dei dialoghi all'inizio) e "Souda! We're Alive."
Tempo dopo la Graduation di Goto Maki ci fu una riorgazizzazione dei sub-gruppi. Tsunku decise di togliere Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari e Kago Ai dalle Tanpopo, aggiungendo Konno Asami, Niigaki Risa e Shibata Ayumi delle Melon Kinenbi. Le Tanpopo fecero solo un altro singolo prima che il gruppo entrasse in un indefinito stato di pausa. Ogawa Makoto e Kimura Ayaka delle Coconuts Musume si unirono Yoshizawa Hitomi nelle Petitmoni rimpiazzando Yasuda Kei e Goto Maki. Il gruppo non rilasciò altri singoli, limitandosi a esibirsi nei concerti. La loro canzone "Wow Wow Wow" uscì nella compilation dell'Hello! Project's "Petit Best 4". Nelle Minimoni, Yaguchi Mari fu rimpiazzata da Takahashi Ai e con questa nuova formazione il gruppo rilasciò numerosi singoli fino alla Graduation di Mika Todd nel Maggio del 2004, lasciando il gruppo in un indefinito stato di pausa.
A Ottobre uscì "Koko ni Iruzee!" che parlava di come la musica potesse unire tutte le nazioni del mondo. Il singolo raggiunse la prima posizione in classifica.
2003
Nel Febbraio del 2003 uscì il diciassettesimo singolo del gruppo, "Morning Musume no Hyokkori Hyoutanjima". Fu la prima canzone a non essere stata scritta da Tsunku, in quanto era una cover di una canzone uscita precedentemente.
Ad Aprile uscì un nuovo singolo, "AS FOR ONE DAY", che riuscì a vendere 129,893 copie e a raggiungere la prima posizione in classifica. Fu l'ultimo singolo a riuscirci fino a "Aruiteru" (uscito nel 2006). Fu anche l'ultimo singolo di Yasuda Kei.
Prima delle audizioni della Sesta Generazione, il gruppo rilasciò l'album "No.5" che fu l'ultimo con Yasuda Kei e Abe Natsumi. Fu anche il primo ad avere un ex-membro come cantante, Goto Maki infatti si unì al gruppo nelle canzoni "Megami ~Mousse na Yasashisa~" e "Ganbacchae." L'album conteneva solo due singoli: "Do it! Now" e "Koko ni Iruzee!."
A metà del 2003, vennero aggiunte tre nuove ragazze come Sesta Generazione: Kamei Eri, Michishige Sayumi e Tanaka Reina. Dopo una grande apparizione nel programma "Kōhaku Uta Gassen" con gli altri membri delle Morning Musume, Tsunku decise di aggiungere anche Fujimoto Miki come parte della Sesta Generazione. Fecero il loro debutto nel concerto di Graduation di Yasuda Kei. Tsunku precisò che sarebbe stata la prima e ultima volta che le Morning Musume avrebbero avuto così tanti membri (16 ragazze). Il primo singolo della Sesta Generazione fu Shabondama.
Dopo la Graduation di Kei, Yaguchi Mari divenne la sub-leader delle Morning Musume e anche l'assistente allenatrice del gruppo Hello! Project Kids.
Nello stesso anno, le Morning Musume furono divise in due sub-gruppi per riuscire a esibirsi in più città (specialmente le piccole città che non avrebbero avuto abbastanza spazio per l'esibizione di 15 ragazze). I gruppi furono: il Morning Musume Sakura Gumi, che si concentrò su canzoni d'amore più tradizionali, formato da Abe Natsumi, Yaguchi Mari, Yoshizawa Hitomi, Kago Ai, Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa, Konno Asami e Kamei Eri; il Morning Musume Otome Gumi, che si concentrò su canzoni rock più moderne, formato da Iida Kaori, Ishikawa Rika, Tsuji Nozomi, Ogawa Makoto, Fujimoto Miki, Michishige Sayumi e Tanaka Reina. Il Sakuragumi rilasciò due singoli two singles: "Hare Ame Nochi Suki♥" e "Sakura Mankai". Anche l'Otomegumi fece lo stesso: "Ai no Sono ~Touch My Heart!~" e "Yuujou ~Kokoro no Busu ni wa Naranee!~".
L'ultimo singolo del 2003 fu Go Girl ~Koi no Victory~, dove le ragazze proclamavano la vittoria dell'amore.
2004
Nel Gennaio del 2004, Abe Natsumi, il volto delle Morning Musume, lasciò il gruppo per seguire la sua carriera da solista. Il suo ultimo singolo fu Ai Araba IT'S ALL RIGHT, l'ultimo singolo a vendere più di 100,000 copie.
Il gruppo rilasciò un nuovo singolo in breve tempo, "Roman ~MY DEAR BOY~". Fu seguito dal ventitreesimo singolo, Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari, in cui ogni membro delle Morning Musume parla di se stessa (ogni ragazza ha una parte dove parla della sua personalità). Questa canzone venne riscritta molte volte con il cambiare dei membri come per esempio "Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari 2" e "Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari 3," incluse rispettivamente nel sesto e settimo album. Questo singolo fu seguito dalla Graduation di Tsuji Nozomi e Kago Ai in Agosto.
A metà del 2004uscì il secondo album di successi delle Morning Musume," Best! Morning Musume 2", che conteneva "Yah! Aishitai" come unica nuova traccia.
Le audizioni della Settima Generazione (chiamate "Lucky 7" per celebrare la Settima Generazione, il settimo anniversario delle Morning Musume e la Settima audizione) furono aperte in numerose città del Giappone, con un totale di sei finaliste.Il 9 Gennaio del 2005, Tsunku sorprese tutti annunciando che non c'era alcuna vincitrice alle audizioni Lucky 7 e che ne avrebbe fatte altre nello stesso anno per trovare "l'asso" delle Morning Musume. Fu la prima audizione a non avere vincitrici.
Nel Novembre del 2004 uscì Namida ga Tomaranai Houkago un singolo con Ishikawa Rika, Konno Asami e Michishige Sayumi.
Subito dopo uscì Morning Musume EARLY SINGLE BOX, una raccolta di 9 CD contenenti i primi otto singoli del gruppo con una traccia bonus per ognuno e un CD per il karaoke delle canzoni più popolari.
Alla fine del 2004 uscì un nuovo album, "Ai no Dai 6 Kan", contenente i singoli "Roman ~My Dear Boy~", "Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari" e "Namida ga Tomaranai Hōkago." Fu l'ultimo album di Kago Ai, Tsuji Nozomi, Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari e Ishikawa Rika.
2005
Il 30 Gennaio del 2005 Iida Kaori lasciò il gruppo per seguire la sua carriera da solista, lasciando la leadership a Yaguchi Mari e rendendo Yoshizawa Hitomi la sub-leader. Il suo ultimo singolo fu "THE Manpower!!".
All'inizio del 2005 uscì anche Musume Document 2005, un documentario contenente i dietro le quinte dei concerti, varie riprese inedite e interviste. Nel Febbraio del 2005, Tsunku annunciò nuove audizioni per la Settima Generazione delle Morning Musume. La vincitrice fu Kusumi Koharu che venne soprannominata "Miracle" in quanto nuovo "Asso" delle Morning Musume.
Il 10 Aprile, sul magazine Friday! uscirono delle foto di Yaguchi Mari in compagnia di Shun Oguri. La ragazza decise di ritirarsi dal gruppo per continuare la sua carriera come solista. In una dichiarazione pubblica, Yaguchi disse di non poter continuare a essere una idol dopo lo scandalo delle foto. Data la natura della sua dipartita, non ricevette alcun concerto di Graduation. Il 15 Luglio la nuova leader divenne Yoshizawa Hitomi e Fujimoto Miki divenne la sub-leader.
Il 27 Aprile uscì il ventiseiesimo singolo, "Osaka Koi no Uta". Il testo era completamente cantato nel dialetto di Osaka. Fu l'ultimo singolo di Ishikawa Rika che lasciò il gruppo il 7 Maggio per assumere il ruolo di leader nel trio v-u-den.
Il primo singolo di Kusumi Koharu fu "Iroppoi Jirettai", considerato il più grande successo dell'anno (vendendo più di 20,000 copie in più di tutti gli altri). Per pubblicizzare il singolo furono organizzati 3 giorni di eventi in cui i fan potevano incontrare e ricevere una stretta di mano dalle Morning Musume.
L'ultimo singolo del 2005 fu "Chokkan 2 ~Nogashita Sakana wa Ookiizo!~", un remake della canzone presente del vecchio album. Il titolo del CD sarebbe dovuto essere "Koi wa Hassō Do The Hustle!" ma ottene dei risultati poco incoraggianti nell'anteprima dell'album e quindi divenne una traccia secondaria.
2006
On January 16, 2006, it was announced that Morning Musume had won a Kanagawa Image Up Award in recognition of Hello! Project's support of an anti-pollution campaign. Yoshizawa Hitomi, Fujimoto Miki, and Takahashi Ai represented the group to accept the award.
In February, the group released their seventh studio album, Rainbow 7. It was the first album for Kusumi Koharu and the last for Konno Asami and Ogawa Makoto. The album features "The Manpower!!!," "Osaka Koi no Uta," "Iroppoi Jirettai," and "Chokkan 2 ~Nogashita Sakana wa Ookiizo!~" (in a remixed form). Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari, and Ishikawa Rika are not credited anywhere in the liner notes although their vocals appear. Three of the songs on the album are performed by smaller clusters of several group members, and are credited in the liner notes to the featured members involved, rather than to the entire group.
In March 2006, SEXY BOY ~Soyokaze ni Yorisotte~ was released. It featured an easy-to-learn dance and a parapara style. It was considered to be a relative success.
On April 28, 2006, it was announced by Tsunku from his official website that fifth generation members Konno Asami and Ogawa Makoto were going to graduate. Konno Asami graduated on July 23, 2006 to attend University and Ogawa Makoto graduated on August 27, 2006 to study English abroad. Both left Morning Musume, but only Konno Asami left Hello! Project entirely; Ogawa Makoto intended to return after completing her studies, and is still pictured as a soloist on Hello! Project's official website. However, as of 2007, Konno Asami returned to Hello! Project to join the new group Ongaku Gatas, making it the first time ever that a girl who left Hello! Project actually returned. She will remain an active member within the agency and Ongaku Gatas while continuing her university studies. Ogawa Makoto, on the other hand, returned in June 2008 by appearing on an episode of Morning Musume's television show Haromoni@.
Konno Asami and Ogawa Makoto's last single was Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii Jan, which, yet again, featured a parapara type arrangement, with a rock 'n' roll flair. It was the group's 30th single, and a limited-edition CD of all past 30 singles mixed into a thirteen-minute track was included on the first pressing. Unfortunately, sales did not add up to the hype or the significance, and the single clocked in as Morning Musume's lowest-selling yet.
In mid-2006, the group performed the musical Ribbon no Kishi. Ai Takahashi Ai took the main role; the secondary role was played by alternating members. There was also a mini-concert at the end of each performance, which served as Ogawa Makoto's real "graduation concert"—the Wonderful Hearts 2006 concert was initially intended for Konno Asami's graduation only, although Ogawa Makoto wore a special outfit and read her graduation comments as well. (A last minute decision that fans were unaware of before the concert began). As for Ribbon no Kishi, an album with a selection of songs was released: Ribbon no Kishi The Musical Song Selection.
In mid-2006, Tsunku announced the audition for the eighth generation, called Morning Musume Happy 8 Audition. The audition started on August 27, 2006 and ended in Tokyo on October 22, 2006. On December 10, 2006's Hello! Morning, it was announced that the only new member was Mitsui Aika. The show had a piece of audition footage each week leading up to December 10, 2006.
The last single release in 2006 was Aruiteru, which was a huge hit. It was the first single at the #1 spot after 3½ years (their last #1 hit being "As for One Day.") The song's lyrics were credited for its success, with lines like "walking, you're not alone because everyone's here with you, praying for peace." It was a bit of a turn from the hyperactive singles the group had been releasing. Tsunku's group, Sharan Q, also made a rock cover of this song.
Their first mini-album, 7.5 Fuyu Fuyu Morning Musume Mini!, was released in December. It featured five tracks by solo and/or smaller combinations of band members. It also featured the single "Aruiteru."
2007
In early 2007, Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai, a unit consisting of Iida Kaori, Abe Natsumi, Goto Maki, Niigaki Risa, and Kusumi Koharu, was created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Morning Musume. They released a commemorative single called Bokura ga Ikiru MY ASIA. The members chosen symbolize the beginning of the group; how they had five members ranging in age from 13–24. Additionally, each member was from an odd-numbered generation (Iida Kaori and Abe Natsumi from the first generation, Goto Maki from the third, Niigaki Risa from the fifth, and Kusumi Koharu from the seventh).
On January 2, 2007, an announcement was made during Hello! Project's 2007 Winter concert that the group's leader at the time Yoshizawa Hitomi would graduate from Morning Musume on May 6, 2007, the last day of Morning Musume's 2007 spring tour. The concert was at the Saitama Super Arena in Yoshizawa Hitomi's hometown in Saitama.
In February, the first single with the eighth generation member Mitsui Aika was released, Egao YES Nude. This was the first PV of Morning Musume to appear on the Dohhh!Up site (a streaming website of Hello! Project media). The single went up against tougher competition than "Aruiteru" had, only landing them a #4 spot, although it sold relatively the same number of copies. The song has a funky, disco feel, and is highly-reminiscent of some of the oldest songs of Morning Musume, most notably "Summer Night Town".
On the March 11, 2007 edition of the weekly TV show Hello! Morning, producer Tsunku revealed he would make an important announcement in the following episode. Several days later, on March 15, he announced that two other eighth generation members would be joining the group: Li Chun and Qian Lin, both Chinese nationals, were to join as "exchange students." Tsunku stated the two new members would be an important key for their group's planned expansion into Asia and gave them the stage names "Junjun" and "Linlin" respectively. The two made their stage debut on May 6, at Saitama Super Arena, during current leader Yoshizawa Hitomi's graduation. This is notable, as they are the first non-Japanese members of the group.
On March 21, 2007, the group's eighth studio album, SEXY 8 BEAT was released. It was the first album for Mitsui Aika and the last album for Yoshizawa Hitomi and Fujimoto Miki. It featured the singles "Aruiteru," "Egao Yes Nude," "Sexy Boy ~Soyokaze ni Yorisotte~," and "Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii Jan."
In late April, Morning Musume released their 33rd single, Kanashimi Twilight. The song style was a huge departure from almost anything Morning Musume had released prior to it, displaying a loud, rock arrangement and the angriest lyrics since "Shabondama".
With the success of Kanashimi Twilight, on May 1, 2007, Morning Musume became the "best single selling female group in Japan" with 11,085,000 copies sold—their fifth Oricon record. The achievement surpasses the previous record set by Pink Lady of 11,037,000 copies sold.
On May 6, 2007, Yoshizawa Hitomi graduated. Fujimoto Miki took her place as leader and Takahashi Ai replaced Fujimoto as sub-leader.
As of June 1, 2007, Fujimoto Miki resigned from Morning Musume, due to the tabloid magazine Friday running an article depicting Fujimoto and comedian Tomoharu Shoji in a relationship. Takahashi Ai replaced Fujimoto as leader (a position the latter occupied for the briefest period in the band's history—26 days), and Niigaki Risa became sub-leader.
Morning Musume's 34th single Onna ni Sachi Are was released on July 25, 2007. It features the debut of new eighth generation members from China Junjun and Linlin. This was the first time that girls from another country entered the group. The single reached #2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, with sales of 43,364 copies.
On October 26, 2007, Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa, and Kusumi Koharu visited Korea to promote their singles collection album Morning Musume ALL SINGLES COMPLETE ~10th ANNIVERSARY~, which was released on October 24, 2007. Takahashi and Niigaki also appeared as special guests in a Korean radio show called Maybee's Turn Up the Volume (메이비의 볼륨을 높여요). Later that same month, on October 29, 2007, all nine members traveled to Taiwan for three days to promote the album. This was the first time Morning Musume held a non-Fan Club promotional event at a country outside of Japan. During their visit, they attended press conferences, appeared for radio and TV show recordings, and held the first-ever public handshaking event outside of Japan.
November 21, 2007 marked the release of Morning Musume's 35th single, Mikan. Initial sales were poor for the song, which became the group's lowest-selling single, (even lower than the initial indies release of "Ai no Tane", which sold 50,000 copies), both in terms of first week sales and absolute sales figures. As a result, unlike all previous singles, "Mikan" failed to appear on Oricon's Top 5 Chart, breaking the group's previously held record.
On December 31, 2007, Morning Musume performed in the 58th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen with a remixed version of their song "Love Machine" along with ℃-ute and Berryz Koubou. Similar to the previous Kōhaku, the red team (females) lost to the white team (males) after attaining votes from the viewers and judges.
2008
Takahashi Ai, Kamei Eri, Michishige Sayumi, and Tanaka Reina participated in the musical Ojigi 30 Degrees at the Shinjuku Theater from February 26 to March 2. Morning Musume's 36th music single, Resonant Blue, had been announced for release on March 5, 2008 but was postponed until April 16, 2008 because of the busy schedule in the winter/early spring season. Multiple promotional videos were released. With the original, another version, a studio dance shot version, a night scene version, and a one-cut dance version, it makes the most PVs ever released for one single. Also notable is the smoky eye make-up used on the members, a daring new look for Morning Musume as they attempt to expand into Asia.
The group held a concert at Taipei Nankang Exhibition Hall, Taiwan, on May 24, 2008. the first time ever for Morning Musume to have a concert outside Japan.
On April 5, 2008, Morning Musume’s Mitsui Aika complained of a stomach ache after a concert at Hachiōji Citizen Hall. She was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and was ordered to rest for two weeks. Mitsui subsequently missed the concerts on April 12 and 13.
"Resonant Blue" was released on April 16, 2008, the 36th single after it had been delayed due to hectic schedule. The single debuted at #2 and finished third in the Oricon Weekly ranking. Overall, the single marked a rebound from poor sales of the previous single, "Mikan". In its first week, it sold 48,086 copies, 20,004 copies more than "Mikan" and around 5,000 more copies than Onna ni Sachi Are.
From August 6 to August 25, 2008, Morning Musume performed with several members of the all-female Takarazuka theatre troupe in a version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. Takahashi Ai starred in the main role of Cinderella, with Niigaki Risa as the Prince, and Kamei Eri and Tanaka Reina as the stepsisters. The other members participated as fairies and guards.
Morning Musume's 37th single, Pepper Keibu, was released on September 24, 2008. Unlike past singles (with the exception of "Morning Musume no Hyokkori Hyoutanjima"), this song is actually a cover of Pink Lady's debut single, released in 1976. In the first week of the release, it sold approximately 10,000 copies less than "Resonant Blue" and 10,000 copies more than "Mikan".
Berikyuu! and Haromoni@ finished their run and both were replaced with Yorosen!. It started on October 6, 2008. The show stars Morning Musume, Berryz Koubou, and ℃-ute.
2008 was the first year in which there were no changes in Morning Musume's lineup.
2009
Morning Musume released their 38th single on February 18, 2009. This was their first single of 2009, titled Nai Chau Kamo. The title is translated to "I Might Cry" and was released in two limited versions A and B, each including a DVD. On March 18, 2009 they released their ninth studio album called Platinum 9 DISC.
In March 2009, all Morning Musume singles and albums, past and present, became available through JapanFiles.com via digital MP3 format in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It started with "Naichau Kamo" and the simultaneous Japan and USA release of their 9th album "Platinum 9 Disc" on March 18. Japanfiles also sells Morning Musume CD's as USA versions. It started with the album "Platinum 9 Disc" and their most recent single "Shouganai Yume Oibito".
Morning Musume released their 39th single, Shouganai Yume Oibito, on May 13, 2009, attaining a rank of #1 on the Oricon weekly chart, the first time since their "Aruiteru" single in late 2006. It also became the group's first #1 single to feature eighth generation members Mitsui Aika, Junjun, and Linlin.
Following the success of "Shouganai Yume Oibito", the group released their 40th single Nanchatte Ren'ai on August 12th, which is their third single in 2009. At the same time, with "Nanchatte Ren'ai" being the group's 40th commemorative single, a commemorative edition will be released along with the usual regular edition plus two limited edition with two different DVDs. What is interesting about the commemorative edition is that there will be a different c/w track in it to the one for the regular and limited editons. This is something the group has never done before (having 2 c/w tracks in different editions of the singles) since their 4th single "Memory Seishun no Hikari" in 1999. (note: 'Memory Seishun no Hikari' has two c/w track in one edition). "Nanchatte Ren'ai" has charted at #2 on the Oricon Weekly Sales Chart with 54,973 CDs sold. This single has marked their best opening week since "Iroppi Jirettai" back in 2005.
With good sales from "Nanchatte Ren'ai", Morning Musume released their 41st single Kimagure Princess on October 28, 2009. The single is going have four versions (Regular, Limited A, B, and C). The regular will have a photocard while Limited C that will contain 10 different covers. This is not the first time Morning Musume done this. "Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii jan" came with 10 different covers for their 30th single. Also, "Kimagure Princess" was the last single with Kusumi Koharu as she graduated in december to persue modeling. Her graduation marked the end of Morning Musume's longest lasting line-up.
Their latest Greatest Hits Album (B-side collection album) was released featuring all B-side songs from their debut single to 40th single on 3 discs.
2010
Morning Musume released their 42nd single, Onna ga Medatte Naze Ikenai was released on February 10, 2010 and will have four versions: Regular and Limited A, B, and C. This will be the first single released with the new eight-member lineup and the first single following the graduation of seventh generation member Kusumi Koharu. Their tenth album, 10 MY ME, was released on March 17. Their 43rd single, Seishun Collection, was released on June 9, 2010 and had four versions: Regular and Limited A, B, and C.
It was announced that Kamei Eri, along with 8th Generation members Junjun and Linlin would graduate from Morning Musume at the "Morning Musume 2010 Rival Survival Fall Concert Tour". "Morning Musume’s Concert Tour 2010 Fall ~Rival Survival~" an additional date at Yokohama Arena has been added to the schedule as the final concert of the tour.
Around the middle of 2010, Tsunku made a new unit called Muten Musume to release their new single Appare! Kaiten Zushi, will be released on October 27. To promote sushi all over the world.
Their 44th single, Onna to Otoko no Lullaby Game, will be released on November 17, 2010 and will have for versions: Regularm and Limited A, B, and C. This is the last single to feature Kamei Eri, Junjun and Linlin.
Morning Musume is part of the cast for the movie "Keitai Deka The Movie 3: Morning Musume Kyuushutsu Daisakusen! ~ Pandora no Hako no Himitsu~".
On December 15, 2010, the graduation of Kamei Eri, Junjun, and Linlin was held. It was the biggest graduation in Morning Musume's history. With this the group went down to 5 members, the smallest line-up since 1998.
In 2010, It was announced that a new group has been created, Dream Morning Musume which will consist of former-Morning Musume members: Nakazawa Yuko, Iida Kaori, Abe Natsumi, Yasuda Kei, Yaguchi Mari, Ishikawa Rika, Yoshizawa Hitomi, Ogawa Makoto, Fujimoto Miki, and Kusumi Koharu. They will release an album titled "Dreams. 1" which will consist of two new songs, as well as remakes of older Morning Musume songs.
2011
On January 2, 2011, four ninth generation members were revealed to be Fukumura Mizuki,Ikuta Erina, Sayashi Riho and Suzuki Kanon at the Hello! Project 2011 Winter: Kangei Shinsen Matsuri concert. Fukumura Mizuki is a former Hello! Pro Kenshuusei and former member of Shugo Chara Egg!. Sayashi Riho and Suzuki Kanon are the first members of Morning Musume to be born after the groups formation.
On January 9th, a shocking announcement was made that leader Takahashi Ai would be graduating from Morning Musume and Hello! Project at the group's Autumn 2011 concert (August to October). This announcement shocked many fans considering the group just had a triple graduation in December, plus the addition of the ninth generation only a week previously.The new leader of Morning Musume will be Niigaki Risa.
The ninth generation's debut single is Maji Desu ka Ska!, the single was going to be released on March 23, 2011 but, due to the earthquake and tsunami it was released April 6, 2011.
On March 12, 2011, it was announced that Morning Musume's upcoming tour would be postponed due to the recent earthquake and tsunami that had hit Japan. The new single reached number 5 on the Oricon weekly charts. Although the sales were relatively low compared to the majority of Morning Musume's recent singles, it is clear that the earthquake and and natural disasters in Japan had a toll on each of the Oricon releases at that time.
This summer, Morning Musume will be doing a Fanclub Tour in Hawaii from July 20th - 26th. This will be the first time that the ninth generation members will be traveling overseas as a part of Morning Musume.
On April 11th, 2011, It was announced that the ninth generation of Morning Musume will have a show titled "UstreaMusume"
It was announced May 8, that Morning Musume 10th Generation Audition submissions are starting now til June 13th. According to the news there will be 2 girls added after Takahashi Ai's Graduation. This is shocking, yet exciting news to fans, considering that it's been just 5 months since the 9 Generation joined. The first day of auditions is on June 13th.
Shortly after the announcement, Mitsui Aika went to the hospital, and was diagnosed with a bone fracture in her left ankle.
On September 14th, Morning Musume will be releasing their 47th single. This will be the current leader, Takahashi Ai's last single with Morning Musume after a tenure of 10 years with the group. In order to celebrate Takahashi Ai's long career with Morning Musume, their 47th single will be released as a double A sides. This is the first time in history that Morning Musume has purposely done a double A side single. There will be five versions of the single: Regular, Limited A, Limited B, Limited C and Limited D. Futhermore, the Limited B version of the single had a solo song by Takahashi for her graduation as a B-side. The single name is Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa wo Honki de Negatterun da yo!/Kare to Issho ni Omise ga Shitai!. Takahashi Ai's solo song was revealed to be titled: Jishin Motte Yume Motte Tobitatsu Kara.
Morning Musume's fall tour has revealed to be called, "Ai Believe." It has also been revealed that Takahashi Ai will graduate on the final day of the tour, September 30th, at the Nippon Budokan.
On August 26, 2011, Morning Musume 5th generation member's, Takahashi Ai and Niigaki Risa turned 10 years being in Morning Musume, and 10 years since the 5th generation auditions. This made them the members to be in Morning Musume the longest.
The tenth generation members were introduced on September 29th. Iikubo Haruna, Ishida Ayumi, Sato Masaki, and Kudo Haruka were introduced the day before. Then leader Takahashi Ai graduated and the tenth generation appeared again to give their graduation messages to Takahashi Ai and sing with the existing members. Their addition makes the group stand at 12 members, the largest the group has been since 2005. Once Takahashi Ai graduated, she passed leadership of both Morning Musume and Hello! Project to Niigaki Risa, her fellow and only remaining 5th generation member. This now makes Niigaki Risa the longest serving member of the group and the 1st member to go from youngest in the group at entering to becoming leader.
It was said that Michishige Sayumi would become sub-leader because she is now the second oldest, but there were discussions about the situation. Tanaka Reina is younger but would fit the title "sub-leader" better. Tsunku knew there would come discussions about this, so he decided there would be no sub-leader for now. Neither Michishige Sayumi nor Tanaka Reina is now sub-leader.
Former member Takahashi Ai, is now part of the M-Line.
2012
On January 2, it was announced that Niigaki Risa will be graduating from Morning Musume and Hello! Project on the last day of their Spring Concert Tour, May 18, 2012. She will be passing the leadership of Morning Musume and Hello! Project to Michishige Sayumi.
On January 5, Morning Musume lost the record of having the highest overall single sales (of a female group) on the Oricon charts to AKB48. They are currently tied with the most no.1 singles.
On January 25th Pyocopyoco Ultra was released, in its first week it reached 3 on the Oricon charts and sold 31,094 copies, although it beat "Mikan"'s first week sales it became their lowest selling single selling only 33,718 copies.
On April 11, 2012 Ren'ai Hunter was released. It successfully hit number 1 and it's been a while since Shouganai Yume Oibito in 2009.
On May 4, 2012, it was announced that Mitsui Aika will be graduating from Morning Musume along with Niigaki Risa on May 18, 2012, the last day of their Spring Concert Tour, at the Nippon Budokan. Her reason for graduation is due to the possibility of the stress fracture in her left ankle from last year may happened again if she continue with her activity in Morning Musume. She discussed with her family and the staff of UFA about it and they decided it would be best not to delay her health any longer thus chose the closest date for graduation. After her graduation, she would be discussing with UFA staff about what possible activities she could do in Hello! Project.
On May 18, 2012, at Morning Musume Concert Tour 2012 Haru Ultra Smart ~Niigaki Risa Mitsui Aika Graduation Special~, Niigaki Risa Graduated from Morning Musume and Hello! Project and Mitsui Aika Graduated from Morning Musume at the Nippon Budokan. On the same date, Michishige Sayumi was sworn in as Morning Musume 8th Leader succeeding Niigaki Risa as well as the Morning Musume Eleventh Generation Audtions tited: Morning Musume 11th Generation ~Suppin Utahime~ Auditions (Morning Musume 11th Generation Auditions ~Make-Up Less, Song-Stress~ Auditions) were to begin. Tsunku said he is: "focusing more on the talents that will be present at this year’s auditions instead of the looks of the members." The application deadline is June 25, 2012. Girls aged 10-17 years will be allowed to audtion.
On May 26, 2012, Morning Musume was one the special artist to perform at Girls Award 2012 Spring/Summer collection ~All you need is LOVE~ event at Yoyogi Stadium along side names as ICONIQ, Kato Miliyah and Korean Pop Group Wonder Girls.
On July 4, Ikuta Erina annonced, on her Ustream show, that she will change her official member color from Dark Purple to Light Green this fall.
On July 4th, Morning Musume's 50th single, One•Two•Three/The Matenrou Show was released, and sold 56,139 copies on its first day, charting at #2. These first day sales surpassed the first week sales of all Morning Musume singles since 'Iroppoi Jirettai' in 2005. The single came in 7 editions: Regular, Limited A and Limited B (featuring 6th Generation), Limited C and D (featuring 9th Generation) and Limited E and Limited F (featuring 10th Generation). The Limited A, B, C, D, E and F had tracks featuring the respective generations.
Iikubo Haruna made an announcment that she will graduate from her chocolate color at the end of the hawaii fanclub tour. Her new color is honey.
On September 14, at Morning Musume's 15th Anniversary Concert Tour Rehearsal, that Hello! Pro Kenshuusei Member, Oda Sakura passed the 11th Generation Auditions, making her the sole 11th Generation member. Oda will start official Morning Musume duties in January 2013 at the Hello! Project 2013 Winter Concert, after Morning Musume's 15th Anniversary Concert Tour.
On November 18, it was announced that Tanaka Reina would be graduating from both Morning Musume and Hello! Project to focus on her new band. Her graduation ceremony will take place at their spring concert tour, Morning Musume Concert Tour 2013 Haru Michishige☆Eleven SOUL ~Tanaka Reina Graduation Special~ in May. It was determined that next in line for sub leadership will be Fukumura Mizuki once Tanaka Reina graduates。
On November 28th, a rumor was leaked by a person who concerned with a TV drama that airs in January, that the 52nd single would be titled "Help me!!," which would be expected be released in January 23, 2013.
On December 11th, Morning Musume announced their 52nd single. Help me!! is set to be released on the same date stated by the rumor, January 23, 2013.
Life in the Group
The audition process has been described by Takahashi Ai as involving a training camp of three days and two nights, in which participants were expected to learn a new song, a dance routine and a script. Out of 25,000 applicants, nine were selected for the camp in which Takahashi passed.
The girls are afforded three holidays a year of five days each, in winter, summer and for New Year's.
The group always contains a leader and sub-leader, though neither comes with any responsibility. Takahashi Ai has said that the role merely includes encouraging other to do their best, while Niigaki Risa has said that as sub-leader, "there is nothing I have to do, but I want to support [the leader]".
The girls tend to spend their social time together as well as their work time, and have said that they are encouraged to discuss problems if any in-fighting occurs.
The group is a rare case in which the producer, Tsunku, controls all aspects of the group rather than the manager. According to the management, Tsunku is responsible for producing the songs, concepts, costumes, makeup, live shows, CD-sleeve designs and more.
Activities Outside Japan
In addition to already having official fan clubs in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Hawaii, Hello! Project and Morning Musume began actively extending its fanbase outside of Japan and primarily into the rest of Asia starting from the middle of 2007 and into 2008.
In March 2007, Morning Musume inducted its first two non-Japanese members from China, Li Chun (Junjun) of Hunan and Qian Lin (Linlin) of Hangzhou. The duo left in 2010 after the group failed to break into China due to piracy levels, leading to the group focusing on European and American fans and performing at anime EXPOs.
In addition to the unveiling of Hello! Project's Taiwanese website in 2007, Hello! Project has also launched the Taiwan H.P. New Star Audition as well; an audition aimed at recruiting new members to join Hello! Project as Hello Pro Egg members. At this audition, Morning Musume also performed as well.
The TV show Morning Musume New Star airs on Taiwan's TTV network every Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 pm with re-runs Monday to Thursday at 10:15 pm. It ended in mid-August 2008 for re-runs.
Morning Musume also held their 10th Anniversary Live Tour in Korea in June 2008.
In France, Morning Musume music videos are aired on a television channel called Nolife, a channel that features video games and Japanese music.
On February 12, 2009, it was announced that Morning Musume would be attending and performing in the United States at Anime Expo, the nation's largest anime convention, during its 2009 convention, as one of the first official guests of honor. It was also announced that "3, 2, 1 Breakin' Out!", the coupling track of their upcoming single "Shōganai Yume Oibito", would be the official theme song for Anime Expo 2009. The convention was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California on July 2 to July 5. Their concert was on Friday July 3 with a packed audience of American fans, as well as many foreign fans who traveled to AX for the chance to see them
Morning Musume attended and performed at Japan Expo 2010 in Paris, France as guest of honor. "Tomo", the coupling track to the group's 43rd single, "Seishun Collection", was the event's theme song.
Discography
For more of singles and albums please visit Morning Musume Discography
Albums
Cover Albums
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EPs
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Best Albums
- [2001.01.31] Best! Morning Musume 1 (ベスト! モーニング娘。1)
- [2004.03.31] Best! Morning Musume 2 (ベスト! モーニング娘。2)
- [2004.12.15] Morning Musume Early Single Box (モーニング娘。EARLY SINGLE BOX)
- [2007.10.24] Morning Musume ALL SINGLES COMPLETE ~10th ANNIVERSARY~ (モーニング娘。ALL SINGLES COMPLETE ~10th ANNIVERSARY~)
- [2009.10.07] Morning Musume Zen Single Coupling Collection
- [2010.06.02] Morning Musume Best of Singles Japan Expo Limited Edition
Other Albums
- [1998.09.30] Morning Cop ~Daite HOLD ON ME!~ OST
- [2000.07.05] Pinch Runner Original Soundtrack
- [2001.08.01] LOVE Century -Yume wa Minakerya Hajimaranai-
- [2002.07.10] Hawaiian de Kiku Morning Musume Single Collection
- [2002.07.17] Morning Musume no Musical "Morning Town"
- [2003.02.14] Koinu Dan no Monogatari Original Soundtrack
- [2003.07.02] Morning Musume no Musical "Edokko Chushingura"
- [2006.07.26] Ribbon no Kishi The Musical Song Selection
Singles
Other Singles
- [2003.09.15] Hare Ame Nochi Suki♥ (Morning Musume Sakura Gumi)
- [2003.09.15] Ai no Sono ~Touch My Heart!~ (Morning Musume Otome Gumi)
- [2004.02.25] Sakura Mankai (Morning Musume Sakura Gumi)
- [2004.02.25] Yuujou ~Kokoro no Busu ni wa Naranee!~ (Morning Musume Otome Gumi)
- [2007.01.24] Bokura ga Ikiru MY ASIA (Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai)
- [2007.08.08] Itoshiki Tomo e (Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai)
- [2010.10.27] Appare! Kaiten Zushi (Muten Musume)
- [2011.11.16] Busu ni Naranai Tetsugaku (Hello! Project Mobekimasu)
Compilations
- [2000.04.26] Hello! Project - Petit Best ~Ki Ao Aka~ (プッチベスト～黄青あか～) (#8 LOVE Machine (analog remix), #9 Koi no Dance Site (PANDART SASANOOOHA Remix))
- [2001.12.19] Hello! Project - Petit Best 2 ~3, 7, 10~ (プッチベスト2～三・7・10～) (#8 Ren'ai Revolution 21 (Chou Chou Chou cool remix))
- [2002.10.30] Hello! Project - CLUB Hello! TRANCE REMIX (#1 The☆Peace! (TRANCE REMIX), #5 DANCE suru no da! (TRANCE REMIX), #7 Furusato (TRANCE REMIX), #8 Ikimasshoi! (TRANCE REMIX), #10 LOVE Machine (TRANCE REMIX), #11 Ren'ai Revolution 21 (TRANCE REMIX), #13 Daite HOLD ON ME! (TRANCE REMIX), #14 Do it! Now (TRANCE REMIX))
- [2002.12.18] Hello! Project - Petit Best 3 (プッチベスト3) (#4 Do it! Now (CRAZY SODA REMIX))
- [2003.12.17] Hello! Project - Petit Best 4 (プッチベスト4) (#17 Shabondama (asia mix))
- [2004.12.22] Hello! Project - Petit Best 5 (プッチベスト5) (#2 Roman ~MY DEAR BOY~ (Let's Have a Dance Remix))
- [2005.12.21] Hello! Project - Petit Best 6 (プッチベスト6) (#2 Iroppoi Jirettai, #15 Chokkan ~Toki to Shite Koi wa~ (LIVE Ver.), #16 HELP!! ~Ecomoni no Acchii Chikyuu wo Samasunda.~ 2005 - Ecomoni & Morning Musume)
- [2006.12.20] Hello! Project - Petit Best 7 (プッチベスト7) (#1 Morning Musume Mega Mix 30 (Radio Edit), #17 Ready Go! - Morning Musume, DEF.DIVA, Berryz Kobo)
- [2007.12.12] Hello! Project - Petit Best 8 (プッチベスト8) (#2 Kanashimi Twilight)
- [2008.12.10] Hello! Project - Petit Best 9 (プッチベスト9) (#1 Resonant Blue)
- [2009.12.02] Hello! Project - Petit Best 10 (プッチベスト10) (#1 Shouganai Yume Oibito)
- [2009.12.23] Various - TOHOKU RAKUTEN GOLDEN EAGLES 5TH ANNIVERSARY "SONGS of RAKUTEN EAGLES" (#2 THE Manpower!!!)
- [2010.12.15] Hello! Project - Petit Best 11 (プッチベスト11) (#1 Onna ga Medatte Naze Ikenai, #11 Ramen Revolution 2010 Long Type)
- [2011.12.21] Hello! Project - Petit Best 12 (プッチベスト12) (#3 Maji Desu ka Ska!, #4 Only you, #5 Jishin Motte Yume wo Motte Tobitatsu Kara)
Filmography
- [1998.09.30] Morning Cop ~Daite HOLD ON ME!~ (モーニング刑事。～抱いてHOLD ON ME!～)
- [2001.02.21] Pinch Runner (ピンチランナー)
- [2002.03.15] Nama Tamago (ナマタマゴ)
- [2002.07.17] Tokkaekko (とっかえっ娘)
- [2002.12.31] Hamtaro the Movie 2 (劇場版とっとこハム太郎 ハムハムハムージャ！幻のプリンセス, Gekijo-ban Tottoko Hamutaro Ham-Ham Hamuja Maboroshi no Princess)
- [2003.06.21] Koinu Dan no Monogatari (仔犬ダンの物語)
- [2011.02.05] Keitai Deka The Movie 3: Morning Musume Kyuushutsu Daisakusen! ~ Pandora no Hako no Himitsu~ (ケータイ刑事 ＴＨＥ ＭＯＶＩＥ３ モーニング娘。救出大作戦！～パンドラの箱の秘密)
- [2011.11.12] Sharehouse (シェアハウス)
Drama
- [2002.12.28] Ore ga Aitsu de Aitsu ga Ore de (おれがあいつであいつがおれで) - Yoshizawa Hitomi, Konno Asami, Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa, Ogawa Makoto and Ishikawa Rika
- [2002.??.??] Angel Hearts - Abe Natsumi,Tsuji Nozomi, Kago Ai,Konno Asami, Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa and Ogawa Makoto
- [2010.01.15] Hanbun Esper (半分エスパー)
Milestones
- Kōhaku Uta Gassen (紅白歌合戦) youngest participant – 12 year old Kago Ai (51st Kōhaku) from December 31, 2000 until December 31, 2007, when Hagiwara Mai of ℃-ute at age 11, broke that 7-year record.
- When the 9th and 10th Generations joined in 2011, they were all were ages 11-16 years old, while everyone else in Morning Musume were in their 20's (besides Mitsui Aika).
- Ninth generation members, Sayashi Riho and Suzuki Kanon, are the first members who joined and were born after the group's formation in 1997.
- All of their singles except for Morning Coffee, Mikan, Onna to Otoko no Lullaby Game have ranked in the Oricon Weekly Singles Top 5.
- Kudo Haruka is the youngest person to ever join Morning Musume at the age of 11 (one month from being 12) and auditioning at age 11. She beat Kago Ai's record which was set at the age of 12.
- Niigaki Risa is the youngest member to become sub-leader at 18.
- Iida Kaori is the youngest member to become leader of Morning Musume at the age of 19.
- Oricon – Most consecutive number one singles by a female group in Japan (AKB48 Broke their Record)
- Oricon – Most Top 10 singles by a female group in Japan
- Oricon – Most number one singles by a female group in Japan, beating the previous record set by Pink Lady. (AKB48 Broke their Record)
- Oricon – Best single selling female group in Japan—18,067,949 copies sold, becoming their fifth Oricon record. (AKB48 Broke their Record)
- Oricon – Most consecutive Top 10 singles by a female group in Japan.
Trivia
- Morning Musume recieved eight new members in 2011 (both 9th Gen and 10th Gen of 4 each), ages 11-16 years old, while everyone else in Morning Musume was in their 20's (besides Mitsui Aika).
- Two of the ninth generation members, Sayashi Riho and Suzuki Kanon are the first members to have been born after the group's formation in 1997 (although Sayashi was born before their initial debut).
- Niigaki Risa is the first leader to have once been the youngest member of Morning Musume.
- Kudo Haruka is the youngest person to ever join Morning Musume at the age of 11 (one month from being 12) and auditioning at age 11. (She beat Kago Ai's record which was set at the age of 12)
- Takahashi Ai and Niigaki Risa were the longest serving Leader and Sub-Leader for 4 years.
- Niigaki Risa is the youngest member to become Sub-Leader at 18, and is the last member to be Sub-Leader.
- Iida Kaori is the youngest member to become Leader of Morning Musume at the age of 19.
- The average age of the group since October 2012, is 15.9 years.
- From a total of 33 members that have been or are currently in Morning Musume, 7 have a surname starting with "I"(Ishiguro, Ichii, Iida, Ishikawa, Ikuta, Ishida, Iikubo).
- Four generations in row have a former Hello! Pro Kenshuusei: the 8th Generation has LinLin, the 9th Generation has Fukumura Mizuki, 10th Generation has Kudo Haruka, and the 11th Generation has Oda Sakura.
- Their Sub Group Petitmoni is the first Sub Group from Morning Musume to debut #1 and sell more than 1,000,000 copies.
- If she stays in the group long enough, Fukumura Mizuki could become the first of the 2011 additions to become leader; she could also be the first Former Hello! Pro Kenshuusei to become the leader of Morning Musume, as well as becoming the youngest leader.
- They are the only act in the current line-up (other than Buono!) not to release 5 singles in one year.
- To date, only four members have been featured in over 30 Singles. 5th Generation Members: Takahashi Ai (35 Singles) and Niigaki Risa (37 Singles) with 6th Generation Members: Michishige Sayumi (33 Singles) and Tanaka Reina (33 Singles).
- Out of all 51 singles, Morning Musume had only 18 with a full Japanese title.
- 9th Generation member Suzuki Kanon, 10th Generation member Kudo Haruka, and 11th Generation member Oda Sakura are the only current members who had never participated in a unit since joining Hello! Project.
- 1st Generation Fukuda Asuka is the only former member that has never participated in any type of unit or subgroup during her time in Hello! Project.
- Fujimoto Miki is the only Morning Musume leader not to be leader within a single.
- Takahashi Ai has had the lead vocals in singles the most often.
- All current members were added to the group in January or in September.
- A few days later the rumor of the song now know as Help me!!, another rumor was leaked that Tanaka Reina and Oda Sakura would be the main vocals for the 52nd single.
Awards
- [1998.12.31] 40th Japan Record Awards 1998 - "Best New Artist"
Auditions
Auditions are held periodically to find and add new members to Morning Musume. Follow the links for more details.
- Morning Musume Addition Audition
- Morning Musume 2nd Addition Audition
- Morning Musume 3rd Addition Audition
- Morning Musume LOVE Audition 21
- Morning Musume LOVE Audition 2002
- Morning Musume Lucky 7 Audition
- Morning Musume Audition 2005
- Morning Musume Happy 8ki Audition
- Morning Musume 9th Generation Audition
- Morning Musume 10th Member ~Genki Jirushi~ Audition
- Morning Musume 11th Generation ~Suppin Utahime~ Audition
For other Hello! Project auditions see Hello! Project Auditions.
Subgroups
Not to be mistaken with shuffles units or other separate groups of Hello! Project.
Splinter Groups
See Also
- Morning Musume Members
- Morning Musume Discography
- Morning Musume Concerts
- Morning Musume DVDs & Photobooks
- Morning Musume Timeline
- Morning Musume Auditions
Member Colors
- Each Morning Musume member has their own color for outfits and merchandise to distinguish between each member.
| Generation | Member | Color |
|---|---|---|
| 6th Generation | Michishige Sayumi | Light Pink |
| 6th Generation | Tanaka Reina | Light Blue |
| 9th Generation | Fukumura Mizuki | Hot Pink |
| 9th Generation | Ikuta Erina | Yellow-Green |
| 9th Generation | Sayashi Riho | Red |
| 9th Generation | Suzuki Kanon | Green |
| 10th Generation | Iikubo Haruna | Honey |
| 10th Generation | Ishida Ayumi | Blue |
| 10th Generation | Sato Masaki | Emerald Green |
| 10th Generation | Kudo Haruka | Orange |
| 11th Generation | Oda Sakura | Lavender |
- Heritage Members Colors:
- Grey: Kusumi Koharu
- Light Pink: Abe Natsumi → Konno Asami → Michishige Sayumi
- Dark Pink: Ishikawa Rika → Tsuji Nozomi → Fukumura Mizuki
- Light Purple/Lavender: Yaguchi Mari → Mitsui Aika → Oda Sakura
- Purple: Nakazawa Yuko → Yoshizawa Hitomi → Ikuta Erina
- Dark Blue: Iida Kaori
- Blue: Kago Ai → Ogawa Makoto → Junjun → Ishida Ayumi
- Light Blue: Tanaka Reina
- Teal/Emerald Green: Ichii Sayaka → Linlin → Sato Masaki
- Yellow-Green: Niigaki Risa → Ikuta Erina
- Green: Suzuki Kanon
- Gold: Goto Maki → Takahashi Ai
- Yellow/Honey: Iida Kaori → Michishige Sayumi → Takahashi Ai → Iikubo Haruna
- Orange: Kamei Eri → Kudo Haruka
- Red: Yasuda Kei → Fujimoto Miki → Kusumi Koharu → Sayashi Riho
- Chocolate: Iikubo Haruna
Total Sales Count
| Year | Year Sales | Total Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| 1998 | 1,466,860 | 1,516,860 |
| 1999 | 2,892,150 | 4,409,010 |
| 2000 | 4,959,054 | 9,368,064 |
| 2001 | 3,660,112 | 13,028,176 |
| 2002 | 1,726,407 | 14,754,583 |
| 2003 | 909,881 | 15,664,464 |
| 2004 | 748,063 | 16,412,517 |
| 2005 | 336,853 | 16,749,370 |
| 2006 | 283,763 | 17,033,133 |
| 2007 | 315,719 | 17,348,852 |
| 2008 | 147,792 | 17,496,644 |
| 2009 | 315,018 | 17,811,662 |
| 2010 | 215,258 | 18,026,920 |
| 2011 | 178,384 | 18,205,204 |
| 2012 | 293,271 | 18,498,475 |
External Links
- Official Website
- English Wikipedia: Morning Musume
- Japanese Wikipedia: モーニング娘。
- Up-Front Works: complete discography
- projecthello.com: Morning Musume lyrics
- Hello!Project Shrine (english/german fansite)
- Official Morning Musume Channel
- List of best-selling music artists in Japan
- List of best-selling girl groups