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Berikyuuglance

BeriKyuu at a glance.

Berryz Koubou (Berryz工房; Berryz Workshop, also romanized as Berryz Kobo or Berryz Kōbō) was a Japanese pop group within Hello! Project that was formed in January 2004. The original eight members were from Hello! Project Kids and were often back-up dancers for W's music videos. Prior to the band's formation, they were in side projects such as Aa!, ZYX, and 4KIDS.

Their combined CD and DVD sales exceeded 1 million copies in Japan alone. Berryz Koubou's highest selling single was "Romance wo Katatte / Towa no Uta" with a total of 80,791 copies sold. Berryz Koubou's lowest selling single was "Fighting Pose wa Date ja nai!" with a total of 9,634 copies sold.

Members[]

Main article: Berryz Koubou/Members

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  • "Indefinite Hiatus" is the phrase the group wanted to use, so that Berryz Koubou would never officially end. For the purposes of this article, "Hiatus" refers to graduation from Berryz Koubou and Hello! Project, except in the case of Tsugunaga Momoko, who did not graduate Hello! Project concurrently.

History[]

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Berryz Koubou, November 2014

Berryz prromoting Ai wa Itsumo Kimi no naka ni

Berryz Koubou, June 2014

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Berryz Koubou, February 2014

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Berryz Koubou, February 2014

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Berryz Koubou, October 2013

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Berryz Koubou, June 2013

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Berryz Koubou, March 2013

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Berryz Koubou, January 2013

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Berryz Koubou, December 2012

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Berryz Koubou, July 2012

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Berryz Koubou, June 2012

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Berryz Koubou, March 2012

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Berryz Koubou, February 2012

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Berryz Koubou, October 2011

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Berryz Kouobu, August 2011

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Berryz Koubou, June 2011

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Berryz Koubou, April 2011 at Sakura-con

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Berryz Koubou, March 2011

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Berryz Koubou, March 2011

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Berryz Koubou, November 2010

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Berryz Koubou, July 2010

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Berryz Koubou, March 2010

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Berryz Koubou, November 2009

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Berryz Koubou, November 2009

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Berryz Koubou, June 2009

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Berryz Koubou, March 2009

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Berryz Koubou, November 2008

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Berryz Koubou, March 2007

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Berryz Koubou, March 2006

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Berryz Koubou, March 2005

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Berryz Koubou, November 2004

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Berryz Koubou, July 2004

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Berryz Koubou, May 2004

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Berryz Koubou, April 2004

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Berryz Koubou, March 2004

Note: For the full official Berryz Koubou history on the Hello! Project website, go here.

2002–2003: Hello! Project Kids[]

On June 30, 2002, all members of Berryz Koubou were initially selected during the audition for Hello! Project Kids.[1]

Later in the same year, Sudo Maasa and Sugaya Risako became members of 4KIDS and appeared in the Minimoni the Movie Okashi na Daibouken! while the others participated in the Morning Musume movie Koinu Dan no Monogatari.

A year later, some of the members were placed in bands led by Morning Musume members: Natsuyaki Miyabi was selected to be in Aa!,[2] while Shimizu Saki and Tsugunaga Momoko were selected to be in ZYX. Both units were short-lived and their activity stopped when half of the Hello! Project Kids were chosen to form Berryz Koubou in January 2004.

2004[]

Berryz Koubou was first announced at a Hello! Project Club Event on January 14.[3] They performed for the first time as Berryz Koubou at Hello! Project 2004 Winter ~C'MON! Dance World~.

On March 3, they released their first single, Anata Nashide wa Ikite Yukenai. Unlike most major Hello! Project acts, Berryz Koubou's first single was not an indies single.

On April 28, they released their second single, Fighting Pose wa Date ja nai!. It sold 9,634 copies overall, becoming Berryz Koubou's lowest selling single for the rest of their career.

On May 26, they released their third single, Piriri to Yukou!.

On July 4, they released their first studio album, 1st Chou Berryz.

In early August, they performed their first joint concert tour with W, 2004 Natsu First Concert Tour "W Standby! W & Berryz Koubou!". All of Berryz Koubou's singing was lip-synced due to their inexperience with live performances. They would later go on to appear in two of W's music videos, Aa Ii na! and Robo Kiss.

On August 25, they released their fourth single, Happiness ~Koufuku Kangei!~. It peaked at #8 on the Oricon Daily chart, becoming their highest charting single at the time.

On November 10, they released their fifth single, Koi no Jubaku. It broke the groups previous records for sales, daily ranking, and weekly ranking but it would soon be overcome by their sixth single.

On December 1, they joined the rest of Hello! Project to form H.P. All Stars and release the single ALL FOR ONE & ONE FOR ALL!.

2005[]

On March 30th, not long after their first anniversary, Berryz Koubou released their sixth single, Special Generation. It reached #4 on the daily Oricon chart, #7 on the weekly Oricon chart, and sold 24,449 copies, breaking all previous records. At that time, the average members' age didn't exceed 12 years. "Special Generation" would go on to become one of Berryz Koubou's most iconic songs.

On May 20, they released their first group photo album, "Berryz Koubou".

On June 8, they released their seventh single, Nanchuu Koi wo Yatteruu YOU KNOW?. It was used as the ending theme for the anime Patalliro Saiyuki!.

In mid-June, they performed their first solo concert tour, Berryz Koubou Live Tour 2005 Shoka Hatsu Tandoku ~Marugoto~. The girls were still inexperienced enough in performing live that some songs were lip-synced.

On August 3, they released their eighth single, 21ji Made no Cinderella. This became their last single to feature Ishimura Maiha when, on September 11th, it was announced that she would graduate from Berryz Koubou and Hello! Project to focus on her studies.

In mid-September, they performed their second and last joint tour with W, 2005nen Natsu W & Berryz Koubou Concert Tour "HIGH SCORE!".

On October 2, Ishimura Maiha graduated from Berryz Koubou and Hello! Project. Her graduation took place on the last night of Berryz Koubou Live Tour 2005 Aki ~Switch ON!~, making her the second Hello! Project member who had her own graduation concert outside Morning Musume, the first being Heike Michiyo. She also became the youngest graduate of Hello! Project to this day. Her graduation song, Bye Bye Mata ne, later became another one of Berryz Koubou's iconic songs.

On November 16, Berryz Koubou released their second studio album, Dai ② Seichouki. Ishimura Maiha appeared, uncredited, but only on her previous singles with the group.

On November 25, they released their ninth single, Gag 100kaibun Aishite Kudasai. It was their first single without Ishimura Maiha. It was also used as the main theme for the movie Futari wa Precure Max Heart 2: Yukizora no Tomodachi

On December 5, they released their first mini-album, Special! Best Mini ~2.5maime no Kare~.

2006[]

On March 29, Berryz Koubou released their tenth single, Jiriri Kiteru. It ranked #6 on the weekly Oricon chart, a new record.

On June 5, they released their third album, ③ Natsu Natsu Mini Berryz. Despite being a mini album, it was considered their third official studio album.

On August 2, they released their eleventh single, Waracchaou yo BOYFRIEND.

From November 1 to 12, they starred in the first Gekiharo stage play, and their first stage performance as a group, Edo Kara Chakushin!? ~Timeslip to Kengai!~.

On December 6, they released their twelfth single, Munasawagi Scarlet.

2007[]

In February, Berryz Koubou made news headlines after it was announced that they would be holding a concert at Saitama Super Arena on April 1st. Tickets for the two performances sold out almost two months before the concert, a total of about 20,000 seats. At this event, they also became the first group to perform in the arena whose members average age did not exceed 14 years (thereby dethroning Morning Musume, whose average was 16.3). A few days before the concert it was announced that there would be extra seats available.

On March 7, they released their thirteenth single, VERY BEAUTY.

On June 27, they released their fourteenth single, Kokuhaku no Funsui Hiroba. It became their highest selling and ranking single since Special Generation. It was soon beat by the next two singles consecutively as Berryz Koubou's highest selling single.

On August 1, they released their fourth album, 4th Ai no Nanchara Shisuu.

On November 28, they released their fifteenth single, Tsukiatteru no ni Kataomoi.

At the end of the year, they performed at the 58th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen as part of a special group with Morning Musume and ℃-ute.

2008[]

On March 12th, Berryz Koubou released their sixteenth single, Dschinghis Khan. It was the first cover used for an A-side of one of their singles. It became Berryz Koubou's highest selling single for the next six years.

On July 9, they released their seventeenth single, Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance.

On September 10, they released their fifth album, 5(FIVE).

On October 3 and 4, they participated in the Asia Song Festival 2008 in South Korea representing Japan along with w-inds and Tsuchiya Anna. This was their first overseas performance. On October 3rd, they sang Dschinghis Khan, Tsukiatteru no ni Kataomoi, Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance, and Special Generation. On the 4th, they sang Dschinghis Khan and Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance. They also held a handshake event. At this event, Berryz Koubou won the Asia New Comer Award along with the SM entertainment group SHINee.[4]

On November 5, they released their eighteenth single, MADAYADE.

On December 12, they performed at Sharan Q’s 20th anniversary concert. They performed Dschinghis Khan (with ℃-ute), MADAYADE, and LOVE Machine (with ℃-ute and Morning Musume) at Nippon Budokan.

On December 17, they attended the the 41st Nippon Yuusen Taishou Ongaku Shoujushou Award Show at Nakano Sun Plaza and were runners up for the Wired Music Prize Award, which prized the songs loved by people (the theme of that year was "Heart"). They performed their 16th single, Dschinghis Khan.

2009[]

On January 14, they released their first best album, Berryz Koubou Special Best Vol.1.

On March 11, Berryz Koubou released their nineteenth single, Dakishimete Dakishimete.

On April 25, during Berryz Koubou Concert Tour 2009 Haru ~Sono Subete no Ai ni~, the group celebrated their 100th solo concert. During the concert, a special video was shown counting up from their first concert played over Bye Bye Mata ne.

On June 3, they released their 20th single, Seishun Bus Guide / Rival. It was their first double A-side single.

On June 21, Berryz Koubou held a mini-live in South Korea titled "Berryz Koubou MINI LIVE in Korea".

On November 11, they released their 21st single, Watashi no Mirai no Danna-sama / Ryuusei Boy. It became their longest charting single since Tsukiatteru no ni Kataomoi.

2010[]

On March 3rd, their sixth anniversary, Berryz released their 22nd single, Otakebi Boy WAO! / Tomodachi wa Tomodachi Nanda!. It peaked at #3 on the Oricon daily and weekly chart, making it their highest weekly ranked single to date. It ranked #9 at the end of their second week, which also made this both Berryz Koubou's highest ranking second week ever and the highest ranking second week throughout all of Hello! Project since 2003. "Tomodachi wa Tomodachi Nanda" was a tribute song to graduated member Ishimura Maiha.

On March 31, they released their sixth album, 6th Otakebi Album.

On July 14th, they released their 23rd single, Maji Bomber!!. They performed a mini live at Tower Records Shibuya on July 17th to promote the single.

On November 10, they released their 24th single, Shining Power.

In November, on the last day of their Berryz Koubou 2010 Aki ~BeriKou Fest!~ concert, Shimizu Saki revealed that Berryz Koubou would perform at Sakura Con 2011 in Seattle, Washington the next April (making this their first North American appearance). The news was confirmed by the official Sakura Con site which added them as guests.

2011[]

On March 2, Berryz Koubou released their 25th single, Heroine ni Narou ka!. It ranked #1 on the Oricon Daily Charts, their first single to do so. It was their first single without any relation to the anime Inazuma Eleven since Dakishimete Dakishimete.

On March 30, nearly exactly a year after their last album, they released their seventh album, ⑦ Berryz Times.

In April, Berryz Koubou released their 7th album, ⑦ Berryz Times.

On April 23, they took the stage at Sakura Con 2011, an anime convention in Seattle, Washington, USA. They attracted a crowd of 3,500, as tweeted by HelloStoreUSA. The girls also held two autograph sessions at Sakura Con, one on Friday, April 22nd and the other on Sunday, April 24rd, as well as a Q&A session on April 22nd.

On June 8, they released their 26th single, Ai no Dangan.

On August 10, they released their 27th single, Aa, Yo ga Akeru.

On August 11, they released a collaboration single with ℃-ute, Mano Erina, and S/mileage as Bekimasu titled Makeruna Wasshoi!.

On November 9, Berryz Koubou and ℃-ute released a collaborative single, Amazuppai Haru ni Sakura Saku, as BeriKyuu. The single was released to promote the movie Ousama Game in which both groups appear.

On November 16, Berryz Koubou released their fourth collaboration single of 2011, Busu ni Naranai Tetsugaku, with Morning Musume, ℃-ute, Mano Erina, and S/mileage as Hello! Project Mobekimasu.

2012[]

On February 22, Berryz Koubou released their eighth album, Ai no Album ⑧.

On March 21, Berryz Koubou released their 28th single, Be Genki (Naseba Naru!). It had been previously announced by Shimizu Saki on her blog.

On April 28, their second single with ℃-ute as BeriKyuu was released, Chou HAPPY SONG. The single was a remix using Berryz Koubou's song "Because Happiness" from their album "Ai no Album ⑧".

On July 25, they released their 29th single, cha cha SING. It was the last cover used for an A-side of one of their singles, and also the first single to have a covered song from another artist as a B-side.

In October, the Berryz Koubou members opened their official blogs; with the exception of Shimizu Saki, who already had one,.

On December 19, they released their 30th single, WANT!. The single had been previously announced in late September.

2013[]

On January 1, it was announced that Berryz Koubou's next single would be called "Asian Celebration". The next day, the first day of the Hello! Project Tanjou 15 Shuunen Kinen Live 2013 Fuyu ~Viva!~ concert tour, Berryz Koubou performed Asian Celebration for the first time.

On January 30, they released their ninth and last studio album, Berryz Mansion 9kai.

On February 16, the promotional video for "Asian Celebration" was uploaded on their YouTube channel.

On March 13, their 31st single "Asian Celebration" was officially released. It was their last single A-side release.

On April 30, Natsuyaki Miyabi was appointed sub-captain of Berryz Koubou.[5][6]

On May 19, Tsunku announced at the Hello! Project Yaon Premium Live ~Soto Fest~ that Berryz Koubou would have their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan on November 29. The concert was titled Berryz Koubou 10 Shuunen Kinen Budokan Special Live ~Yappari Anata Nashide wa Ikite Yukenai~.

On May 24 and 25, they performed in Taipei, Taiwan for the first time. On the 24th, they held the "Berryz Koubou worldwide handshake event in Taipei." On the 25th, they performed for their fans in "The Wall."

On June 19, they released their 32nd single, Golden Chinatown / Sayonara Usotsuki no Watashi.

On August 6, it was announced that Berryz Kobo and Juice=Juice would have a joint live house fan club tour, titled “Naruchika 2013 Aki Berryz Koubou x Juice=Juice” from October 12 to November 17.

On October 2, they released their 33rd single, Motto Zutto Issho ni Itakatta / ROCK Erotic. It was released on the 8th Anniversary of the graduation of former member Ishimura Maiha. The single sold more than 40,000 copies making it their highest selling single to date and surpassing Dschinghis Khan.

2014[]

On February 10, Berryz Koubou released their 34th single, Otona na no yo! / 1oku 3zenman Sou Diet Oukoku.

On February 26, they released their second best album, Berryz Koubou Special Best Vol.2.

On March 3, Berryz Koubou celebrated their 10th anniversary. A website was created for the occasion and there was a special 10th Anniversary performance, a press conference, and a nationwide campaign. For a limited time, AmazonMP3 in Japan sold their Berryz Koubou Special Best Vol.1 and their other albums at a lower price in honor of their anniversary.[7]

On March 17, it was announced that Berryz Koubou was appointed as "Tochigi Future Ambassadors" and would be singing the theme song for Tochigi prefecture's mascot.[8]

On April 15th, it was announced that Berryz Koubou and ℃-ute were invited to the 15th Japan Expo in Paris as special guests of honor.[9]

On June 4th, Berryz Koubou released their 35th single, Ai wa Itsumo Kimi no Naka ni / Futsuu, Idol 10nen Yatterannai Desho!?. The single commemorated the group's 10th anniversary.

On August 2, during the Hello! Project 2014 SUMMER ~KOREZO!~ show at Nakano Sun Plaza, Shimizu Saki announced that Berryz Koubou would be on indefinite hiatus after the conclusion of their Spring 2015 tour.[10] Despite the wording, the "indefinite hiatus" would be a disbandment in the eyes of the group. For over a year, the members had discussed the future of the group and all came to the mutual conclusion for an indefinite hiatus in order to achieve their own personal goals.

On September 28th, Berryz Koubou performed at the 2014 Aomori SHOCK ON open-air music festival alongside other artists.[11]

On November 12th, Berryz Koubou released their 36th and final single "Romance wo Katatte / Towa no Uta." It was announced during a release day event that Berryz Koubou's last album, a best album titled Kanjuku Berryz Koubou The Final Completion Box, would be released on January 21, 2015.[12] It was also announced that they would have their final concert at Nippon Budokan on March 3, 2015, their 11th anniversary.[12]

2015[]

On January 21, Berryz Koubou released their third best album and their last album overall, Kanjuku Berryz Koubou The Final Completion Box. It became their highest ranking and highest selling album, ranking at #4 daily, #5 weekly, and selling 22,128 copies.

On February 3, Berryz Kobo held their last overseas event, Berryz Koubou NARUCHIKA 2015 in Bangkok.[13]

On February 28 and March 1, Berryz Koubou performed alongside all of Hello! Project at Berryz Koubou Matsuri. The concert was a four hour event in which Hello! Project groups paid tribute to Berryz Koubou and old units were revived for the occasion.

On March 3, Berryz Koubou held their last concert before their indefinite hiatus, Berryz Koubou Last Concert 2015 Berryz Koubou Ikube!. Other than Tsugunaga Momoko, the other remaining members simultaneously graduated from Hello! Project.

2024[]

On March 2, three of the members, Sudo Maasa, Natsuyaki Miyabi, and Kumai Yurina, held a concert titled Berryz Koubou 20th Anniversary Live ~Sono Subete no Ai ni Thank You~ to celebrate the group's 20th anniversary, with two shows at LANDMARK HALL.

Group Name Origin[]

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Berryz Koubou Logo

The name Berryz Koubou, which means "Berryz Workshop", reflects the initial idea that the group's line-up would change from time to time, with each of the Hello! Project Kids eventually participating in the group. However, this idea was apparently dropped and in 2005, the other seven Hello! Project Kids ended up forming their own group, °C-ute.

Post-Berryz Koubou Careers[]

  • Shimizu Saki: On February 25, 2015, Shimizu announced through her blog that she, alongside Tokunaga Chinami, would become Hello! Project Advisors after the indefinite hiatus began. She began judging at Hello Pro Kenshuusei events, assisting the Kenshuusei with dance rehearsals, and serving as a judge for their vocal auditions for concerts. She has also performed in her own solo dance show, Engeki Joshibu theater productions, and other various acts within UP-FRONT and Hello! Project. Shimizu later retired from the entertainment industry with her 30th birthday event titled Shimizu Saki Birthday Event 2021 ~Bye Bye Mata ne~.
  • Tsugunaga Momoko: Tsugunaga, who concurrently was the playing manager of Country Girls in early 2015, became a full member of the group after Berryz Koubou's indefinite hiatus began. She had her major debut as a member of Country Girls in late March 2015. Later that year, at Hello! Project COUNTDOWN PARTY 2015 ~GOOD BYE & HELLO!~, it was announced that she would resume activities with Hello! Project group Buono! in August of 2016 - which continued until their final live in May of 2017. She graduated from Country Girls and Hello! Project on June 30, 2017 and retired from the entertainment industry.
  • Tokunaga Chinami: On February 25, 2015, Tokunaga announced through her blog that she, alongside Shimizu Saki, would become Hello! Project Advisors after the indefinite hiatus began. She also began hosting the behind-the-scenes YouTube show GREEN ROOM with Natsuyaki Miyabi. After six months, Tokunaga left the show and announced that she would travel abroad to study English before returning to her role as Advisor. As of February 2018, she has become the official ambassador for RakutenTv in New York for the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers. On February 28, 2021, Tokunaga’s contract with UP-FRONT PROMOTION expired, and she subsequently left the company. At this point, Tokunaga effectively retired from entertainment.
  • Sudo Maasa: In late 2014, Sudo was announced as playing manager of Engeki Joshibu. She would continue her career as an actress under J.P. Room following the beginning of the indefinite hiatus, participating in the musical Week End Survivor in late March 2015. She has since appeared in many stage productions, both in and out of Engeki Joshibu.
  • Natsuyaki Miyabi: Natsuyaki announced that she would take a short break after the last live with the intent on continuing a singing career and studying fashion. In April, she began co-hosting GREEN ROOM with Tokunaga, and continued as host of the then re-branded show, Girls Night Out, following Tokunaga's departure. In late summer, she held auditions for and formed her own girl group under UP-FRONT PROMOTION, PINK CRES.. Later that year, at Hello! Project COUNTDOWN PARTY 2015 ~GOOD BYE & HELLO!~, it was announced that she would resume activities with Hello! Project group Buono! in August of 2016 - which continued until their final live in May of 2017.
  • Kumai Yurina: On February 26, 2015, Kumai revealed that she wanted to focus on her college studies following the last live, aiming to graduate within 4 years. She also wanted to pursue her dream in becoming a model after graduating, and signed under J.P. Room not long after. She has since appeared in modeling campaigns, runway shows, and as a guest and regular on variety shows such as 'Ousama no Brunch'.
  • Sugaya Risako: On February 26, 2015, Sugaya announced that she would be taking a break from show business after the last live. She wanted to think about her future career during the break. During this time, she remained with UP-FRONT PROMOTION. Sugaya was not seen in the public eye, aside from the occasional outing with friends from Hello! Project, until she resumed blogging in mid 2016 -- over a year after her hiatus began. In 2017, she announced that she was pregnant and engaged, and that following the birth of her daughter in the spring, she would consider resuming activities.

Performances Outside of Japan[]

During their career, Berryz Koubou had multiple performances and appearances outside of Japan for overseas fans. They held nine official appearances outside of Japan; three in Thailand, two in Korea, two in the United States, one in Taiwan, and one in Paris.

On June 21, 2009, M-net and UP-FRONT WORKS arranged a Berryz Koubou mini-concert in South-Korea at Yonsei University Auditorium, titled, "Berryz Koubou MINI LIVE in Korea." This was the group's 1st concert outside Japan. 

On March 27, 2010, Berryz Koubou performed their first concert in Tailand, Berryz Koubou First Live in Bangkok, at the Indoor Stadium Hua Mak Sports Complex.

From April 22-24, 2011, Berryz Koubou performed their first concert in the United States (and consequently their first in North America and the Western hemisphere overall). The concert, Berryz Kobo First Concert in the USA, was held at Sakura Con 2011 and drew an audience of 3,500 fans that traveled from all over the world to see them. They appeared at the opening and closing ceremonies for the Convention and held a Q&A, two 60-minute autograph sessions, and the hour long concert.

From June 8-10, Berryz Koubou attended AnimeNEXT 2012 in Somerset, New Jersey; their second performance in the United States. Their concert was released on DVD as AnimeNEXT 2012 in USA

On March 9, 2013, they held their second concert in Thailand, Berryz Kobo Concert Tour 2013 Spring in Bangkok.

From May 24-26, 2013, they had their first performance in Taipei, Taiwan. When they had just arrived, around 150 fans were waiting in the airport. On May 24, they participated in the "Berryz Koubou Worldwide Handshake Event in Taipei," attracting approximately 500 fans to join the activity. On May 25, they performed for their fans at The Wall. Nearly all the tickets were sold (around 500 tickets). On May 25, they performed "Berryz Koubou Festival in Taipei" to a nearly sold out venue (around 500 tickets).

On April 14, 2014, they performed on M! Countdown, a Korean music show. Sugaya Risako collaborated with other Korean artists and sang Let It Go. Berryz Koubou then performed Asian Celebration and Otona na no yo!.

From July 2-4, 2014, they attended Japan Expo in Paris, France. The DVD of the performance was released January 7, 2015, titled Japan Expo 15th Anniversary: Berryz Kobo×℃-ute in Hello!Project Festival.

On February 3, Berryz Kobo held their last overseas event, Berryz Koubou NARUCHIKA 2015 in Bangkok.[14]

Discography[]

Main article: Berryz Koubou/Discography

Studio Albums
  1. [2004.07.04] 1st Chou Berryz (1st 超ベリーズ)
  2. [2005.11.15] Dai ② Seichouki (第②成長記)
  3. [2007.08.01] 4th Ai no Nanchara Shisuu (4th 愛のなんちゃら指数)
  4. [2008.09.10] 5(FIVE)
  5. [2010.03.31] 6th Otakebi Album (6th 雄叫びアルバム)
  6. [2011.03.30] ⑦ Berryz Times (7 Berryz タイムス)
  7. [2012.02.22] Ai no Album ⑧ (愛のアルバム⑧)
  8. [2013.01.30] Berryz Mansion 9kai (Berryz マンション 9 改)
Best Albums
  1. [2009.01.14] Berryz Koubou Special Best Vol.1 (Berryz工房 スペシャル ベスト Vol.1)
  2. [2014.02.26] Berryz Koubou Special Best Vol.2 (Berryz工房 スペシャル ベスト Vol.2)
  3. [2015.01.21] Kanjuku Berryz Koubou The Final Completion Box
Mini Albums
  1. [2005.12.07] Special! Best Mini ~2.5maime no Kare~ (スッペシャル! ベストミニ ~2.5枚目の彼~)
  2. [2006.07.05] ③ Natsu Natsu Mini Berryz (3夏夏ミニベリーズ)

Major Singles
  1. [2004.03.03] Anata Nashide wa Ikite Yukenai
  2. [2004.04.28] Fighting Pose wa Date ja nai!
  3. [2004.05.26] Piriri to Yukou!
  4. [2004.08.25] Happiness ~Koufuku Kangei!~
  5. [2004.11.10] Koi no Jubaku
  6. [2005.03.30] Special Generation
  7. [2005.06.08] Nanchuu Koi wo Yatteruu YOU KNOW?
  8. [2005.08.03] 21ji Made no Cinderella
  9. [2005.11.23] Gag 100kaibun Aishite Kudasai
  10. [2006.03.29] Jiriri Kiteru
  11. [2006.08.02] Waracchaou yo BOYFRIEND
  12. [2006.12.06] Munasawagi Scarlet
  13. [2007.03.07] VERY BEAUTY
  14. [2007.06.27] Kokuhaku no Funsui Hiroba
  15. [2007.11.28] Tsukiatteru no ni Kataomoi
  16. [2008.03.12] Dschinghis Khan
  17. [2008.07.09] Yuke Yuke Monkey Dance
  18. [2008.11.05] MADAYADE
  19. [2009.03.11] Dakishimete Dakishimete
  20. [2009.06.03] Seishun Bus Guide / Rival
  21. [2009.11.11] Watashi no Mirai no Danna-sama / Ryuusei Boy
  22. [2010.03.03] Otakebi Boy WAO! / Tomodachi wa Tomodachi Nanda!
  23. [2010.07.14] Maji Bomber!!
  24. [2010.11.10] Shining Power
  25. [2011.03.02] Heroine ni Narou ka!
  26. [2011.06.08] Ai no Dangan
  27. [2011.08.10] Aa, Yo ga Akeru
  28. [2012.03.21] Be Genki (Naseba Naru!)
  29. [2012.07.25] Cha cha SING
  30. [2012.12.19] WANT!
  31. [2013.03.13] Asian Celebration
  32. [2013.06.19] Golden Chinatown / Sayonara Usotsuki no Watashi
  33. [2013.10.02] Motto Zutto Issho ni Itakatta / ROCK Erotic
  34. [2014.02.19] Otona na no yo! / 1oku 3zenman Sou Diet Oukoku
  35. [2014.06.04] Ai wa Itsumo Kimi no Naka ni / Futsuu, Idol 10nen Yatterannai Desho!?
  36. [2014.11.12] Romance wo Katatte / Towa no Uta
Collaboration Singles

Compilation Albums

Video Collections
  1. [2004.12.15] Berryz Koubou Single V Clips ①
  2. [2006.02.22] Berryz Koubou Single V Clips ②
  3. [2007.12.12] Berryz Koubou Single V Clips ③
  4. [2009.12.02] Berryz Koubou Single V Clips ④
  5. [2011.08.17] Berryz Koubou Single V Clips ⑤
  6. [2011.12.21] Berryz Koubou Zen Single MUSIC VIDEO Blu-ray File 2011
Concert & Event Video Releases
Main article: Berryz Koubou/Concerts & Events
Musical Video Releases
Main article: Berryz Koubou#Theater
DVD Magazines
Main article: :Category:Berryz Koubou DVD Magazines
Alo-Hello DVDs
  1. [2009.06.10] Alo-Hello! Berryz Koubou DVD
  2. [2010.11.17] Alo-Hello! 2 Berryz Koubou DVD
  3. [2013.07.24] Alo-Hello! 3 Berryz Koubou DVD
Fanclub DVDs
  1. [2005.09.07] Yoroshiku! Senpai Girls Growing Up ~Berryz Kobo Nasuchouki~
  2. [2007.02.10] Hello! days Berryz Kobo Fan no Tsudoi
  3. [2007.06.09] Berryz Kobo 3 Shuunen Special Kiseki no DVD
  4. [2007.06.26] Hello! days Berryz Kobo First fan club tour 2007
  5. [2007.09.26] Hello! days Berryz Kobo Fan no Tsudoi 2
  6. [2007.10.27] Hello! days EXTRA. Berryz Kobo '07
  7. [2008.03.26] Berryz days
  8. [2008.04.26] Berryz Kobo Fan Club Tour in Yamanashi ~Hito Ashibaya Christmas Party~
  9. [2008.05.24] Hello! days EXTRA. Berryz Kobo Fan Club Tour in Yamanashi ~Hito Ashibaya Christmas Party~ EXTRA.
  10. [2009.01.27] Berryz Kobo to Sugosu Natsuyasumi Fan Club Tour in Nagano ~Happy Summer Vacation!~ Vol.1 & Vol.2
  11. [2009.03.??] Hello! days Berryz Kobo Fan no Tsudoi 2008
  12. [2009.07.26] Berryz Kobo First Fan Club Tour in Hawaii '09
  13. [2009.10.27] Berryz Kobo Fan no Tsudoi 2009
  14. [2010.02.13] Berryz Kobo fan club tour ~7nin no Majo-tachi~ happy halloween 2009 Vol.1 & Vol.2

Publications[]

Main article: Berryz Koubou/Publications

Photobooks[]

Works[]

Radio[]

  • [2004–2009] Berryz Koubou Kiritsu! Rei! Chakuseki! ( Berryz工房 起立! 礼! 着席 )
  • [2004–2008] Hello Pro Yanen! (ハロプロやねん!)
  • [2009] Asa Made Hello Pro Yanen!9 (朝までハロプロやねん!9)
  • [2009–2014] Momoko no Puripuri Princess (桃子のぷりぷりプリンセス) (Tsugunaga Momoko)
  • [2009–2012] Beritsu (べりつぅ) (Shimizu Saki, Sudo Maasa & Tokunaga Chinami)
  • [2009–2012] Tsuukai! Berryz Oukoku (痛快!ベリーズ王国) (Natsuyaki Miyabi, Kumai Yurina & Sugaya Risako)
  • [2012–2015] BZS1422 (Tokunaga Chinami, Kumai Yurina)

TV Programs[]

  • [2004] Yoroshiku! Senpai (よろしく!先輩)
  • [2004] Futarigoto (二人ゴト)
  • [2005] Musume DOKYU! ( 娘DOKYU )
  • [2008] Berikyuu!
  • [2008–2009] Yorosen!
  • [2008] IQ supple RhythmIQ Dschinghis Khan (IQサプリ リズムIQ字ンギス間)
  • [2009] Bijo Houdan (美女放談) (6 episodes)
  • [2009] Piramekino 「Piramekitaisou Corner」 (ピラメキーノ 「ピラメキたいそうコーナー」)
  • [2010–2011] Bijo Gaku (美女学)
  • [2011–2012] Hello Pro! TIME
  • [2011–2013] Kaette Kita Berryz Kamen! (帰ってきたBerryz仮面!)
  • [2012–2013] Hello! SATOYAMA Life
  • [2014–2015] The Girls Live

Theater[]

CM[]

  • [2006.10] 2006世界バレー (2006 VOLLEYBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS JAPAN)

Internet[]

Video Games[]

Music Videos[]

Magazine[]

Awards[]

  • [2008.10.04] 「Asia New Comer Award」 at Asia Song Festival 2008, Seoul Korea
  • [2008.12.17] Nominated to 「Wired Music Prize」 at 41st Nippon Yuusen Taishou Ongaku Shoujushou Award
  • [2008] Cable Music Award
  • [2013.12.02] BARKS NEWS 2013 ~GOLD PRIZE~

Trivia[]

  • Berryz Koubou had one of the most stable, long-lasting line ups in Hello! Project. Before the start of their hiatus, they held the record for the longest consistent formation of a group among the current Hello! Project groups.
  • They were the second Hello! Project group to release 35 singles.
  • At the time of their graduation, they were the only group in Hello! Project to have never had any members from Hello Pro Kenshuusei.
  • As of April 2014, all of the members were legal adults.
  • To announce their major debut, they held a press conference at Nakano Sun Plaza on January 14th. However, they officially debuted on March 3rd, the Japanese Doll Festival (雛祭り, Hinamatsuri), also known as Girls' Day. This was also the day that, 11 years later, they would begin their hiatus.
  • The girls didn't know about their group name, Berryz Koubou, until the day of its announcement to the public. They first saw the name on their costumes, but they couldn't read the kanji and were wondering what it was.
  • For their debut single, Anata Nashide wa Ikite Yukenai, they spent a lot of time learning the choreography. Later, they became more proficient at learning choreography, typically learning dances to their songs in 2 hours, sometimes 3.[13].
  • Their goal for 2007 was to appear on Kouhaku Uta Gassen, and they achieved it.
  • Their first performance together as Berryz Koubou was Go Girl ~Koi no Victory~ at Hello! Project 2004 Winter ~C'MON! Dance World~ with Morning Musume and ℃-ute.
  • They were the only Hello! Project group that had a "Captain" instead of a "Leader."
  • They were the first all-girl Japanese group to perform in Thailand.
  • Several steps of the famous dance "Hare Hare Yukai" of Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu are taken from choreography from Berryz Koubou's singles: Special Generation, 21ji Made no Cinderella, Gag 100kaibun Aishite Kudasai, and Jiriri Kiteru.
  • Berryz have made cameos in the anime Gintama. Once they showed the girls with their Koi no Jubaku outfits in a handshake event.
  • In the first episode of the Lucky Channel segment (from the anime Lucky Star), the first letter, asking about how much idols make, is from a fan calling himself “Berryko Daisuki-kko” (or “Berryko Lover”). A direct reference to Berryz Koubou.
  • The members of Berryz Koubou had their own video blog section on the Up-front official channel on YouTube, which started May 24th, 2010. All of the videos have a duration of 1 minute and members would talk about anything they wanted to. They also uploaded concert clips.
  • Before every concert, Berryz Koubou, and sometimes the staff members, would shout "Berryz Koubou! (only captain)... Ikube! (all)". For the encore part, the fans would shout that too (although it's only Berryz Ikube).
  • Sugaya Risako and Natsuyaki Miyabi were the only members to get solo lines in all singles.
  • The average age of the group was 21.71 at the time of their hiatus starting March 2015.
  • They used their own logo in every single until the release of "Heroine ni Narou ka!", when they started using other fonts for writing the group's name. For their final single, "Romance wo Katatte / Towa no Uta," their logo was used on the Limited Edition D (Shinseido version).
  • They were the only main group in Hello! Project during their tenure not to have an indies single, except Morning Musume, in which their indies single eventually became the coupling track of their debut single.
  • In Hello Pro! TIME, Niigaki Risa called Berryz Koubou "mature."
  • Fukumura MizukiWada SakurakoHamaura Ayano, and AD Nagisa are fans of Berryz Koubou.
  • Out of the current members, only Kumai Yurina and Sugaya Risako aren't Blood Type O.
  • On an episode of "Music Fighter," all members admitted to sleeping with stuffed animals.
  • They never released a single in January or September.
  • They were the first Hello! Project group to release 5 singles in one year (2004).
  • Nozomu Iwao, a famous Japanese comedian of the duo "Football Hour," is a fan of Berryz Koubou. He often talks about them in the shows he's invited on (he even made a parody of Kokuhaku no Funsui Hiroba, in which he played Sugaya Risako, his favorite member).
  • Everyone in Berryz Koubou was born in Heisei Era, which is the current era in Japan (and began on January 8, 1989).
  • The vocalist of the Japanese rock band "Base Ball Bear," Koide Yuusuke, is a fan of Berryz Koubou. That was one of the reasons why they choose Kumai Yurina to be in their CM promoting (WHAT IS THE) LOVE & POP?, his group's 3rd album.
  • Famous manga artist Tanemura Arina is also a fan of Berryz. Her favorite member is Sugaya Risako. She once traded autographs with Tsugunaga Momoko.
  • Yanagihara Kanako is a Japanese actress, comedienne, and talent, who is also a fan of Berryz. Her favorite member is Tsugunaga Momoko and she was a guest on Tsugunaga's radio show.
  • Super*Girls member Maeshima Ami has listed Berryz as her favorite artists in her profile. Her favorite in the group is Tsugunaga Momoko because of her singing and dancing skills, and also because of her cuteness.
  • Currently, 16 videos have already over 1 million views in their YouTube official channel.
  • Berryz Koubou appears as a challenging team in the Nintendo DS game Inazuma Eleven 3: Sekai e no Chousen!! Their team name is PistonBerryz.


Total Sales Count[]

Year Yearly Group Sales Yearly Collab Sales Total Sales
2004 110,785 75,783 186,568
2005 160,738 13,072 360,378
2006 128,602 0 488,980
2007 136,100 0 625,080
2008 141,263 12,980 779,323
2009 151,420 0 930,743
2010 125,303 0 1,056,046
2011 85,785 83,969 1,225,800
2012 93,793 62,634 1,382,227
2013 122,386 0 1,504,613
2014 178,447 1,735 1,684,795
2015 22,128 0 1,706,923

References[]

  1. Hello! Morning. Broadcast Date: 2002-06-30.
  2. Tsunku. "<ハロー!プロジェクト新ユニット「あぁ!」に関する公式文章>" (in Japanese). Tsunku Official Website. 2003-09-12.
  3. Tsunku. "『Berryz工房』(ベリーズこうぼう)誕生について" (in Japanese). Tsunku Official Website. 2003-01-15.
  4. 2008 Asia Song Festival POPSEOUL! 2008.10.7. (archived)
  5. "Spring Tour is Over", Shimizu Saki (translated by ROKUN), blog!project, 2013.04.30
  6. "Tsunku: An Announcement Concerning Berryz Kobo", Tsunku (translated by ROKUN), blog!project, 2013.05.01
  7. AmazonMP3 Japan
  8. [1]
  9. [2]
  10. Ohama Minoru, Tsunku. "Berryz工房に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2014-08-02.
  11. [3]
  12. 12.0 12.1 "Berryz工房、”デビュー記念日”来年3月3日に活動停止 ラストは武道館" (in Japanese). ORICON STYLE. 2014-11-12.
  13. https://twitter.com/UpFrontLink/status/548041983214628864
  14. https://twitter.com/UpFrontLink/status/548041983214628864

External Links[]

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