Yasuda Kei

Yasuda Kei (保田圭) is a Japanese singer, musician, photographer and actress formerly under Hello! Project as a member and sub-leader of Morning Musume.
==Biography==
===Early Life===
Yasuda Kei was born on December 6, 1980 in Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture to a couple whose name are undisclosed. She was two years old when she sang her first song, "Echizen Misaki". At age 8, Yasuda compsed a song she called "Nagareboshi" (流れ星) for a competition. keireki.htm At age 13, she joined the brass band club in junior high school playing the saxophone. She also participated in the Chibakentaikai tournament playing the saxophone.
In first grade high school, Yasuda got rid of her glasses and started using contacts. She went through a rebellious pahse as a Kogal hanging around Kisarazu. In second grade, Yasuda didn't want to go to school at all and quit in September. She started working part-time jobs at a convenience store, a famiresu, a stationary department and later at McDonald'shttp://yasudakei.vivian.jp/gazou/mac.jpg.
===1998===
In 1998, she, along with Yaguchi Mari and Ichii Sayaka, were chosen to be a part of the second generation of singers to be recruited into Morning Musume.
After the second generation joined, Morning Musume went on to produce one album and three more singles until Fukuda Asuka decided to graduate in April 1999 to further pursue her studies. Yasuda was given almost all of Fukuda's lines in future performances of these early songs. She had also collaborated with other Morning Musume members in special projects during these early days. One of the more notable ones was when she co-wrote and co-sang with Abe Natsumi the song "Sanpo" for a radio contest. It became wildly popular and a petition was circulated to make it an official single, though that never did happen.
===2000===
In 2000, the talk show "Utaban" was met with big controversy surrounding Ishibashi's "bullying" of Yasuda. She also obtained a moped license necessary for a commercial shooting.
On May 20, 2000, Yasuda appeared in the movie "Pinch Runner" which was released in theaters.
===2001===
Yasuda was hospitalizatied due to illness early in the New Year. SHe also appeared in the stage play "LOVE Century".
Yasuda and Ichii sang a particularly catchy duet known as "Otome no Shinrigaku" for Morning Musume's second album. In response to the popularity, Tsunku decided to group them together with the third generation member, Goto Maki to create Morning Musume subgroup Petitmoni (also known as Pucchimoni) in 2001. Their first single, "Chokotto LOVE", has sold over a million copies since its release date.
She had also collaborated with other Morning Musume members in special projects during these early days. One of the more notable ones was when she co-wrote and co-sang with Natsumi Abe the song "Sanpo" for a radio contest. Kei Yasuda also performed a few self written songs on a radio show. Despite more fans requests for the songs to be released, they never were. They are titled "Nacchi wa nee" and "Dear My Friend", and were sung on air at "MBS Radio".
After Ichii graduated from Morning Musume and Petitmoni, fourth generation member Yoshizawa Hitomi was placed into the subgroup. Yasuda had taken on the role of leader of Petitmoni and the group continued to produce three singles and an album.
After Morning Musume's then-leader Nakazawa Yuko graduated in 2001, Yasuda (who was the oldest member of the group at the time) became a co-leader along with Iida Kaori.
===2002===
In March, Yasuda released her first and only photobook "Kei". It placed 7th in the photo book sales.
===2003===
Yasuda graduated in May 2003, to concentrate on an acting career. At the same time when Morning Musume's 6th generation became full-fledged members. Tsunku commented that this one-time sixteen-member formation will be the largest Morning Musume will ever be. During her graduation concert, Yasuda sang a remixed rock version of "Never Forget", which was also Fukuda's graduation song. Additionally, as a special gift, Tsunku gave Yasuda a CD of her own soloist version of "AS FOR ONE DAY", her last single with Morning Musume. On the TV show MBS Song Town on July 3, 2015 Yasuda said Tsunku asked if she wanted to sing the full song, which she did, and then gave her the recording (she showed the mini disc on the show). Yoshizawa Hitomi followed up by saying that (a) this was the first time she heard about it and (b) she didn’t get something similar. Makoto mentioned rumors that later auditions required girls to show their forehead—Yajima said later in the program Tsunku told them, “if you don’t show your forehead you’ll look gloomy.” Yasuda jokes she wouldn’t have passed, and was told not to show her forehead. Tsunku mentioned in his 20th Anniversary interview that even though the camera focused on others, it was usually Yasuda singing.Twitter
Upon her graduation from the group, "Utaban" aired a one hour Kemeko SP special.
Upon her graduation from the group, she became the first sub-leader of Hello! Project."保田圭が涙、涙、涙のモー娘。“卒業”" (in Japanese). SANSPO.COM (archived). 2003-05-07.
Following Yasuda's graduation, Iida was given the title of leader of Morning Musume and Yaguchi was given the title of sub-leader. Petitmoni's leadership was handed over to Yoshizawa, and two members were added (fifth generation Morning Musume member Ogawa Makoto and Coconuts Musume's Ayaka Kimura) and Goto was removed. This new line up of Petitmoni never had another release, but a few of their songs were featured on compilation albums.
A program called "Hello! Kids" (ハローキッズ), airing from 2002 to 2004, featured Yasuda in a segment series called "Bishoujo Senshi Oshienja" (美少女戦士オシエンジャー).http://yasudakei.vivian.jp/osien.htm
===2004===
Yasuda is still in Hello! Project after graduation and has acted in dramas outside of H!P. Within H!P, she has collaborated with Nakazawa Yuko and other H!P artists on 2 Folk Songs albums, performed and MCed in Abe's first solo concert, sang backup for Goto Maki's single "Daite Yo! Please Go On," and had hosted Morning Musume's weekly TV show Hello! Morning until Ishikawa Rika took that position. Yasuda had participated in the H.P. All Stars single "ALL FOR ONE & ONE FOR ALL!" and the Puripuri Pink shuffle unit. Puripuri Pink was a new type of shuffle unit, since it was the first unit to feature graduated Morning Musume members, who were usually not included in the shuffles.
During a promotional appearance on Utaban in 2004, Yasuda revealed that she has been learning psychology, how to play golf, how to play the flute, and also that she is pursuing a career in the theater.
===2007===
From January 31 to February 7, Yasuda appeared in the stage play "Shinjuku no Onna" with fellow former Morning Musume member Tsuji Nozomi.Official Gekijyo Page
From May 23 to June 17, Yasuda appeared in the stage play "Youkihi no Kanpouyaku".Official Gekijyo Page
From August 15-19, Yasuda appeared in the stage play "Chigaimasu Sisters" alongside Ayaka.Official Gekijyo Page
===2008===
From December 4-7, Yasuda appeared in the stage play "Lemon Star" alongside Shibata Ayumi.Official Gekijyo Page
===2009===
From April 23 to May 2, she appeared in the stage play "Mikoto Mannequin" alongside Shibata Ayumi, Noto Arisa, and Miyoshi Erika.Official Gekijyo Page
On March 31, 2009, Yasuda graduated from Hello! Project along with the rest of the H!P Elder Club.
On May 25, 2009, she took the photos for the Hello! Pro Eggs photobook that would be sold in June at the Shinjin Kouen ~Nakano STEP~ concert. 
On September 21, Kei had to have surgery to remove her tonsilsNews. On her blog she revealed that she has had chronic tonsillitis since the time of her debut and and as a result has gotten fevers since then.Yasuda Kei Blog Post
From December 2-6, Yasuda appeared in the stage play "Romantic no Yoroshiku" alongside Yajima Maimi and Nakajima Saki.Official Gekijyo Page
After graduating from Hello! Project in 2009, Yasuda has written several songs. The song Kimi ni Todoke was performed at fan club events, and the performance made it to a fan club dvd. It was also released as a digital download.
===2010===
On May 27, Yasuda held a fanclub event with Yaguchi Mari titled Yasuda Kei & Yaguchi Mari Special Live 2010 ~Kimi ni Todoke 13nenme e no Kansha!!~, where the pair showcased two more original songs. 
From July 20-25, Yasuda appeared in the stage play "Boku ni Niai no Karada".Official Gekijyo Page
In September of 2010, She joined the unit Afternoon Musume with 7 of her fellow OG members.
From December 22-27, Yasuda appeared in the stage play "Abe Naikaku" alongside Abe Natsumi and Kusumi Koharu.Official Gekijyo Page The play is about the prime minister and politics.
===2011===
On January 28, 2011, It was announced that Yasuda was part of the OG member group Dream Morning Musume and that they will be releasing the groups first album, called "Dorimusu ①", on April 20, 2011.
On April 11, 2011, It was announced that her and two other Dream Morning Musume members Yaguchi Mari and Nakazawa Yuko will be holding casual dinner shows on both Osaka and Tokyo.
===2012===
Yasuda, Natsuyaki Miyabi, and Sudo Maasa will perform in a comedy play titled B・B ~bumpy buddy~. It will be performed on May 15, 2012.
===2013===
On February 15, theuflicks channel release the first episode of UF Licks show, where Yasuda, along with , was the host for the episode. At the end of the event, she revealed that she will attend Forest For Rest ~SATOYAMA e Ikou~ SATOYAMA movement in YOKOHAMA on March 2nd and 3rd.
On May 2, it was announced that she will be getting married to Kozaki Yoichi."元モー娘。保田圭が結婚　料理研究家と" (in Japanese). Nikkan Sports. 2013-05-02.
On May 29, Yasuda and Kozaki Yoichi registered their marriage and are now legally married."ご報告" (in Japanese). Yasuda Kei Official Blog. 2013-05-29.
On August 7, it was announced that Yasuda's father was reported missing."保田圭、音信不通の実父に捜索願い「ウエディングドレス姿を見てもらいたい」" (in Japanese). Oricon. 2013-08-07. At an event, Yasuda said she hasn't been able to contact him in any way since May and filed a missing persons report with the police department in July. The police are currently searching for the man. 
On October 1, Yasuda was transferred to alongside Ishikawa Rika and Yoshizawa Hitomi.
On December 14 and 15 Yasuda Kei and Ogawa Makoto hosted a Christmas Dinner show titled Yasuda Kei Ogawa Makoto Christmas Dinner Show 2013
===2017===
On July 28, Yasuda announced that she was expecting her first child."ご報告" (in Japanese). Yasuda Kei Official Blog. 2017-07-28. She gave birth to her son on January 7, 2018.https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20180110-00000038-sanspo-ent 
===2020===
On February 29, Yasuda and Yaguchi Mari were scheduled to hold a live event called "M-line club 10 Shuunen Kikaku 'Yasuda Kei, Yaguchi Mari' FC Event" (M-line club 10周年企画「保田圭・矢口真里FCイベント」), but it was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.http://www.up-fc.jp/m-line/news_Info.php?id=15277
On June 19, Yasuda, along with Iida Kaori and Tsuji Nozomi, attended an online event called "Mou Sugu Papa no Hi ~Papa to Mama no Iiwake!! Dousoukai Special~" (もうすぐパパの日!~パパとママのいいわけ!!同窓会スペシャル!~). It was streamed live on YouTubeYouTube. It is tied up to the release of Tsunku's new childrens' book "Nee, Mama? Boku no Onegai!".Tsunku Official Blog
On July 11, Yasuda was an MC at the Hello! Project 2020 Summer COVERS ~The Ballad~Yasuda Kei Official Instagram (July 12, 2020).
On August 28, Yasuda appeared at the presentation of the product Shiramen Wrinkle Duo Official Blog (August 28, 2020).
On December 20, Yasuda was a guest at Goto Maki's Goto Maki 20th Anniversary SPECIAL ONLINE EVENT.
===2021===
Yasuda was among the original OGs of Morning Musume to appear on Nakai Masahiro No Kinsuma, and picked right up with Ishibashi Takaaki when he made a surprise appearance in the studio. Yasuda relayed a heart felt message that she grew in popularity thanks to the antics of Utaban and had a sizeable segment dedicated to her during this special.
On July 2, Yasuda appeared alongside Iida Kaori and Ishiguro Aya on TBS 爆笑！ターンテーブル2時間SP (Bakushou! Turntable 2-jikan SP). https://www.instagram.com/p/CQx3RbgHKY2/
===2023===
On January 1, she was transferred from to alongside Fujimoto Miki, Ishikawa Rika, Sudo Maasa, Kumai Yurina, Mano Erina, Yajima Maimi, Nakajima Saki, Kudo Haruka, Iikubo Haruna, and Katsuta Rina.
On May 26, Yaguchi Mari and Yasuda held Hello! Project 25 Shuunen Morning Musume 2ki Yasuda Kei Yaguchi Mari Presents "2 (ni)" to celebrate their 25th debut anniversary.https://www.instagram.com/p/CrA0RDuO2Le/ The event featured a number of "second" generation members of Hello! Project groups, and included a version of Summer Night Town with choreography updated by BEYOOOOONDS member Hirai Miyo.https://twitter.com/beyondsupdates/status/1659168994509869057
==Personal Life==
==Profile==
==Discography==
==Publications==
===Solo Photobooks===
#[2002.03.02] Kei
===Books===
*[2014.04.20] Bibusukon - Saikai Musume. No Konkatsu Monogatari -
==Works==
===Events===
*[2005.05.02-2005.02.10] Yasuda Kei, Inaba Atsuko Casual Dinner Show (保田圭・稲葉貴子カジュアルディナーショー)
*[2005.05.14-2005.05.15] Yasuda Kei, Inaba Atsuko, Ayaka no 1-Paku 2-Nichi Bus Ryokou in Nagano
*[2006.06.10-2006.06.11] Yasuda Kei, Inaba Atsuko, Ayaka no 1-Paku 2-Nichi Bus Ryokou in Nagano Part 2
*[2007.06.02-2007.06.03] Yasuda Kei, Inaba Atsuko, Ayaka no 1-Paku 2-Nichi Bus Ryokou in Nagano Part 3
*[2007.02.11-2007.02.12] Yasuda Kei, Inaba Atsuko Casual Dinner Show (保田圭・稲葉貴子カジュアルディナーショー)
*[2020.02.29] M-line club 10 Shuunen Kikaku 'Yasuda Kei, Yaguchi Mari' FC Event (cancelled)
===Movies===
*[1998] Morning Cop ~Daite HOLD ON ME!~ (モーニング刑事。～抱いてHOLD ON ME!～)
*[2000] Pinch Runner (ピンチランナー)
*[2002] Tokkaekko (とっかえっ娘。)
*[2003] Koinu Dan no Monogatari (子犬ダンの物語)
===TV Shows===
*[2000] Morning Musume no Heso
*[2000.01.04-2000.03.29] Morning Musume no Koimonogatari
*[2000] Friday Night wa Onegai! Morning (フライデーナイトはお願い!モーニング)
*[2000-2007] Hello! Morning
*[2002-2004] Hello Kids (ハローキッズ)
*[2002] Bishojo kyoiku II (美少女教育II)
*[2004] Futarigoto (二人ゴト)
*[2007] Uta Doki! ~Pop Classics~
*[2012] Nakai Masahiro no Black Variety (中居正広のブラックバラエティ)
*[2014-2015] UTAGE!
*[2021] Nakai Masahiro no Kinyoubi no Smile-tachi e (中居正広の金曜日のスマイルたちへ)
*[2021] Quiz Noubel SHOW (クイズ!脳ベルSHOW)
*[2021] LOVE It! (ラヴィット！) (with Nakazawa Yuko)
===TV Dramas===
*[2002] Izu no Odoriko (伊豆の踊子)
*[2002] Kochira hon ikegami sho (こちら本池上署)
*[2002] Mikeneko Holmes no Hanzaigaku Kouza (三毛猫ホームズの犯罪学講座)
*[2004] Tokio-chichi he no Dengon (トキオ 父への伝言)
*[2005] Nijyuushi no Hitomi (二十四の瞳)
*[2006] Shinjuku no haha monogatari (新宿の母物語)
*[2007] Sousa Ikka - Ken atari han, Takako no manako (捜査一課･見当たり班　鷹子の眼)
*[2012] Suugaku♥Joshi Gakuen (数学♥女子学園)
*[2012] Mikkai no yado 9 hoseki no amai wana (密会の宿9 宝石の甘い罠)
*[2012] Shiawase no jikan (幸せの時間)
*[2013] Sho kyoto renzoku satsujin jiken x Gekai hatomura shugoro (小京都連続殺人事件×外科医 鳩村周五郎)
===Theater===
*[2004] Rashomon ~Onnatachi no Maboroshi~ (羅生門～女たちのまぼろし～)
*[2006] Natsu no Yoru no Yume (夏ノ夜ノ夢; Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream")
*[2006] Otona no Mugicha Dai kyu hai me Kouen "Nemurenaito" (大人の麦茶第九杯目公演「ネムレナイト」)
*[2006] MAMA LOVES mambo IV
*[2007] Showa kayo shiata shinjuku no onna (昭和歌謡シアター新宿の女)
*[2007] Yokihi no kanpoyaku (楊貴妃の漢方薬)
*[2007] Shinjuku no Onna (新宿の女)
*[2007] Chigaimasu sisters (ちがいますシスターズ)
*[2007] COASTER（Coaster） (COASTER（コースター）)
*[2008] Shishi tachi (志士たち)
*[2008] THE do tsubo!!! (THEどツボッ!!)
*[2008] Lemon Star (レモンスター)
*[2009] Mikoto Mannequin (ミコトマネキン)
*[2009] Every Little Thing '09 (エブリ リトル シング '09)
*[2009] Romantic ni yoroshiku (ロマンチックにヨロシク)
*[2010] Momoiro shoten e yokoso (桃色書店へようこそ)
*[2010] Murder Factory (マーダーファクトリー)
*[2010] Nemure nu yoru no 1 x 8 requiem ~Naked police academy~ (眠れぬ夜の1×8レクイエム〜ネイキットポリスアカデミー〜)
*[2010] Boku ni Niai no Karada (僕に似合いの身体)
*[2010] Ii hi, risutora (いい日、リストラ)
*[2010] Jinsei wa Show Time! (人生はショータイム！)
*[2010] Genji monogatari x Oguro Maki songs ~Boku wa jūnihitoe ni koi wo suru~ (源氏物語×大黒摩季songs〜僕は十二単に恋をする〜)
*[2010] Amakara (あまから)
*[2010] Abe Naikaku (安倍内閣)
*[2011] Sarachi 5 (更地5)
*[2011] Nemureru mori no bijo (眠れる森の美女)
*[2012] Sarachi 6 (更地6)
*[2012] B・B~bumpy buddy~
*[2012] Tabidachi ~Ashoro yori~ (旅立ち〜足寄より〜)
*[2012] Aoge ba (あおげば)
*[2013] I.have.a.dream (アイ・ハヴ・ア・ドリーム)
*[2014] Bokutachi Karen na Shounen Gasshoudan
===Radio===
*[1998-1999] Morning Musume no onegai MORNING CALL! (モーニング娘。のお願いMORNING CALL!)
*[1999-2000] Pucchimoni Diver (プッチモニダイバー)
*[2001-2002] Pucchimoni Driver V3 (プッチモニダイバーV3)
*[2000-2002; 2009–] Young Town Doyoubi (ヤングタウン土曜日)
*[2016–2017] HELLO! DRIVE! (HELLO! DRIVE! -ハロドラ-) (Wednesdays)
===Internet===
*[2013-] UF LICKS
===Commercials===
*[2000] Glico Mousse Pocky
*[2013] Fuku Pika (フクピカ)
==Trivia==
*Yasuda is skilled in several musical instruments, including the saxophone and the piano.
*She has made several appearances on TV and in concert accompanying herself or others.
*On a variety show she mentioned that when she finally would get a solo part of a song, she'd work really hard on that certain part when they would shoot the MV's or whenever they performed the song on variety shows. However, she was very frustrated on how producers would usually center Abe Natsumi on the camera for most of the time even if all of Morning Musume was singing togethor. She says a way that she could get on camera was if she slyly appeared behind Abe when the camera was focused on her. Tsugunaga Momoko noted that she and others who were kouhai's of Morning Musume would analyze these occurrences and implement them when they also appeared on stage.
*On that same variety show she mentioned that Goto Maki and Abe Natsumi received many presents and letters during their handshake events however, Yasuda would only get 2 or few.
*Yasuda wrote a kaeuta (parody song) in 2010, where she complained about wanting to be center for at least one of Morning Musume’s singles, but she never got to be.
*Yasuda attended Kimitsu Shogyo (Commercial) High School in Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture, but dropped out to pursue her dreams in the entertainment industry.
*She worked in a McDonald's restaurant in her hometown, until 1998.
*She is the third oldest girl to join Morning Musume after its formation and the oldest to join under normal circumstances (Fujimoto Miki of the 6th generation was added to Morning Musume after failing the 4th generation audition and was brought back as a soloist before being added, and 8th generation member Junjun was added after an audition that was not even known by the members of the group themselves.).
*She was famously known as the "grandma" of Morning Musume, and was the frequent target of jokes from TV hosts and other members.
*She is best friends with Yaguchi Mari.
*Had a youkai Yasuda Doll made for her on Utaban.
*She is the third former Morning Musume member to only graduate from Morning Musume and not Hello! Project. The first being Nakazawa Yuko and the second being Goto Maki.
*Appears in the TV Drama Suugaku♥Joshi Gakuen together with Iida Kaori as the Devil Sisters.
*She was the first Morning Musume sub-leader who never became leader. In 2018, Iikubo Haruna became the second, and in 2024, Ishida Ayumi will become the third.
*She is the last 2nd Generation member to get married.
*Her son (born on January 7, 2018), shares his birthday with fellow Morning Musume member Ishida Ayumi (January 7, 1997) who was born 21 years prior.
*When Yasuda was in Morning Musume, she was made fun of for her wink-style.
*The first CD Yasuda bought was by Sharan Q.http://yasudakei.vivian.jp/keireki.htm
==Honorary Titles==
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==References==
==External Links==
*UP-FRONT CREATE Profile
*Official Blog "Yasuda-kei"
*Instagram
*Yasuda Biography (in Japanese)
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Category:Yasuda Kei
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