Inaba Manaka (稲場愛香) is a Japanese pop singer under Hello! Project as a member of Juice=Juice and the leader of Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido. She is also a former member of Country Girls.[1][2]
She was first introduced as a 19th generation member of Hello Pro Kenshuusei on May 5, 2013[3] and debuted in Country Girls on November 5, 2014.[1] Due to asthma problems, Inaba graduated from Country Girls on August 4, 2016 after a three months absence from the group. She made her return to Hello! Project on September 8, 2017 as a solo act based in Sapporo and the leader of Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido.[4] It was then announced on June 13, 2018 that she would join Juice=Juice.[5]
Prior to joining Hello! Project, she was a member of the idol group PEACEFUL as the group's sub-leader.[6]
Contents
Biography[edit | edit source]

Inaba Manaka, June 2020

Inaba Manaka, March 2020

Inaba Manaka, July 2019

Inaba Manaka, June 2019

Inaba Manaka, February 2019

Inaba Manaka, August 2018

Inaba Manaka, September 2017

Inaba Manaka, February 2016

Inaba Manaka, December 2015

Inaba Manaka, August 2015

Inaba Manaka, March 2015

Inaba Manaka, January 2015

Inaba Manaka, February 2014

Inaba Manaka, November 2013

Inaba Manaka, June 2013

Inaba Manaka, 2012 (PEACEFUL)
Early Life[edit | edit source]
Inaba Manaka was born on December 27, 1997 in Hokkaido, Japan to a couple whose names are undisclosed. Since age 4, she began practicing both singing and dancing, aiming to join the entertainment industry.[7] During her pre-idol childhood, she attended a dance school at EXILE PROFESSIONAL GYM in Sapporo.[6]
2010-2012[edit | edit source]
In fall 2010, she auditioned for Morning Musume's 9th generation, but failed to pass the third round.[7]
In December 2010, Inaba participated in the 61st NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen as a back dancer for EXILE.[6][8]
In 2011, Inaba passed the Hokkaido Idol Project audition, and was added to a new idol group called PEACEFUL under the stage name MANAKA.[6] She was assigned the sub-leader role. The group released their first and only single, "START!!", on June 8, 2011. On July 31, 2012, PEACEFUL disbanded.[6]
2013[edit | edit source]
On May 5, Inaba was introduced as a member of Hello Pro Kenshuusei alongside Tanaka Karen, Mikame Kana, Fujii Rio, Mashiro Kana and Inoue Hikaru at the Hello Pro Kenshuusei Happyoukai 2013 ~Haru no Koukai Jitsuryoku Shindan Test~.[3]
On October 26, Inaba participated as a back dancer for the Morning Musume Concert Tour 2013 Aki ~CHANCE!~ concert in Hokkaido.
2014[edit | edit source]
On January 25, Inaba participated in the Hello! Project 2014 WINTER ~GOiSU MODE~ concert held in Hokkaido.
From March 15 to May 30, Inaba participated in the opening act and as a back dancer for the Morning Musume '14 Concert Tour Haru ~Evolution~ along with 5 other Hello Pro Kenshuusei members.[9]
On November 5, it was announced that Inaba was added to Country Musume, now called Country Girls, alongside Yamaki Risa, Morito Chisaki, Shimamura Uta and Ozeki Mai.[1][2] She concluded her trainee activities following the November/December Nama Tamago Show.
2015[edit | edit source]
On December 29, Inaba celebrated her 18th birthday at a fanclub event called Country Girls Inaba Manaka Birthday Event 2015, featuring three performances at TOKYO FM HALL.
In August, Inaba announced she received own regular corner on the music program Uta-navi!, titled "Manakan Music", in which she would learn and introduce various genres of music.[10][11]
2016[edit | edit source]
In February, Inaba released her first Blu-ray, titled Greeting ~Inaba Manaka~. A mini photobook containing photos taken during the Blu-ray's filming was later released on July 16.
On April 28, it was announced, after consulting with a doctor, that Inaba would be taking a break from activities due to asthma. It was stated that she would be absent from "Boogie Woogie LOVE / Koi wa Magnet / Ranrarun ~Anata ni Muchuu~" release events, Country Girls Live Tour 2016 Haru Natsu, as well as the Hello! Project 2016 SUMMER concert tour. Additionally, the Kizetsu Suru Hodo Aishiteru! musical, which starred Inaba as the main character, would cancel its remaining performances for May 28 and 29.[12]
On August 4, it was announced that Inaba had graduated from Country Girls due to the lack of improvement in her asthma. She would, however, still be with UP-FRONT PROMOTION and management would look into possibilities for her in the future.[13]
Statement from Inaba Manaka[14]
|
---|
It has been already 3 months since I have announced my activities break to everyone... I would like to thank you because during this pause, I received many comments, I made you worried. To everyone, as well as to Country Girls members and to everyone from Hello! Project, I would like to apologize for making you worried. At this occasion, I, Manaka Inaba, on this 4th of August, After the announcement of my break, I announce you my sudden graduation, To everyone who was waiting for my resumed activities, I gave my everything so far into the medical treatment of the asthma, but there are still disappointing days With such a condition, I cannot cause any more worry to everyone by receiving your support, And to all the members of Country Girls As a member of Country Girls, I have experienced many things, Please everyone continue to support even more Country Girls from now as well! Nothing has been decided concerning the future but, I, Manaka Inaba, think I have to be able to do something to pay back all the support I received from everyone. While becoming indebted to everyone from the company office, I would like to think at myself from now on. From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful to all everyone who has been involved with me. Thank you so much. August 4th 2016 |
2017[edit | edit source]
On September 8, it was announced on the official Hello! Project website that her asthma had stabilized, and she would be resuming activities as the leader of Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido, while also pursuing independent activities in Sapporo. She began her "new start" by performing at the Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido Teiki Kouen Vol.4 on September 18.[4]
On September 21, Inaba made a guest appearance on the Hokkaido radio show IMAREAL,[15] where it was announced that she would host a regular corner on the show every Tuesday starting October 3.[16]
On December 29, Inaba celebrated her 20th birthday at a fanclub event titled Inaba Manaka Birthday Event 2017, which featured two shows at PENNY LANE 24.
During rehearsals for the Hello! Project 20th Anniversary!! Hello! Project 2018 WINTER concert tour in December, Inaba rejoined the Hello! Project Station Dance Club.[17]
2018[edit | edit source]
On February 17, Inaba and Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido released the indies single "Hankouki! / Ice day Party" for limited sale at the Hello! Project 20th Anniversary!! Hello! Project 2018 WINTER concert venue in Sapporo.[18] The single was later released for general sale on July 11. "Ice day Party" is also the first song that Inaba Manaka has choreographed.
On June 13, it was revealed that Inaba Manaka had joined Juice=Juice as a new member and would begin activities with the group in the Hello! Project 20th Anniversary!! Hello! Project 2018 SUMMER concert tour. In addition, she would continue activities in Hokkaido.[19][5]
From June 16 to June 18, she held the Inaba Manaka Fanclub Tour in Hokkaido ~Nokkori Toukibi Kee!~.
On October 1, it was announced that Inaba would become a regular on the STV Radio show D-tunes, appearing every third Sunday of the month starting in November.[20]
On October 11, Inaba announced her first solo photobook titled Manaka, which was released on November 17.[21][22]
On November 30, former Morning Musume member Takahashi Ai published the Ai Takahashi MAKE-UP BOOK in which Inaba and five other active Hello! Project members appear as models.[23]
On December 7, she celebrated her 21st birthday at a fanclub event titled Juice=Juice Inaba Manaka Birthday Event 2018, featuring two shows at Yamano Hall.
On December 26, it was announced that Inaba had been diagnosed with vocal cord nodules and recently underwent surgery to remove them. In order to receive postoperative care, she would be absent from the Hello! Project 20th Anniversary!! Hello! Project COUNTDOWN PARTY 2018 ~GOOD BYE & HELLO!~ on December 31. As for the Hello! Project 20th Anniversary!! Hello! Project 2019 WINTER concert tour which starts on January 2, Inaba would only participate by dancing until she is able to consult the doctor in the future on her progress.[24]
2019[edit | edit source]
On January 9, she celebrated her 21st birthday at a second fanclub event in Hokkaido titled Juice=Juice Inaba Manaka Birthday Event in Sapporo, featuring two shows at Penny Lane 24. She did not sing due to her still recovering from the surgical removal of vocal cord nodules.[25]
On February 1, it was announced that the doctor had allowed Inaba to gradually start singing again. She resumed singing in performances, extending herself step-by-step while her throat condition was taken into consideration.[26]
On December 13, she celebrated her 22nd birthday at a fanclub event titled Juice=Juice Inaba Manaka Birthday Event 2019, featuring two shows at Yamano Hall.
2020[edit | edit source]
On January 8, Inaba held a second fanclub event to celebrate her 22nd birthday in Hokkaido, titled Juice=Juice Inaba Manaka Birthday Event in Sapporo, which featured two shows at Penny Lane 24.
On May 14, she opened up an official Instagram account.[27]
On November 9, she announced her second solo photobook titled Loveliness..., released on December 27.[28][29]
On November 17, it was announced that she and Dambara Ruru would appear as guest judges for an online university and graduate school level dance competition titled Bokura no Online Gakuen-sai. The song assigned was Juice=Juice's ""Hitori de Ikiraresou" tte Sore tte Nee, Homete Iru no?". The online judging event took place on December 16.[30][31]
On December 14, she celebrated her 23rd birthday at a fanclub event titled Juice=Juice Inaba Manaka Birthday Event 2020, featuring two shows at LANDMARK HALL.
Personal Life[edit | edit source]
She has a younger brother.
When Inaba joined Hello Pro Kenshuusei, she was a first year high school student. She was the manager of her high school baseball team in Hokkaido for half of her first year, but unfortunately had to resign when she became too busy with her activities as a Hello Pro Kenshuusei member.[32] In March 2016, Inaba graduated from high school.[33]
The following list are notable friendships Inaba Manaka has acquired:
- Miyamoto Karin: Manaka gets along well with Juice=Juice member Miyamoto Karin
- Nakanishi Kana: She gets along well with ANGERME member Nakanishi Kana.[34]
- Sasaki Rikako: She is good friends with ANGERME member Sasaki Rikako.
- Kudo Yume: She gets along well with Kudo Yume in Juice=Juice.
Here is a list of nicknames that have been used to refer to Inaba Manaka:
- Manakan (まなかん): Official nickname, given to her by Tsunku when she joined Hello Pro Kenshuusei.[35]
- Inabaccho (いなばっちょ): Her second official nickname, given to her by Kobushi Factory's Hamaura Ayano.[35]
- Ma~nyan (ま~にゃん): Her nickname in PEACEFUL.
Profile[edit | edit source]
- Name: Inaba Manaka (稲場愛香)
- Stage Name: MANAKA (in PEACEFUL)
- Nicknames: Manaka (まなか), Manakan (まなかん),[36] Inabaccho (いなばっちょ), Ma~nyan (ま~にゃん)
- Birthdate: December 27, 1997[36]
- Birthplace: Hokkaido, Japan[36]
- Blood Type: B[36]
- Height: 151 cm (4 ft 11.4 in)?[37]
- Western Zodiac:
Capricorn
- Eastern Zodiac:
Ox
- Hello! Project Status:
- 2013-05-05: Hello Pro Kenshuusei member[36]
- 2014-11-05: Country Girls member
- 2016-04-28: Hiatus
- 2016-08-04: Graduated from Country Girls
- 2017-09-08: Returned from hiatus as a soloist and the leader of Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido
- 2018-06-13: Joined Juice=Juice
- UP-FRONT PROMOTION Status:
- 2013-05-05: Member
- 2016-04-28: Hiatus
- 2017-09-08: Returned
- Country Girls Color:
Italian Red
- Juice=Juice Color:
Hot Pink
- Hello! Project Groups:
- Hello Pro Kenshuusei (2013–2014)
- Country Girls (2014–2016)
- Hello! Project Station Dance Club (2015–2016; 2017–)
- Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido (2017–)
- Juice=Juice (2018–)
- Other Groups:
- PEACEFUL (2011–2012)
- UP-FRONT GROUP Telework Gasshou (2020)
- See also: List:Inaba Manaka Other Q&As
- Specialty: Dance (jazz, hip-hop),[36] memorizing dances,[37] making people laugh, English level 5, make-up and hair arrangement[36]
- Hobbies: Reading, painting/drawing,[36] having wild ideas, listening to music,[36][37] watching dramas and movies,[36][35] sky appreciation[36], studying Korean, looking at the moon[35]
- Motto: "Kanzen nenshou" (完全燃焼; Complete burning),[36] "Jibun rashiku" (自分らしく; Be yourself), "Nisshin geppo" (日進月歩; Ever improving)[35]
- Favorite Food: Fruits, ice cream, cheese, honey, spicy food[35]
- Favorite Flowers: Roses, carnations
- Favorite Color: Pink,[36] white,[36] black[36]
- Favorite Sports: Baseball, football (Soccer),[36] badminton[36]
- Treasured Item: Her dreams
- Favorite Hello! Project songs: "Toki wo Koe Sora wo Koe", "Wagamama Ki no Mama Ai no Joke", "Ren'ai Revolution 21", "Suki yo, Junjou Hankouki.", "Uchouten LOVE", "Suki-chan", "Watashi ga Iu Mae ni Dakishimenakya ne"
- Looks Up To: Sayashi Riho, Miyamoto Karin, Kudo Haruka, Takahashi Ai
Discography[edit | edit source]
Fanclub DVDs[edit | edit source]
- [2019.05.25] Juice=Juice Uemura Akari・Inaba Manaka Birthday Event 2018
- [2020.05.26] Juice=Juice Uemura Akari・Inaba Manaka Birthday Event 2019
Publications[edit | edit source]
Solo Photobooks[edit | edit source]
- [2016.07.16] Inaba Manaka Mini Photobook "Greeting -Photobook-"
- [2018.11.17] Manaka
- [2020.12.27] Loveliness...
Works[edit | edit source]
Theater[edit | edit source]
TV Programs[edit | edit source]
- [2014–2016; 2018–2019] The Girls Live
- [2015–2016] Uta-navi! (うたなび!)
- [2019–2020] AI・DOL PROJECT (AI・DOL プロジェクト)
- [2019–2020] Hello Pro! TOKYO Sanpo (ハロプロ!TOKYO散歩)
- [2020] Hello! Project presents... "Solo Fes!"
Internet[edit | edit source]
- [2014–2016; 2017–] Hello! Project Station
- [2015–2016] MUSIC+
- [2015–2016] GREEN ROOM
- [2017–] Upcoming
- [2017–] tiny tiny
- [2018–] OMAKE CHANNEL
- [2018] Hello Pro no Monohon!
- [2019–2020] Hello Pro Dance Gakuen
- [2019–2020] Hello Pro no Oshigoto Challenge
- [2019] Hello Pro Kouhaku Taiko THE☆BATTLE 2019
- [2019] Hello Pro ONE×ONE
- [2020] Hello! Anison Bu
Radio[edit | edit source]
- [2015] Country Girls no Tadaima Radio Kenshuuchuu!! (カントリー・ガールズの只今ラジオ研修中!!)
- [2015–2016] Country Girls no Tadaima Radio Housouchuu!! (カントリー・ガールズの只今ラジオ放送中!!)
- [2017–] IMAREAL
- [2018–] D-tunes
Trivia[edit | edit source]
|
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Gallery:Inaba Manaka
- List:Inaba Manaka Discography Featured In
- List:Inaba Manaka Publications Featured In
- List:Inaba Manaka Concert & Event Appearances
- List:Inaba Manaka Pocket Morning Weekly Q&A
- List:Inaba Manaka Other Q&As
Honorary Titles[edit | edit source]
Honorary titles | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by |
Leader of Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido |
Succeeded by |
References[edit | edit source]
|
External Links[edit | edit source]
- Juice=Juice Profile
- Hello! Project Solo Act Profile (archived)
- Country Girls Profile (archived)
- PEACEFUL Website/Profile
- Blogs:
- Juice=Juice Official Blog
- Inaba Manaka Official Blog (inactive)
- Country Girls Official Blog (inactive)
- Hello Pro Kenshuusei Blogs: June 2013, December 2013, February 2014, September 2014 (not tagged), November/December 2014, Morning Musume/℃-ute Fall 2013 Tour Blog
- Wikipedia: Japanese
Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido | |
---|---|
Members | |
1st Generation | Ishiguri Kanami | Kawano Minori |
3rd Generation | Nishimura Karin |
Full Member | Inaba Manaka (Leader) |
Former Members | |
1st Generation | Oota Haruka | Sato Hikari | Kitagawa Ryo | Kudo Yume | Yamazaki Mei |
2nd Generation | Hashimoto Ririka |
3rd Generation | Shibuya Hina |
Discography | |
Indies Singles | 1. Real☆Little☆Girl / Kanojo ni Naritai!!! (Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido Ver.) | 2. Hankouki! / Ice day Party |
Concerts & Events | |
Teiki Kouen |
2017: Vol.1 | Vol.2 | Vol.3 | Vol.4 | Vol.5 |
Happyoukai Concerts | 2017: June 2018: March | June | December 2019: March | June | September | December Test Events: 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
Units & Other Acts | |
Sub-Units & Groups | Hello Pro Kenshuusei Unit |
Associated Acts | Hello Pro Kenshuusei, ANGERME, Juice=Juice, Morning Musume |
Country Musume / Country Girls | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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- 1997 Births
- December Births
- Members from Hokkaido
- Capricorn
- Ox
- Blood Type B
- Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido
- 2013 Additions
- Former local idols
- Members born in Heisei Period
- Members born before Hello! Project's formation
- 19th Generation Hello Pro Kenshuusei
- Hello Pro Kenshuusei
- Inaba Manaka
- Members featured in Hello! Project Station
- Group Leaders
- Country Girls
- Debuted Eggs
- PEACEFUL
- Members who failed a Morning Musume audition
- Red Member Color
- Country Girls Graduates
- Juice=Juice
- Dark Pink Member Color
- Hello! Project Station Dance Club
- Members who performed overseas