Tsugunaga Momoko

Tsugunaga Momoko (嗣永桃子) is a former Japanese idol and talent under Hello! Project. She first joined as a member of Hello! Project Kids in 2002 and later debuted as a member of Berryz Koubou in 2004. During her time in Hello! Project, she was the leader of the unit Buono! as well as a member of ZYX, ZYX-a, BeriKyuu, and Hello Pro Sentai Pink Rangers.
She graduated from Berryz Koubou on March 3, 2015 in a joint graduation concert with the other members of the group. The same day, she officially became a member of Country Girls as the playing manager.
On June 30, 2017, Tsugunaga graduated from Country Girls and Hello! Project and retired from the entertainment industry to work in education.
"Yurushite-nyan" is Tsugunaga’s favorite apology expression, modified from a proper phrase for apologizing "yurushite kudasai (please forgive me)", always used with a gesture mimicking cat’s paws.
==Biography==
===Early Life===
Tsugunaga Momoko was born on March 6, 1992 in Chiba, Japan.
===2002===
On June 30, Tsugunaga Momoko joined Hello! Project as one of the fifteen Hello! Project Kids.Hello! Morning. Broadcast Date: 2002-06-30. She played the lead protagonist in the 2002 Hello! Project movie Koinu Dan no Monogatari.
===2003===
In early 2003, Tsugunaga appeared on the Promotional Video of the Fujimoto Miki single "Boogie Train '03" along with Sudo Maasa, Tokunaga Chinami, and Umeda Erika.
In mid through late 2003, Tsugunaga was a member of the unit ZYX and released two singles with the group before it became inactive.
===2004===
In 2004, Tsugunaga was one of the eight members selected to form Berryz Koubou and is one of the group's lead vocalists.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. She was also a member of Little Gatas.
===2007===
Tsugunaga became a part of Buono! along with Natsuyaki Miyabi and Suzuki Airi."New unit Buono! Momoko, Miyabi and Airi Unit!". Hello!Online. 2007-07-23. Only a year later, she managed to become the leader of the group after two competitions between the members.
Berryz Koubou held a concert in Saitama Super Arena for first time. At this concert, Tsugunaga sang solo for the first time. She performed "Koi wa Hipparidako," a song from their first album 1st Chou Berryz.
===2009===
Starting April 7, she also hosted her own radio show Momoko no Puripuri Princess on JOQR every Tuesday (23:35 to 23:50), replacing Berryz Koubou's Kiritsu Rei Chakuseki.
On July 17, Tsugunaga appeared in her first solo Pizza-La commercial. Her commercial was a Tsugunaga Momoko version of Buono!'s commercial for Pizza-La's French camembert cheese.
For her fourth solo photobook momochiiii, she held a handshake event on August 31, which makes her the first Berryz Koubou member to do so (and the third among Hello! Project Kids).
In October, Momoko was featured on the cover of Radio Bangumi Hyou's autumn 2009 issue.
===2010===
Starting from February 23, 2010, Up to Boy (UTB) magazine and Wani Books Mobile collaborated with Tsugunaga to create "Momo Pro" (もも♥プロ), a magazine corner where Tsugunaga teaches people how to become a professional.
On April 28, in episode 56 of her radio show Momoko no Puripuri Princess, Tsugunaga announced that she would be attending university to get a teacher's license to become a kindergarten or elementary school teacher.
In September, Tsugunaga designed an original backpack to celebrate UTB magazine's 200th issue.
===2011===
Tsugunaga, along with the other members of Buono!, starred in the horror film Gomennasai as the character Sonoda Shiori, a main character in the film.
Tsugunaga, along with the other members of the Hello! Project Kids, starred in the horror film Ousama Game as the character Imoto Yuuko, a minor character in the film.
In July, Tsugunaga started appearing alone several different times on different Japanese variety TV shows.
In September, Tsugunaga made an appearance on a Japanese comedy show, Mecha Mecha Iketeru (also known as Mechaike) as a member of Berryz Koubou. In this show, she gained decent recognition in the Japanese media and successfully established her presence as an irritating idol (ira-dol).
On November 26, Tsugunaga appeared solo on the cover of the magazine Rod & Reel.
===2012===
In early January, it was announced Tsugunaga would be a regular in the internet program Fujibiji Info MAX as a "business navigator."http://www.fujitv.co.jp/fujibiji/
On January 23, a contest was held in Japan during a press event to pick a new voice for the MMORPG Dragon Nest's Harori, an in-game idol character who had previously been voiced by Michishige Sayumi. The contest was called God Idol! Harori Junior-Senior Battle. The contestants were Michishige Sayumi, Barbie-san, and Tsugunaga. The rest of the match took place online in which Michishige Sayumi came out victorious.
On April 4, Tsugunaga was the ring girl for the WBA World Championship.
On July 16, Tsugunaga held a PR event for her solo song, "Momochi! Yurushite Nyan ♡ Taisou," at a beach house called Hyper Sea House in Enoshima.
On August 6, Tsugunaga appeared at a press event in Shinagawa, Tokyo, for the rice bowl dish restaurant Hanabatake Bokujo Whey Don Tei. During the event, Tsugunaga presented her "Momochi Donburi," a rice bowl dish she produced herself. Momochi Donburi was sold for a limited time, in the restaurant, at 50 dishes a day.
On October 27-28, she had her first solo bus tour which was titled Momochi to Iku Otomomochi Tour ~Neboushi Chattara Yurushite Nyan♡~. She also opened up her own official Ameba blog.http://ameblo.jp/tsugunaga-momoko-blog
===2013===
On January 2, Tsugunaga held an event titled Momochi-tsuki Taikai. At this event, she performed a New Year's version of "Momochi! Yurushite Nyan ♡ Taisou" and is presented with a Christmas tree that was decorated with images of her face.
On March 14, Tsugunaga appeared on three versions of a Pizza-La commercial with Sekine Mari. This was her first time appearing on a Pizza-La commercial representing just herself and not Buono!.
On April 29, Tsugunaga appeared solo on the cover of the magazine an weekly.
On May 20, it was announced Tsugunaga's first photo essay book would be released on June 22 titled Momochi no Kimochi.
On May 24, Tsugunaga appeared solo on the cover of the magazine Weekly Famitsu Taiwan.
On July 13, Tsugunaga appeared for a second time with Sekine Mari on a Pizza-La commercial.
===2014===
On January 14, it was announced Tsugunaga would hold a birthday fanclub event on March 6 at TOKYO FM HALL, titled Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai ~2 Nyan 2 Nyan 22sai Otomomochi Zenin Shugo~.
On March 2, it was announced Tsugunaga's radio show, Momoko no Puripuri Princess, would end on March 30.
On March 31, it was announced Tsugunaga would be a regular on the TV show Oha Suta, appearing every Thursday.http://mdpr.jp/news/detail/1345391
On November 5, it was announced that Tsugunaga would be a member of the Country Musume reboot unit, Country Girls."カントリー娘。「カントリー・ガールズ」に改名で再始動！ “ももち”も加入" (in Japanese). AliveM.net. 2014-11-05. She would become the group's playing manager after Berryz Koubou goes on indefinite hiatus in spring 2015.Satoda Mai (Translator: Skoban). "A report！ (Satoda Mai)." Blog!Project. 2014-11-05.
===2015===
On January 30, it was announced Tsugunaga would hold a birthday fanclub event for her 23rd birthday on March 6 at Yamano Hall, titled Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai ~Otomomochi Zenin Shugo 2015~.
On March 26, Tsugunaga graduated from her regular position on Oha Suta.Oha Suta. TV Tokyo. Broadcast: 2015-03-26.
===2016===
From March 5 to 16, Tsugunaga celebrated her 24th birthday during a special bus tour event titled Momochi to Iku Otomomochi Tour ~Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai 2016~ .
During the Country Girls Live Tour 2016 Fuyu day concert at Shinjuku ReNY on November 5, Country Girls' second anniversary, Tsugunaga announced that she will be graduating from Country Girls and Hello! Project, as well as retire from the entertainment industry, on June 30, 2017 to work as a teacher, which she had already graduated from university in 2014 studying early education."嗣永桃子に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2016-11-05.
===2017===
On March 6, Tsugunaga released her last solo photobook titled Momochi. She also celebrated her 25th birthday at a fanclub event titled Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai 2017, featuring two performances at Differ Ariake.
From March 22 to April 13, Tsugunaga held a solo dinner live titled HAPPY DINNER TIME ~Momo ni Sachi Are!~ at COTTON CLUB."「HAPPY DINNER TIME ～ももにさちあれ！～」（嗣永桃子）FC先行受付のお知らせ" (in Japanese). UP-FC. 2017-02-21.
From April 18 to April 20, she held the Tsugunaga Momoko Memorial Event Momogatari, in which she performed songs and told stories about her past 15 years as an idol.
From June 2 to June 4, Tsugunaga held her last solo fanclub tour, Momochi to Iku Otomomochi Tour ~Minna Zutto Otomomochi da yo~. Tsugunaga digitally released the theme song for the bus tour's sports meet, titled "♡Otomomochi Densetsu♡", on June 17."２（ももち）" (in Japanese). Country Girls Official Blog. 2017-06-17. 
She released her last solo image Blu-ray, Off Momochi in Okinawa, on June 21.
On June 28, Tsugunaga released her first and last solo album, Tsugunaga Momoko Idol 15 Shuunen Kinen Album ♡Arigatou Otomomochi♡, which includes solo covers, unreleased songs by Country Girls, and her best 15 songs selected by fan vote.「嗣永桃子 アイドル15周年記念アルバム ♡ありがとう おとももち♡」発売決定！収録曲の投票受付開始！. Hello! Project. 2017-05-01.
On June 30, Tsugunaga released her last photo essay book, Tsugunaga Momoko Sotsugyou Album. Then on that evening, she held her last solo concert Tsugunaga Momoko Last Live ♥Arigatou Otomomochi♥ at an outdoor venue in Odaiba, after which she officially retired from entertainment."ももち、“らしさ”満点でアイドル引退 ももち結びも一夜限り復活" (in Japanese). ORICON NEWS. 2017-06-30.
==Personal Life==
==Profile==
==Discography==
===Best Albums===
*[2017.06.28] Tsugunaga Momoko Idol 15 Shuunen Kinen Album ♡Arigatou Otomomochi♡
===Songs===
;Digital Songs
*[2010.12.10] Seinaru Kane ga Hibiku Yoru (聖なる鐘がひびく夜) (Tanpopo cover)
*[2011.03.29] Koi wo Shichaimashita! (恋をしちゃいました!) (Tanpopo cover)
*[2011.03.30] Egao ni Namida ~THANK YOU! DEAR MY FRIENDS~ (笑顔に涙) (Matsuura Aya cover)
*[2011.03.30] Kousui (香水) (Melon Kinenbi cover)
*[2017.06.17] ♡Otomomochi Densetsu♡ (♡おとももち 伝説♡) (as Momochi-sensei with Otomomochi no Minna)
;Solo Songs
*[2011.08.10] Kia Ora Gracias Arigato (キャオラ・グラシャス・ありがと)
*[2012.01.25] Hatsukoi Cider (初恋サイダー) (Buono! cover)
*[2012.07.25] Momochi! Yurushite Nyan ♡ Taisou (ももち! 許してにゃん♡体操)
*[2013.01.30] Momochi! Yurushite Nyan ♡ Taisou (Yurusa Nyai Remix) (ももち！許してにゃん♡体操（許さにゃい Remix)
*[2014.07.09] Koi wa Hipparidako (恋はひっぱりだこ) (Berryz Koubou cover)
===Compilations===
*[2012.12.05] Petit Best 13 (#15 Momochi! Yurushite Nyan ♡ Taisou)
===Solo Image DVDs/Blu-rays===
*[2008.12.03] momo only.
*[2009.09.09] momo ok.
*[2010.10.27] Momochi DVD Zukan
*[2011.03.06] Momo Play♡ (“e-Hello!” DVD)
*[2011.12.23] Momo Play 2 ~Yoru mo Uzai ne~ (“e-Hello!” DVD)
*[2012.04.25] Momochi Hatachi
*[2013.03.06] Momo Play 3 ~Rest Another Day~ (“e-Hello!” DVD)
*[2015.07.14] 2nd Greeting ~Tsugunaga Momoko~ (Web limited video)
*[2017.06.21] Off Momochi in Okinawa
===Solo Fanclub DVDs===
*[2013.02.23] Momochi to Iku Otomomochi Tour ~Neboushi Chattara Yurushite Nyan♡~
*[2014.07.27] Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai ~2 Nyan 2 Nyan 22sai Otomomochi Zenin Shugo~
*[2015.05.27] Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai ~Otomomochi Zenin Shugo 2015~
*[2016.07.26] Momochi to Iku Otomochi Tour ~Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai 2016~
*[2017.xx.xx] Momochi no Otanjoubi Kai 2017
*[2017.xx.xx] Momochi to Iku Otomomochi Tour ~Minna Zutto Otomomochi da yo~
===Other DVDs/Blu-rays===
*[2007.04.01] Tsugunaga Momoko Berryz Koubou DVD Magazine Vol.8
*[2017.06.29] Tsugunaga Momoko ~Sotsugyou Memorial~
*[2017.09.13] Tsugunaga Momoko Memorial Event Momogatari
*[2017.10.25] Tsugunaga Momoko Last Live ♥Arigatou Otomomochi♥
*[2017.11.25] Tsugunaga Momoko on Country Girls Concert Tour 2017 Haru ~Momochiism~
==Publications==
===Solo Photobooks===
*[2007.06.19] momo
*[2008.03.19] momo16
*[2008.11.21] Momo no Mi
*[2009.08.21] momochiiii
*[2010.10.20] Momochi Zukan
*[2012.03.06] Hatachi Momochi
*[2017.03.06] Momochi
===Other Books===
*[2013.06.22] Momochi no Kimochi (ももちのきもち) (Photo essay book)
*[2017.06.30] Tsugunaga Momoko Sotsugyou Album (嗣永桃子卒業アルバム) (Photo essay book)
==Works==
===Movies===
*[2002] Koinu Dan no Monogatari (仔犬ダンの物語) (as Morishita Mao)
*[2004] Promise Land ~Clovers no Daibouken~ (Promise Land ~クローバーズの大冒険~)
*[2011] Ousama Game (王様ゲーム) (as Imoto Yuuko)
*[2011] Gomennasai (ゴメンナサイ) (as Sonoda Shiori)
===TV Programs===
*[2002–2007] Hello! Morning (ハロー! モーニング)
*[2007–2008] Haromoni@ (ハロモニ@)
*[2008] Berikyuu! (ベリキュー!)
*[2008–2009] Yorosen! (よろセン!)
*[2009] Bijo Houdan (美女放談) (2 episodes)
*[2010–2011] Bijo Gaku (美女学)
*[2011–2012] Hello Pro! TIME (ハロプロ！ＴＩＭＥ)
*[2011–2013] Kaette Kita Berryz Kamen! (帰ってきたBerryz仮面!)
*[2012–2013] Hello! SATOYAMA Life (ハロー！ＳＡＴＯＹＡＭＡライフ)
*[2014–2017] The Girls Live
*[2014–2015] Oha Suta (おはスタ) (as a Thursday regular)
===TV Dramas===
*[2012] Suugaku♥Joshi Gakuen (数学♥女子学園) (as Harajuku Tomoko)
===Theater===
*[2006] Edo Kara Chakushin!? ~Timeslip to Kengai!~ (江戸から着信!? 〜タイムスリップto圏外!〜)
*[2007] Reverse! ~ Watashi no Karada Doko Desu ka? (リバース! 〜私の体どこですか?)
*[2008] Berryz Koubou VS Berryz Koubou (Berryz工房 VS Berryz工房)
*[2009] Thank You Very Berry (サンク ユー ベリー ベリー)
*[2010] Sanokuen Shoujo (三億円少女)
*[2011] Real Etude Minna no Ie Girl's STAGE (リアルエチュード みんなの家 Girl's STAGE)
*[2011] Sengoku Jieitai (戦国自衛隊) (Stageplay)
*[2013] Warera Jeanne ~Shoujo Seisen Kageki~ (我らジャンヌ 〜少女聖戦歌劇〜) (as Belle)
===Commercials===
*[2009] Pizza-La's French Camembert Cheese with 4 Kinds of Selected Ham Pizza - "Camemdance (Tsugunaga Momoko Ver.)"
*[2013] Pizza-La's Circular Cheese Cut Into 4 Quarters - "Music Hen", "Sizzle Hen", "Mari・Antoinette Hen"
*[2013] Pizza-La's Ebi-LA - "Ebi-dansu Hen"
===Music Videos===
*[2003] Fujimoto Miki - "Boogie Train '03" (as back dancer)
===Internet===
*[2008–2009] DogaDoga7 (ドガドガ7) (as a regular)
*[2011] Michishige Sayumi no "Mobekimasutte Nani??" (道重さゆみの『モベキマスってなに？？』)
*[2012–2014] Fujibiji Info MAX (ふじびじインフォMAX) (as a regular)
*[2013–2017] Hello! Project Station
*[2014–2016] MUSIC+
*[2015–2016] GREEN ROOM
*[2016–2017] Upcoming
*[2016–2017] Girls Night Out
===Radio===
*[2004–2009] Berryz Koubou Kiritsu! Rei! Chakuseki! (Berryz工房 起立! 礼! 着席!)
*[2009–2014] Momoko no Puripuri Princess (桃子のぷりぷりプリンセス)
*[2011] Viva!Paella Presesnts - MUSIC Buono! (Shonan Beach FM)
*[2011–2013] PIZZA-LA presents - Cafe Buono! (Shonan Beach FM)
*[2013–2015] PIZZA-LA presents - Torattoria Buono! (Shonan Beach FM)
==Milestones==
*She was the first and, up until April 2012, the only Hello! Project member to attend university while still continuing her activities as an Hello! Project member.
*She is the first Hello! Project member to graduate from university while still an active member.
*"Momo Attack", an attack she created, is a tournament in the TV show Sakigake Ongaku Banzuke Eight.
*She has participated twice in VS Arashi, a popular variety show in which people play games with the famous boy band Arashi.
*She was the ring girl for the WBA World Championship.
*The video "Momochi! Yurushite Nyan ♡ Taisou (Otomomochi Version)" has over one million views, and is the 9th highest viewed video on Berryz Koubou's YouTube channel."ももち 『ももち！許してにゃん♡体操（おとももちバージョン）』 " (in Japanese). Berryz Koubou (via YouTube). 2012-07-14.
*She has the most solo photobooks and solo DVDs out of all the Berryz Koubou members.
*She had at least one solo line in every Berryz Koubou single except "VERY BEAUTY".
==Rankings==
==Trivia==
==Honorary Titles==
|}
==References==
==External Links==
*Country Girls Profile (archived)
*Berryz Koubou Profile (archived)
*Official Blog
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