Morning Musume/History

==1997==
Japanese producer Tsunku started the group in 1997 through the Sharam Q Josei Rock Vocalist Audition for a female rock vocalist for his band .Poole, Robert Michael. "Morning Musume not ready to graduate yet". Japan Times. 2009-03-13 The audition was held on the Japanese TV show ASAYAN. The winner was Heike Michiyo, who later became a soloist under what would eventually become known as Hello! Project.
Tsunku decided to form a girl group consisting of five of the runners-up: Nakazawa Yuko, Abe Natsumi, Iida Kaori, Fukuda Asuka, and Ishiguro Aya. Tsunku suggested the names Takoyaki Sisters, Morning Service, and Morning Five, before deciding on the name of the group as Morning Musume (based on the image of “Breakfast filled with variety and volume, great value meal, easy to approach and familiar to everyone”). Morning Musume was officially announced as a group by Tsunku on the September 14 episode of ASAYAN.
They were issued a challenge to sell 50,000 copies of their demo single, "Ai no Tane", with just five days of promotion events. They managed the feat in four promotion days (spread out over November) in a very grassroots manner. Tsunku began his mission to create the most famous all-girl group in Japan.
For their major debut single, three songs were recorded: "Morning Coffee", "Usotsuki Anta", and "Dou ni ka Shite Douyoubi". Demos of the songs were played on ASAYAN while the girls were interviewed. People could phone in and vote for the song that would be their debut single.
==1998==
In early 1998, the girls were ready with their first official single, "Morning Coffee"."モーニングコーヒー" (in Japanese). UP-FRONT WORKS. It placed #6 on the Japanese pop charts.
Just a few months later, in March, Tsunku announced a plan to increase Morning Musume’s members. This initiated the audition called Morning Musume Tsuika Audition. Tsunku wanted five new members, but only three girls passed the final audition in May: Yasuda Kei, Yaguchi Mari, and Ichii Sayaka, bringing the total member count to eight.
The second single, "Summer Night Town," was the first single of the new lineup—a mature pop tune about unsuccessfully attempting to hide one's true feelings."サマーナイトタウン" (in Japanese). UP-FRONT WORKS. Their third single, "Daite HOLD ON ME!," continued in the same vein musically as "Summer Night Town," and managed to hit #1 on the charts."抱いてHOLD ON ME!" (in Japanese). UP-FRONT WORKS. Leader Nakazawa Yuko also started her solo career.
First Time, Morning Musume's first album, released on July 8, featured the singles "Ai no Tane", "Morning Coffee", and "Summer Night Town.""ファーストタイム" (in Japanese). UP-FRONT WORKS.
That year, Tsunku also formed Tanpopo, the first subgroup of Morning Musume, with Iida Kaori, Ishiguro Aya, and Yaguchi Mari. Tanpopo touted slower, more mature songs.
On December 31, Morning Musume won the Japan Record Award for "Best New Artist."
==1999==
This year started off with the group's fourth single, "Memory Seishun no Hikari," failing to hit #1 but managed to reach #2 on the weekly Oricon charts."Memory 青春の光" (in Japanese). UP-FRONT WORKS. The song contained a rap section and intense vocal harmonization on the girls parts. Fukuda Asuka later surprised everyone and announced this would be her last single. She had the shortest tenure of any Morning Musume member. She got her own solo song, "Never Forget," as the 3rd track on the single.
"Manatsu no Kousen" was released on May 12 and has a summer theme. It reached #3 on the charts.
Their sixth single, "Furusato," was released on July 14. Abe Natsumi sang the entire song, with the other members harmonizing discreetly. This single reached #5 on Oricon's charts.
Second Morning, Morning Musume's second album, was released on July 28. It contains the singles "Daite HOLD ON ME!," "Memory Seishun no Hikari", "Manatsu no Kousen", and "Furusato." Both "Daite HOLD ON ME!" and "Manatsu no Kousen" were remixes.
Tsunku held the Morning Musume 2nd Tsuika Audition for the third generation of Morning Musume. Two girls were expected to be admitted, but ultimately only Goto Maki was added. Goto was 13, the youngest member of Morning Musume at the time. The group's seventh single, "LOVE Machine," sold 1,730,000 copies, making it a major hit. It is still their highest-selling single to date. The song touted an image of Japan as the future "envy of the world" and cheered the masses during a period of economic recession. It was Goto Maki's first single and Ishiguro Aya's last. Its success dramatically increased the popularity of the group.
Soon Goto was paired with Yasuda Kei and Ichii Sayaka to form the subgroup Petitmoni. Petitmoni's first single, "Chokotto LOVE," rivaled the success of "LOVE Machine," selling over 1,123,610 copies.
==2000==
This year first saw the release of Koi no Dance Site on January 26, which hit #2 and sold over a million copies, 400,000 copies away from reaching LOVE Machine's success. The single had the highest 1st week sales, more than any other of Morning Musume's singles, an amount of 600,860 copies. Even with this large number, the single did not reach #1 because of Southern All Stars's biggest hit single, TSUNAMI, which sold a total of 2.93 million copies. It was released on the same date as Koi no Dance Site. Ishiguro Aya left the group before the single was released in order to marry Shinya, the drummer of the rock band Luna Sea. This left the group with seven members.
The second event of 2000 was the creation of "shuffle units," in which all members of Tsunku's then 16-member family, Hello! Project, were shuffled around to form three one-time groups: Akagumi 4, Kiiro 5, and Aoiro 7. The idea was to battle for the highest single sales. This was achieved by Akagumi 4, which boasted Goto Maki as the lead vocals.
On March 23, their third studio album, 3rd -LOVE Paradise- was released. Despite having LOVE Machine and Koi no Dance Site on its track list, it did not manage to claim the #1 spot but did sell more than 800,000 copies, making it Morning Musume's highest-selling studio album to date.
This year also brought a new generation search. The fourth generation consisted of Ishikawa Rika, Yoshizawa Hitomi, Tsuji Nozomi, and Kago Ai, lending a completely different feel to the group by adding the 12-year-old duo of Tsuji Nozomi and Kago Ai. After the single, Happy Summer Wedding (released on May 17 and eventually reaching #1 on the charts with 1,370,000 copies sold), Ichii Sayaka left the group to pursue her own music career. She became the vocalist of Japanese group Ichii Sayaka in CUBIC-CROSS and later married fellow member Yoshizawa Naoki (no relation to Yoshizawa Hitomi).
With Ishiguro Aya and Ichii Sayaka gone, both Tanpopo and Petitmoni revised their lineups, Yoshizawa Hitomi joined Petitmoni, and Kago Ai and Ishikawa Rika were added to Tanpopo. Meanwhile, Yaguchi Mari had started performing informally with Kago Ai and Tsuji Nozomi in concerts as Minimoni, a group tailored towards younger audiences with all the members being less than 150 cm (about 5 ft) tall. Mika Todd, of Coconuts Musume, was later added to the group and Tsunku made them official. Their debut single, Minimoni Jankenpyon!, was a #1 hit on Oricon.
As an idol group, they were extremely successful, drawing comparisons to the popularity of former girl idol group Speed. I WISH and Ren'ai Revolution 21 (Nakazawa Yuko's last single) continued the trend of happy pop songs, which were becoming staple hits for the group. Morning Musume also began their tradition of performing in musicals each year, breaking new ground as idols with their hit musical, Love Century -Yume wa Minakerya Hajimaranai-.
==2001==
Morning Musume was featured in a PlayStation 2 video game called Space Venus, which was released on January 11.
On January 31, the best selling Hello! Project album to date, at 2,259,510 copies, was released: Best! Morning Musume 1. It featured 15 tracks, the only original song being "Say Yeah! -Motto Miracle Night-."
In April, group leader Nakazawa Yuko graduated to concentrate more on her solo career (she also felt it was limiting her ability to meet the physical demands of the group's activities) making Iida Kaori and Yasuda Kei Morning Musume's co-leaders. During this time, Ishikawa Rika was "loaned" out to the inactive group, Country Musume. She did not officially join, but she sang with them for a short period of time.
On July 25, the string of #1 hits had yet to be broken with the release of the single The☆Peace! The☆Peace! was another somewhat bizarre pop tune, beginning with an almost fight song-like call and response, and featuring Ishikawa Rika as the lead. She had a dialog in the middle of the song, many solo lines, and took center in the dance and the cover shot. The promotional video echoed the song's strangeness by placing the group in the middle of what appeared to be a gigantic public bathroom, displaying the girls dancing inside the urinals and posing for photographs in the stalls; supposedly as a response to hidden camera footage of the members that had recently surfaced, filmed from a toilet in their production offices.
At the end of 2001, four new members joined the group as the 5th Generation through the Morning Musume LOVE Audition 21: Takahashi Ai, Konno Asami, Ogawa Makoto, and Niigaki Risa, bringing the roster to 13 girls. Their first single "Mr.Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~" (done in the big band style, of course), released on October 31, featured fourth generation member Yoshizawa Hitomi as the central focus and main vocalist of the song. The single sold over half a million copies.
==2002==
On February 21, "Souda! We're ALIVE,", was released. It featured many different styles combined into one song, centering on Yaguchi Mari.
Morning Musume's fourth studio album, 4th Ikimasshoi! was released on March 27. It is the first studio album from the group to reach #1 on Oricon. It featured the singles "Ren'ai Revolution 21," (re-recorded with the current 13-person formation) "The Peace!," (in an extended version,) "Mr.Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~," (with added dialog at the beginning), and "Souda! We're Alive."
On July 24, Do it! Now was released. This single came in at #3 and was Goto Maki's last single.
Late 2002 was marked by the graduation of Goto Maki and a mass reshuffle of the sub-units. Tsunku removed Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari, and Kago Ai from Tanpopo, adding in Konno Asami, Niigaki Risa, and Shibata Ayumi of Melon Kinenbi to join Ishikawa Rika. Tanpopo only released one single with this lineup before the group was put on an indefinite hiatus. Ogawa Makoto and Kimura Ayaka of Coconuts Musume joined Yoshizawa Hitomi in Petitmoni to replace Yasuda Kei and Goto Maki. However, this version of the group never released a single, and only performed in concerts. Their song, "Wow Wow Wow," was later released on the Hello! Project's compilation CD Petit Best 4. In Minimoni, Yaguchi Mari was replaced by Takahashi Ai and the new lineup went on to put out several singles and a second album until member Mika Todd graduated in May 2004, adding Minimoni to the list of "indefinite hiatus" subgroups.
On October 30, Koko ni Iruzee! was released. It was a fast-paced, feel-good song about making the most of life and music's ability to unite the world. It reached #1 on Oricon.
==2003==
The unique child-like tune Morning Musume no Hyokkori Hyoutanjima was released on February 19 as the group's seventeenth single. It is significant because it was a cover song, marking the first time Tsunku did not write a single's lyrics.
Before the auditions for the sixth generation were held, the group released the album No.5 on March 26. It was unique in a few ways. It was the last studio album to feature Yasuda Kei and Abe Natsumi as full members of the group. It was also the first Morning Musume studio album to feature a former member, as Goto Maki guests on "Megami ~Mousse na Yasashisa~" and "Ganbacchae." It only featured two singles: "Do it! Now" and "Koko ni Iruzee!."
April 23 brought the notably successful single AS FOR ONE DAY, a synthesizer-driven song about lost love, which sold 129,893 copies and hit #1 on Oricon charts. It was the last time a Morning Musume single got #1 until "Aruiteru" (released in 2006). This single was also Yasuda Kei's last single with the group.
In mid-2003, four new girls were added as the sixth generation: Fujimoto Miki, Kamei Eri, Michishige Sayumi, and Tanaka Reina. After she pulled off a successful appearance on the New Year's music program "Kōhaku Uta Gassen" with several Morning Musume members dancing as backup, Tsunku also added in Fujimoto Miki as part of the sixth generation. Their debut concert was also Yasuda Kei's graduation concert, and Tsunku has said that this one-time 16-member group is the largest Morning Musume will ever be.
The sixth generation's first single was Shabondama, released on July 30. It featured "break-up" lyrics, a seemingly spontaneous dance routine, and rolled "r"s.
Yaguchi Mari became Morning Musume's sub-leader after Kei's graduation and was also put in charge of training and assisting the trainee group of Hello! Project Kids, eventually forming a group with 5 of them, known as ZYX.
Later in 2003, Morning Musume was split into two subgroups so that it could tour more cities (especially smaller cities that could not support a 15-member troupe). Morning Musume Sakura Gumi, which focused on slower and more traditional love songs, included Abe Natsumi, Yaguchi Mari, Yoshizawa Hitomi, Kago Ai, Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa, Konno Asami, and Kamei Eri. Morning Musume Otome Gumi, which had more upbeat pop songs with a slight rock flavor, featured Iida Kaori, Ishikawa Rika, Tsuji Nozomi, Ogawa Makoto, Fujimoto Miki, Michishige Sayumi, and Tanaka Reina. Sakura Gumi released two singles: Hare Ame Nochi Suki ♡ and Sakura Mankai, and Otome Gumi released two singles as well: "Ai no Sono ~Touch My Heart!~ and Yuujou ~Kokoro no Busu ni wa Naranee!~.
The last single of Morning Musume in 2003 to feature the entire group was Go Girl ~Koi no Victory~, released on November 6. It had the members girlishly proclaiming the victory of their love.
==2004==
In January, Abe Natsumi (known as "the face of Morning Musume" to the general public) graduated to pursue a solo career. Her last single was Ai Araba IT'S ALL RIGHT, released on January 21. It was Morning Musume's last song to sell more than 100,000 copies. "Ai Araba IT'S ALL RIGHT" had uplifting lyrics and a cheerful dance sequence.
On March 31, Morning Musume's second best-of album, Best! Morning Musume 2 was released and featured "Yah! Aishitai" as the only new track.
The group soon released another single, Roman ~MY DEAR BOY~, on May 12. The song showcased an almost rock flavor and centered its lyrics around offering "a dance" to a boy. This was followed by their twenty-third single, Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari, released on July 22. It is unique in that it was actually about the Morning Musume girls themselves, each member got a verse about their personality. This song would later be remade several times as "Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari 2" and "Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari 3," included in their sixth and seventh albums respectively. This single also marked the graduation of fourth generation members Tsuji Nozomi and Kago Ai in August, to focus on W, their new duo.
In May, it was announced that then leader Iida Kaori and Ishikawa Rika would be graduating from Morning Musume in 2005.
Auditions for the seventh generation (named "Lucky 7" to commemorate the seventh generation, the seventh year of Morning Musume, and seven audition sites across Japan) were held in various Japan cities in late 2004, resulting in six finalists. However, on January 9, 2005, Tsunku surprised everyone by announcing that no one in the Lucky 7 audition would be added to Morning Musume, citing that he had set his expectations extra-high this year in hopes of finding an "ace."Tsunku. "つんく♂よりモーニング娘。ラッキー7オーディションの結果に関するコメント" (in Japanese). Hello! Project Official Website. 2005-01-10. This was the first time an audition had ended with no new members.
On November 3, Morning Musume released Namida ga Tomaranai Houkago, a ballad that featured Ishikawa Rika, Konno Asami, and Michishige Sayumi.
On December 8, the group's sixth studio album, Ai no Dai 6kan, was released. It contained three singles: "Roman ~My Dear Boy~," "Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari," and "Namida ga Tomaranai Hōkago." This was Kago Ai, Tsuji Nozomi, Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari, and Ishikawa Rika's last credited studio album.
On December 15, Morning Musume EARLY SINGLE BOX was released. It was a 9-CD set containing their first eight singles with a bonus track on each one, as well as a karaoke CD of some of their more popular tunes from the early years.
==2005==
On January 30, then-leader and the last member from the first generation, Iida Kaori, graduated to pursue a solo/artist career, with Yaguchi Mari taking on the leadership role. Yoshizawa Hitomi was made sub-leader. Her last single was THE Manpower!!, released on January 19, was about the abilities of the human race and was also the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles theme song.
The beginning of the year also saw the TV broadcast of Musume Document 2005, which covered behind-the-scenes material, historical footage, and interviews.
In February, Tsunku started another audition for Morning Musume's seventh generation, titled Morning Musume Audition 2005."モーニング娘。オーディション2005 開催決定！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project Official Website. 2005-01-30. He noted that he was still intent on finding an "ace." This audition resulted in Kusumi Koharu finally being chosen as the sole "miracle" member of the new generation.
On April 10, photos were taken of Yaguchi Mari with Shun Oguri (scheduled to be published in the gossip magazine Friday! on April 15). Yaguchi announced that she would "retire" from Morning Musume and would continue on with solo activities. In her public statement, Yaguchi said that due to the scandal and its publicity, she could no longer sustain an "idol" image befitting of Morning Musume. Because of the nature of her departure (resignation rather than graduation), Yaguchi did not receive a graduation concert. Sub-leader Yoshizawa Hitomi took over as the leader of Morning Musume, and Fujimoto Miki became sub-leader on July 15.
On April 27, the group's twenty-sixth single, Osaka Koi no Uta was released. The final version featured Yaguchi still, presumably because they did not have enough time to re-record and remix it. The lyrics are in an Osaka dialect. This single was also Ishikawa Rika's last. She graduated on May 7 to assume full-time leadership of the Hello! Project trio known as v-u-den.
Kusumi Koharu's first single with Morning Musume was Iroppoi Jirettai, released on July 27. It featured a flamenco-styled song. It sold over 60,000 copies. A 3 city handshake event was organized for the promotion of this single.
Morning Musume's last single of 2005 was Chokkan 2 ~Nogashita Sakana wa Ookiizo!~, released on November 9. It was a remake of a previous album-only song about the importance of using your intuition and not taking good things for granted. "Koi wa Hassō Do The Hustle!" was going to be the title track for the single, but due to poor preview results, became the coupling track instead.
On December 31, 2005, graduated Morning Musume members Nakazawa Yuko, Iida Kaori, Abe Natsumi, Yasuda Kei, Yaguchi Mari, Goto Maki, Ishikawa Rika, Tsuji Nozomi, and Kago Ai joined the current lineup of Morning Musume to perform the band's signature hit "LOVE Machine" on the 2005/2006 edition of Kōhaku Uta Gassen. The performance was Yaguchi Mari's first since leaving Morning Musume eight and a half months earlier
==2006==
On January 16, it was announced that Morning Musume had won a Kanagawa Image Up Award in recognition of Hello! Project's support of an anti-pollution campaign. Yoshizawa Hitomi, Fujimoto Miki and Takahashi Ai represented the group to accept the award.
On February 15, the group released their seventh studio album, Rainbow 7. It was the first album for Kusumi Koharu and the last for Konno Asami and Ogawa Makoto. The album features "THE Manpower!!!," "Osaka Koi no Uta," "Iroppoi Jirettai," and "Chokkan 2 ~Nogashita Sakana wa Ookiizo!~" (in a remixed form). Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari, and Ishikawa Rika are not credited anywhere in the liner notes although their vocals appear. Three of the songs on the album are performed by smaller clusters of several group members, and are credited in the liner notes to the featured members involved, rather than to the entire group.
On March 15, "SEXY BOY ~Soyokaze ni Yorisotte~" was released. It featured an easy-to-learn dance and a parapara style.
On April 28, it was announced by Tsunku from his official website that fifth generation members Konno Asami and Ogawa Makoto were going to graduate. Konno Asami graduated on July 23, to attend University and Ogawa Makoto graduated on August 27, to study English abroad. Both left Morning Musume, but only Konno Asami left Hello! Project entirely; Ogawa Makoto intended to return after completing her studies, and continued to be pictured as a soloist on Hello! Project's official website. However, in 2007, Konno Asami returned to Hello! Project to join the new group Ongaku Gatas, making it the first time ever that a girl who left Hello! Project actually returned. She remained an active member within the agency and Ongaku Gatas while continuing her university studies. Ogawa Makoto, on the other hand, returned in June 2008 by appearing on an episode of Morning Musume's television show Haromoni@.
Konno Asami and Ogawa Makoto's last single was "Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii jan", released on June 21. It featured a parapara type arrangement, with a rock 'n' roll flair. It was the group's 30th single, and a limited-edition CD of all past 30 singles mixed into a thirteen-minute track was included on the first pressing.
In August, the group performed Ribbon no Kishi The Musical. Takahashi Ai took the main role; the secondary role was played by alternating members. There was also a mini-concert at the end of each performance, which served as Ogawa Makoto's real "graduation concert." The Wonderful Hearts 2006 concert was initially intended for Konno Asami's graduation only, although Ogawa Makoto wore a special outfit and read her graduation comments as well. It was a last minute decision that fans were unaware of before the concert began.
In mid-2006, Tsunku announced the audition for the eighth generation, called Morning Musume Happy 8ki Audition. The audition started on August 27 and ended in Tokyo on October 22. On the December 10 episode of Hello! Morning, it was announced that the only new member was Mitsui Aika.Tsunku. "モーニング娘。第８期メンバー加入のお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project Official Website. 2006-12-11. The show had a piece of audition footage each week leading up to December 10.
The last single release in 2006 was "Aruiteru", released on November 8. It was the first single at the #1 spot after 3½ years (their last #1 hit being "AS FOR ONE DAY"). The song's lyrics were credited for its success, with lines like "walking, you're not alone because everyone's here with you, praying for peace." It was a bit of a turn from the hyperactive singles the group had been releasing. Tsunku's group, , also made a rock cover of this song.
Their first mini-album, 7.5 Fuyu Fuyu Morning Musume Mini!, was released on December 13. It featured five tracks by solo and/or smaller combinations of band members. It also featured the single "Aruiteru."
==2007==
In early 2007, Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai, a unit consisting of Iida Kaori, Abe Natsumi, Goto Maki, Niigaki Risa, and Kusumi Koharu, was created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Morning Musume. They released a commemorative single called Bokura ga Ikiru MY ASIA on January 24. The members chosen symbolize the beginning of the group; how they had five members ranging in age from 13–24. Additionally, each member was from an odd-numbered generation (Iida Kaori and Abe Natsumi from the first generation, Goto Maki from the third, Niigaki Risa from the fifth, and Kusumi Koharu from the seventh).
On January 2, an announcement was made during Hello! Project's 2007 Winter concert that the group's leader at the time, Yoshizawa Hitomi, would graduate from Morning Musume on May 6, the last day of Morning Musume's 2007 spring tour. The concert was at the Saitama Super Arena in Yoshizawa Hitomi's hometown.
On February 14, the first single with eighth generation member Mitsui Aika, was released, Egao YES Nude. This was the first PV of Morning Musume to appear on the Dohhh!Up site (a streaming website of Hello! Project media). The single reached the #4 spot on Oricon. The song has a funky, disco feel, and is highly reminiscent of some of the oldest songs of Morning Musume, most notably "Summer Night Town."
On the March 11 edition of the weekly TV show Hello! Morning, producer Tsunku revealed he would make an important announcement on the following episode. Several days later, on March 15, he announced that two other eighth generation members would be joining the group: Junjun and Linlin, both Chinese nationals, were to join as "exchange students."Tsunku. "モーニング娘。新メンバーに関して、つんく♂より皆様へのお知らせ。" (in Japanese). Hello! Project Official Website. 2007-03. Archived 2007-03-20. Tsunku stated the two new members would be an important key for their group's planned expansion into Asia and gave them the stage names "Junjun" and "Linlin" respectively. The two made their stage debut on May 6, at the Saitama Super Arena, during then-leader Yoshizawa Hitomi's graduation. This was notable, as they are the first non-Japanese members of the group.
On March 21, the group's eighth studio album, SEXY 8 BEAT, was released. It was the first album for Mitsui Aika and the last album for Yoshizawa Hitomi and Fujimoto Miki. It featured the singles "Aruiteru," "Egao Yes Nude," "Sexy Boy ~Soyokaze ni Yorisotte~," and "Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii Jan."
On April 25, Morning Musume released their 33rd single, Kanashimi Twilight. The song displayed a loud rock arrangement and the angriest lyrics since "Shabondama."
With the success of Kanashimi Twilight, on May 1, Morning Musume was announced as the "best single selling female group in Japan" with 11,085,000 copies sold, their fifth Oricon record. The achievement surpassed the previous record set by Pink Lady of 11,037,000 copies sold.
On May 6, Yoshizawa Hitomi graduated. Fujimoto Miki took her place as leader and Takahashi Ai replaced Fujimoto as sub-leader.
On June 1, Fujimoto Miki resigned from Morning Musume, due to the tabloid magazine Friday running an article depicting Fujimoto and comedian Tomoharu Shoji in a relationship. Takahashi Ai replaced Fujimoto as leader (a position the latter occupied for the briefest period in the band's history, 26 days), and Niigaki Risa became sub-leader.
Morning Musume's 34th single Onna ni Sachi Are was released on July 25. It featured the debut of new eighth generation members from China, Junjun and Linlin. This was the first time that girls from another country entered the group. The single reached #2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, with sales of 43,364 copies.
On October 26, Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa, and Kusumi Koharu visited Korea to promote their singles collection album Morning Musume ALL SINGLES COMPLETE ~10th ANNIVERSARY~, which was released on October 24. Takahashi and Niigaki also appeared as special guests in a Korean radio show called Maybee's Turn Up the Volume (메이비의 볼륨을 높여요). Later that same month, on October 29, all nine members traveled to Taiwan for three days to promote the album. This was the first time Morning Musume held a non-Fan Club promotional event in a country outside of Japan. During their visit, they attended press conferences, appeared for radio and TV show recordings, and held the first-ever public handshaking event outside of Japan.
November 21 marked the release of Morning Musume's 35th single, Mikan. Initial sales were poor for the song, which became the group's lowest-selling single, (even lower than the initial indies release of "Ai no Tane", which sold 50,000 copies), both in terms of first week sales and absolute sales figures. As a result, unlike all previous singles, "Mikan" failed to appear on Oricon's Top 5 Chart, breaking the group's previously held record.
On December 31, Morning Musume performed in the 58th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen with a remixed version of their song "Love Machine" along with ℃-ute and Berryz Koubou. Similar to the previous Kōhaku, the red team (females) lost to the white team (males) after attaining votes from the viewers and judges.
==2008==
Takahashi Ai, Kamei Eri, Michishige Sayumi, and Tanaka Reina participated in the musical Ojigi 30 Degrees at the Shinjuku Theater from February 26 to March 2. Morning Musume's 36th music single, Resonant Blue, had been announced for release on March 5, but was postponed until April 16, because of the busy schedule in the winter/early spring season. Multiple promotional videos were released. With the original, another version, a studio dance shot version, a night scene version, and a one-cut dance version, it makes the most PVs ever released for one single. Also notable is the smoky eye makeup used on the members, a daring new look for Morning Musume as they attempted to expand into Asia.
The group held a concert at Taipei Nankang Exhibition Hall, Taiwan, on May 24. the first time ever for Morning Musume to hold a concert outside Japan.
On April 5, Morning Musume’s Mitsui Aika complained of a stomach ache after a concert at Hachiōji Citizen Hall. She was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and was ordered to rest for two weeks. Mitsui subsequently missed the concerts on April 12 and 13.
"Resonant Blue" was released on April 16, the 36th single after it had been delayed due to a hectic schedule. The single debuted at #2 and finished third in the Oricon Weekly ranking. Overall, the single marked a rebound from poor sales of the previous single, "Mikan." In its first week, it sold 48,086 copies, 20,004 copies more than "Mikan" and around 5,000 more copies than Onna ni Sachi Are.
From August 6 to August 25, Morning Musume performed with several members of the all-female Takarazuka theatre troupe in a version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. Takahashi Ai starred in the main role of Cinderella, with Niigaki Risa as the Prince, and Kamei Eri and Tanaka Reina as the stepsisters. The other members participated as fairies and guards.
Morning Musume's 37th single, Pepper Keibu, was released on September 24. Unlike past singles (with the exception of "Morning Musume no Hyokkori Hyoutanjima"), this song is actually a cover of Pink Lady's debut single, which was originally released in 1976.
Berikyuu! and Haromoni@ finished their run and both were replaced with Yorosen!. It started on October 6. The show starred Morning Musume, Berryz Koubou, and ℃-ute.
2008 was the first year in which there were no changes in Morning Musume's lineup.
==2009==
Morning Musume released their 38th single, Nai Chau Kamo, on February 18. The title is translated to "I Might Cry" and was released in two limited versions A and B, each including a DVD. On March 18, they released their ninth studio album, Platinum 9 DISC.
In March 2009, all Morning Musume singles and albums, past and present, became available through JapanFiles.com via digital MP3 format in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It started with "Nai Chau Kamo" and the simultaneous Japan and USA release of their 9th album "Platinum 9 Disc" on March 18. Japanfiles also sold Morning Musume CDs as USA versions. It started with the album "Platinum 9 Disc" and their most recent single "Shouganai Yume Oibito."
Morning Musume released their 39th single, Shouganai Yume Oibito, on May 13, attaining a rank of #1 on the Oricon weekly chart, the first time since their "Aruiteru" single in late 2006. It also became the group's first #1 single to feature eighth generation members Mitsui Aika, Junjun, and Linlin.
Following the success of "Shouganai Yume Oibito," the group released their 40th single Nanchatte Ren'ai on August 12th, which was their third single in 2009. At the same time, with "Nanchatte Ren'ai" being the group's 40th commemorative single, a commemorative edition was released along with the usual regular edition plus two limited editions with two different DVDs. What is interesting about the commemorative edition is that there were different c/w tracks in it than the ones for the regular and limited editions. This is something the group had never done before (having 2 c/w tracks in different editions of the singles) since their 4th single "Memory Seishun no Hikari" in 1999. (note: 'Memory Seishun no Hikari' had two c/w tracks in one edition). "Nanchatte Ren'ai" charted at #2 on the Oricon Weekly Sales Chart with 54,973 CDs sold. This single marked their best opening week since "Iroppi Jirettai" back in 2005.
With good sales from "Nanchatte Ren'ai." Morning Musume released their 41st single Kimagure Princess on October 28. The single had four versions (Regular, Limited A, B, and C). The regular had a photo card, while Limited C contained 10 different covers. This was not the first time Morning Musume did this. "Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii jan" came with 10 different covers for their 30th single. "Kimagure Princess" was the last single with Kusumi Koharu as she graduated in December to pursue a modeling career. Her graduation marked the end of Morning Musume's longest lasting line-up.
On October 7, a greatest hits album, Morning Musume Zen Single Coupling Collection, was released featuring all B-side songs from their debut single to their 40th single on 3 discs.
==2010==
Morning Musume released their 42nd single, Onna ga Medatte Naze Ikenai, on February 10. It had four versions: regular and 3 limited editions. This was the first single released with the new eight-member lineup and the first single following the graduation of seventh generation member Kusumi Koharu. Their tenth album, 10 MY ME, was released on March 17. Their 43rd single, Seishun Collection, was released on June 9 and had four editions: regular and 3 Limited editions.
It was announced that Kamei Eri, along with 8th Generation members Junjun and Linlin would graduate from Morning Musume at the "Morning Musume 2010 Rival Survival Fall Concert Tour." "Morning Musume’s Concert Tour 2010 Fall ~Rival Survival~" an additional date at Yokohama Arena was added to the schedule as the final concert of the tour.
Around the middle of 2010, Tsunku created a new unit called Muten Musume to release their new single Appare! Kaiten Zushi. It was released on October 27. It was created to promote sushi all over the world.
Their 44th single, Onna to Otoko no Lullaby Game, was released on November 17 and it had four versions: 1 regular and 3 limited editions. This was the last single to feature Kamei Eri, Junjun and Linlin.
Morning Musume was part of the cast for the movie "Keitai Deka The Movie 3: Morning Musume Kyuushutsu Daisakusen! ~ Pandora no Hako no Himitsu~."
On December 15, the graduation of Kamei Eri, Junjun, and Linlin was held. It was the biggest graduation in Morning Musume's history. With this the group went down to 5 members, the smallest line-up since 1998.
It was announced that a new group had been created, Dream Morning Musume, which consisted of former-Morning Musume members: Nakazawa Yuko, Iida Kaori, Abe Natsumi, Yasuda Kei, Yaguchi Mari, Ishikawa Rika, Yoshizawa Hitomi, Ogawa Makoto, Fujimoto Miki and Kusumi Koharu.
==2011==
On January 2, four ninth generation members were revealed to be Fukumura Mizuki, Ikuta Erina, Sayashi Riho, and Suzuki Kanon at the Hello! Project 2011 Winter ~Kangei Shinsen Matsuri~ A gana Live concert."モーニング娘。第9期メンバー決定！！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2011-01-02. Fukumura Mizuki was a former member of Hello Pro Kenshuusei and a former member of Shugo Chara Egg!.Fukumura Mizuki. "譜久村聖に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2011-01-07. Sayashi Riho and Suzuki Kanon became the first members of Morning Musume to be born after the group's formation.
On January 9, an announcement was made that leader Takahashi Ai would be graduating from Morning Musume and Hello! Project at the group's Autumn 2011 concert (August to October). This announcement shocked many fans, considering the group just had a triple graduation in December, plus the addition of the ninth generation only a week previously. The new leader of Morning Musume would be Niigaki Risa.
The ninth generation's debut single was Maji Desu ka Ska!. It was originally going to be released on March 23, but it was postponed to April 6 due to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami."新譜リリース延期について" (in Japanese). Hello! Project Official Website. 2011-03-16."新譜リリースについて（3/28更新）" (in Japanese). Hello! Project Official Website. 2011-03-28. Also due to the earthquake and tsunami, on March 16, it was announced that Morning Musume's upcoming tour would be postponed."コンサート・イベントに関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project Official Website. 2011-03-26. The new single reached number 5 on the Oricon weekly charts. Although the sales were relatively low compared to the majority of Morning Musume's recent singles, due to the recent natural disasters.
On April 11th, It was announced that the ninth generation of Morning Musume would have a show titled "UstreaMusume."
On April 20, Dream Morning Musume released an album, Dorimusu ①. It consisted of two new songs, as well as remakes of older Morning Musume songs.
It was announced on May 8, that Morning Musume 10th Generation Audition submissions were starting and would begin on June 13. According to the news, there would be 2 girls added after Takahashi Ai's Graduation.
Mitsui Aika went to the hospital, and was diagnosed with a bone fracture in her left ankle. While her activities within Morning Musume became extremely limited, she completed the Morning Musume 2011 Spring Tour while continuing treatment for her injury. Unfortunately, the injury was not healing as quickly as it had been initially expected. As a result, Mitsui Aika did not participate in the Hello! Project 2011 Summer Concerts. Sayashi Riho also endured an injury during the Summer Tour and was absent from a large part of it.
That summer, Morning Musume held a Fanclub Tour in Hawaii from July 20th through July 26th. This was the first time that the ninth generation members traveled overseas as a part of Morning Musume.
On September 14th, Morning Musume released their 47th single. This was the last single to feature leader, Takahashi Ai. It was the first of many double-A side singles to come and was titled "Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa wo Honki de Negatterun da yo!"
Morning Musume's fall tour was revealed to be called, "Ai Believe." It has also been revealed that Takahashi Ai would graduate on the final day of the tour, September 30th, at the Nippon Budokan.
On August 26, Morning Musume's 5th generation members, Takahashi Ai and Niigaki Risa officially spent 10 years in Morning Musume. It was also ten years since the Fifth Generation was added to the group, giving them the longest tenure for any members at the time.
The tenth generation members were introduced on September 29th, they included Iikubo Haruna, Ishida Ayumi, Sato Masaki, and Kudo Haruka."モーニング娘。10期メンバー　決定！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project Official Website. 2011-09-30. Then-leader Takahashi Ai graduated on September 30 and the tenth generation appeared again to give their graduation messages to Takahashi Ai and sing with the existing members. Their addition made the group stand at 12 members, the largest the group had been since 2005. Once Takahashi Ai graduated, she passed leadership of both Morning Musume and Hello! Project to Niigaki Risa, the only remaining 5th generation member. This made Niigaki Risa the longest serving member of the group and the 1st member to go from youngest in the group at entering to becoming leader.
==2012==
On January 2, it was announced that Niigaki Risa would be graduating from Morning Musume and Hello! Project on May 18, the last day of their Spring Concert Tour. While there were no official announcements about who would succeed Niigaki at that time, Michishige Sayumi had publicly expressed her desire of leading the group."Michishige Sayumi aims to be Morning Musume.'s next leader!". TokyoHive. 2012-02-15.
On January 5, Morning Musume lost the record of having the highest overall single sales (of a female group) on the Oricon charts to AKB48."AKB48 becomes the top-selling girl group in single sales". tokyohive. 2012-01-05. They were then tied with the most number 1 singles.
On January 25, "Pyocopyoco Ultra" was released. In its first week, it reached #3 on the Oricon charts and sold 31,094 copies. Although it beat "Mikan's first week of sales, it became their lowest selling single, selling only 34,050 copies.
On April 11, "Ren'ai Hunter" was released. It peaked at #1 on the Oricon daily charts, the first to do so since "Seishun Collection" in 2010.
On May 4, it was announced that Mitsui Aika would be graduating from Morning Musume along with Niigaki Risa on May 18, the last day of their Spring Concert Tour, at the Nippon Budokan."Mitsui Aika to graduate from Morning Musume". tokyohive. 2012-05-04."Morning Musume's Mitsui Aika reports her graduation to fans at a concert". tokyohive. 2012-05-06. Her reason for graduation was due to the possibility of the stress fracture in her left ankle from last year reoccurring if she continued with her activities in Morning Musume. After a discussion with her family and UFA staff, it was decided it would be best not to delay any longer which resulted in the decision for her to graduate as soon as possible. After her graduation, she would be discussing with UFA staff about what possible activities she could do for Hello! Project.
On May 18, at Morning Musume Concert Tour 2012 Haru ~Ultra Smart~ Niigaki Risa Mitsui Aika Graduation Special, both Niigaki Risa and Mitsui Aika graduated from Morning Musume at Nippon Budokan."Michishige Sayumi becomes new leader of Morning Musume and 11th generation audition to be held". tokyohive. 2012-05-18. On the same date, Michishige Sayumi declared that she was Morning Musume's 8th leader, succeeding Niigaki Risa."道重さゆみ ： モー娘。8代目リーダーに就任" (in Japanese). Mantan Web. 2012-05-18."道重さゆみ、モー娘。新リーダーに就任　“自過剰キャラ”でも「さすがに不安」" (in Japanese). Oricon. 2012-05-19. The Morning Musume Eleventh Generation Auditions, titled Morning Musume 11th Generation ~Suppin Utahime~ Auditions, were announced.”モーニング娘。11期メンバー「スッピン歌姫」オーディション!！” Official Website (in Japanese). Archived 2012-05-23.
On May 26, Morning Musume was one the special artists to perform at Girls Award 2012 Spring/Summer collection ~All you need is LOVE~ event at Yoyogi Stadium alongside names such as ICONIQ, Kato Miliyah, and Korean Pop Group Wonder Girls."Girls Award 2012 Spring / Summer Report - Stage Report" (in Japanese). Girls Award 2012 Spring / Summer. 2012."Morning Musume performs "One two Three" at 'Girls Award 2012'". tokyohive. 2012-05-26.
On July 4, Ikuta Erina announced on her Ustream show that she would change her official member color from Dark Purple to Yellow-Green in the fall."モーニング娘。13枚目ニューアルバム9月発売、そしてメンバー・飯窪春菜から重大(!?)発表" (in Japanese). De☆View by Oricon. 2012-07-30. During the announcement, she commented that the reason she changed her member color was because she admired former Morning Musume leader Niigaki Risa.
On July 28, Iikubo Haruna made an announcement at a press conference that she would change her chocolate color at Morning Musume's Ustream broadcast on July 30. Her new member color became honey.
On August 8, Morning Musume's 50th single, "One•Two•Three / The Matenrou Show" became Morning Musume's best selling single since "Go Girl ~Koi no Victory~" in 2003. It was also the first single since "Ai Araba IT'S ALL RIGHT" to sell over 100,000 copies. It was widely speculated that the single would have sold more copies if the initial print run had been larger.
On September 14, at Morning Musume's 15th Anniversary Concert Tour rehearsal, it was announced that Hello Pro Kenshuusei member, Oda Sakura had passed the 11th Generation Auditions, making her the sole 11th Generation member."Morning Musume welcomes 11th generation member Oda Sakura". tokyohive. 2012-09-14. Oda would start official Morning Musume duties in January 2013 at the Hello! Project 2013 Winter Concert, after Morning Musume's 15th Anniversary Concert Tour.
On November 18, it was announced that Tanaka Reina would be graduating from both Morning Musume and Hello! Project to focus on her new band."Tanaka Reina to graduate from Morning Musume and Hello! Project". tokyohive. 2012-11-19. Her graduation ceremony would take place at their spring concert tour, Morning Musume Concert Tour 2013 Haru Michishige☆Eleven SOUL ~Tanaka Reina Sotsugyou Kinen Special~ in May 2013.
==2013==
On January 8, Morning Musume began the Zenkyoku 47 Todoufuken Campaign (全国47都道府県キャンペーン) during a "Help me!!" release event at the TOWER RECORDS Shibuya store in Tokyo, Japan."モーニング娘。全国キャンペーンイベント開催！！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project Official Website. 2013-01."Morning Musume kicks off their 47-Prefecture campaign". tokyohive. 2013-01-09. The campaign focused on having release events for the 2013 singles in all 47 prefectures of Japan. The campaign was completed on August 19."モー娘。くどぅー来た！　握手会に長蛇の列" (in Japanese). Wakayama Shinpo. 2013-08-20.
On January 19, both Michishige Sayumi and Tanaka Reina officially had 10 full years in Morning Musume. This made them together the 3rd and 4th persons in Morning Musume history to pass this mark, after Takahashi Ai and Niigaki Risa's 10th Anniversary back in 2011.
On January 23, Morning Musume's 52nd single, "Help me!!," was released. It became the first Hello! Project single to reach #1 on Oricon's weekly single chart since Shouganai Yume Oibito, which was released in 2009. Help me!! also had the best first day sales since 2003.
On January 23, Tanaka Reina's graduation was announced to take place at the Nippon Budokan on May 21.
On March 16, the 12th generation auditions were announced."Morning Musume to hold 12th generation member audition". tokyohive. 2013-03-17. The application deadline was April 30. It was later announced that no one passed the audition."No winners for Morning Musume's new member audition". tokyohive. 2013-08-25. However, all finalists from the audition were offered positions in Hello Pro Kenshuusei.
On April 17, Morning Musume's 53rd single, "Brainstorming / Kimi Sae Ireba Nani mo Iranai," was released. It was Tanaka Reina's last single with the group. It went on to rank #1 on Oricon's weekly singles charts and became Morning Musume's 2nd consecutive weekly #1, which was previously achieved with "Mr.Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~" in 2001."Morning Musume goes back to back, 53rd single tops Oricon weekly chart". tokyohive. 2013-04-22. The single also became the first since "Aruiteru" to have every day of the first week rank at #1.
On May 21, the day of Tanaka Reina's graduation, Fukumura Mizuki and Iikubo Haruna were appointed sub-leaders of Morning Musume, making this the first time in Morning Musume history that there was more than one sub-leader."モーニング娘。田中れいな、「おつかれいな!」と笑顔でグループ卒業" (in Japanese). My Navi. 2013-05-22.
From August to December, all of Morning Musume's previous concert tours from 1999 to 2009 were re-released on Blu-ray Discs.
On September 12, "Wagamama Ki no Mama Ai no Joke / Ai no Gundan" became Morning Musume's highest selling single since "Koko ni Iruzee!," which was released in 2002. The single also became Morning Musume's 3rd consecutive weekly #1, which was previously achieved in 2002 with "The☆Peace!," "Mr.Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~," and "Souda! We're ALIVE."
On October 12, Michishige Sayumi was declared the longest serving Morning Musume member, which was previously held by Niigaki Risa. On that day, she had served a total of 3,920 days in the group (Niigaki graduated with 3,919 days served).Fukuda Rei. "道重さゆみ、モー娘。最長在籍期間を更新！喜びと感謝をつづる" (in Japanese). Cinema Today. 2013-10-12. Archived 2013-10-15.
On October 30, Morning Musume was appointed by the Japanese Olympics Committee as the Olympics' official support team called the "Nippon! Call Project Ambassadors." They would be cheering on and singing an official song produced by Tsunku, for the Japanese Olympic Team.
On December 6, it was announced by Morning Musume's producer, Tsunku, that starting January 1, 2014, Morning Musume will be renamed Morning Musume. '14 (モーニング娘。'14; Morning Musume. One Four). Tsunku stated that the name change would help the fans recognize from which period the songs were in and which members were featured in the songs.Tsunku. "モーニング娘。に関してのお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2013-12-06.ustar. "Morning Musume to change their name to Morning Musume. '14". tokyohive. 2013-12-06.
On December 14, Morning Musume won "Billboard JAPAN Active Artist of the Year 2013," an award presented by the Daiwa House Industry."【BJMA2013】はAKBが最優秀賞含む4部門を3年連続受賞、ライブ最多賞はモー娘。" (in Japanese). Billboard Japan. 2013-12-14.
==2014==
On January 1, Morning Musume began the new year with their new group name, Morning Musume '14.Tsunku. "モーニング娘。に関してのお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2013-12-06.ustar. "Morning Musume to change their name to Morning Musume. '14". tokyohive. 2013-12-06.
On January 21, Tsunku announced at the au Presentation Spring 2014, that Morning Musume would be part of a commercial along with comedians Morisanchuu, forming a new unit called Mori Musume.
On January 29, Morning Musume '14 released their 55th single "Egao no Kimi wa Taiyou sa / Kimi no Kawari wa Iyashinai / What is LOVE?" This was their first single released as Morning Musume '14.Tsunku. "モーニング娘。に関してのお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2013-12-06.ustar. "Morning Musume to change their name to Morning Musume. '14". tokyohive. 2013-12-06..
In February, Morning Musume cheered and sang an official song produced by Tsunku, "Kimi no Kawari wa Iyashinai", for the 2014 Sochi Olympics Japanese Team.
On March 15, the 12th generation auditions were re-held as Morning Musume '14 <Golden> Audition! The application deadline was May 11, 2014.
On March 30, NHK BS Premium aired a four hour special on Morning Musume's history and their 55 singles.
On April 16, Morning Musume '14 released their 56th single "Toki wo Koe Sora wo Koe / Password is 0."
On April 29, during the Morning Musume '14 Concert Tour Haru ~Evolution~ concert held in Yamaguchi, Michishige Sayumi announced her graduation. She would be graduating at their fall 2014 concert tour.Ohama Minoru, Michishige Sayumi, Tsunku. "モーニング娘。'14　道重さゆみに関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2014-04-29."モーニング娘。'14・道重さゆみ、卒業を発表" (in Japanese). BARKS. 2014-04-29."モーニング娘。'14道重さゆみ、秋ツアーを最後に卒業" (in Japanese). Natalie. 2014-04-29."モー娘。道重さゆみが卒業を発表「次の世代にバトンタッチ」" (in Japanese). Oricon Style. 2014-04-29."つんく♂、道重の卒業“美学”に親心　「彼女の卒業までさらなる応援を」と呼びかけ" (in Japanese). Oricon Style. 2014-04-29."道重さゆみがモー娘。卒業を発表！　今秋の単独ツアー最終日で" (in Japanese). SANSPO. 2014-04-29.
On May 29, a second in-group unit was formed. The unit, named Zenryoku Yasai Musume, would be promoting KAGOME vegetable juice.
The 12th Generation members were officially revealed on September 30. They were Ogata Haruna, Nonaka Miki, Makino Maria, and Haga Akane. This was the group's biggest lineup since 2004.
On October 15, Morning Musume '14 released their 57th single "TIKI BUN / Shabadaba Doo~ / Mikaeri Bijin." It was the final single featuring 6th generation member Michishige Sayumi."モーニング娘。道重、11月の横アリで卒業" (in Japanese). Natalie.mu. 2014-08-16.
On October 29, Morning Musume '14 released their 14th studio album 14shou ~The message~. It was the last album to feature Michishige Sayumi, as well as the last to feature a 6th generation member.
On November 14th, Morning Musume ’14 announced that they would be holding an audition for a music video director for one of their future songs. The results of the audition would be announced on December 29 on the audition program BIG CHANCE, one of FujiTV’s end of the year specials. To enter the audition, one had to submit a three minute video. The audition was open to any nationality. Both amateurs and professionals were welcome to apply.http://www.fujitv.co.jp/thebigchance/index.html?45077
On November 26, 2014, Michishige Sayumi graduated, appointing Fukumura Mizuki as the leader of Morning Musume, and both Iikubo Haruna and Ikuta Erina were appointed sub-leaders of Morning Musume.
On December 28th, 2014, it was announced that Morning Musume’s 12th generation members would start their own radio show on FM-FUJI titled Morning Musume. ’15 12ki Nikki and started airing on January 4, 2015.https://hellonewsservice.wordpress.com/2014/12/28/morning-musumes-12th-generation-members-get-their-own-radio-show/
==2015==
On January 1, Morning Musume '14 changed their name to Morning Musume '15. The group began activities with the new name and new members on January 2, with the opening day of Hello! Project 2015 WINTER concert tour. On February 14, during the same concert tour, it was announced that sub-leader Iikubo Haruna would be the official mentor to the 12th generation, bringing back the mentor system. It was also announced that sub-leader Ikuta Erina would be the "watchdog" of Morning Musume '15.
On February 9, it was announced that Morning Musume would be releasing the song "Ima Koko Kara" for the Pretty Cure movie PreCure All Stars: Haru no Carnival, which was released in theaters on March 14. Iikubo Haruna, Ishida Ayumi, and Oda Sakura provided voices to the 3 spirits whose artwork they designed themselves. The soundtrack single, which featured Morning Musume 15's version of "Ima Koko Kara," was released on March 11. The soundtrack single debuted at #22 in the daily Oricon charts and at #39 in the weekly charts.
On April 15, Morning Musume '15 released their 58th single "Seishun Kozou ga Naiteiru / Yuugure wa Ameagari / Ima Koko Kara," the debut single of the 12th generation members. The single debuted at #2 in the daily Oricon charts and peaked at #1 on the daily charts. The group had 13 simultaneous handshake events on April 16 and April 17, with each member going to different locations around Japan to promote the single.
==2016==
On January 1, Morning Musume '15 changed their name to Morning Musume '16.
On January 2, during the Hello! Project 2016 WINTER ~DANCING! SINGING! EXCITING!~ concert, the Morning Musume '16 Shinseiki Audition for 13th generation members was announced."New audition for Morning Musume。’16 announced!" UP-FRONT LINK. 2016-01-02
On February 7, 9th generation member Suzuki Kanon announced she would graduate from Morning Musume '16 and Hello! Project at the end of the Morning Musume '16 Concert Tour Haru ~EMOTION IN MOTION~."モーニング娘。’16 鈴木香音に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2016-02-07.Concerning Kanon Suzuki from Morning Musume。’16. UP-FRONT LINK. 2016-02-06.
On May 11, Morning Musume '16 released "Utakata Saturday Night! / The Vision / Tokyo to Iu Katasumi", their 61st single and Suzuki Kanon's last.
On May 31, Suzuki graduated at Nippon Budokan."モー娘。’16鈴木香音 アイドル最後の日「私は世界一幸せ者です！！」" (in Japanese). Dwango.jp News. 2016-05-31. On the same day, it was announced on the Morning Musume '16 Shinseiki Audition website that no suitable candidates could be found, but the audition would start again on June 15.
Throughout the summer, Morning Musume '16 appeared in several live TV music festivals. They were invited to perform in the TV Tokyo Music Festival(3) on June 29,"6・29『テレ東音楽祭(3)』第1弾出演者発表" (in Japanese). ORICON STYLE. 2016-06-13. NTV's THE MUSIC DAY Natsu no Hajimari on July 2,"日テレ「THE MUSIC DAY」に欅坂46、水カン、セカオワ、星野源ら" (in Japanese). natalie. 2016-06-04. TBS TV's Ongaki no Hi x CDTV Asamade Natsu Fes! 2016 on July 16,http://www.tbs.co.jp/cdtv/sp_summer2016/ and Fuji TV's 2016 FNS Uta no Natsu Matsuri on July 18 with ℃-ute and ANGERME."FNS「うたの夏まつり」に三代目JSB、セカオワ、Perfume、星野源ら" (in Japanese). natalie. 2016-06-18.
On November 23, Morning Musume '16 released their 62nd single, "Sexy Cat no Enzetsu / Mukidashi de Mukiatte / Sou ja nai".
On December 12 during the Morning Musume '16 Concert Tour Aki ~MY VISION~ finale at Nippon Budokan, the winners of the second Morning Musume '16 Shinseiki Audition and 13th generation members were announced as Hello Pro Kenshuusei members Kaga Kaede and Yokoyama Reina."モーニング娘。'16 第13期メンバー決定！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2016-12-12."2 new members for Morning Musume。13th generation!" UP-FRONT LINK. 2016-12-12."モーニング娘。13期メンバーに横山玲奈と加賀楓が加入。'17から13人体制に" (in Japanese). BARKS. 2016-12-12.
Morning Musume '16 appeared during the second night of Fuji TV's 2016 FNS Kayousai on December 14, performing in an idol shuffle medley with other idol groups including ℃-ute."「フジテレビ系列『2016FNS歌謡祭 第2夜』」にモーニング娘。'16、℃-uteの出演決定！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2016-11-19."『FNS歌謡祭』2週連続8時間半超え生放送 嵐、三代目JSBら総勢110組以上集結" (in Japanese). ORICON STYLE. 2016-11-19.
On December 31, the group performed on TV for the first time as the Morning Musume '17 line-up during the CDTV Special! Toshikoshi Premier Live 2016→2017."「CDTV」年越し特番に三代目、Perfumeら20組追加、番組MCはピコ太郎" (in Japanese). natalie. 2016-12-25. The performance was pre-recorded on December 30, which Sato Masaki was unable to participate due to a lower back injury."モーニング娘。’16出演「CDTVスペシャル！年越しプレミアライブ2016→2017」公開収録 観覧募集のお知らせ" (in Japanese). UP-FC. 2016-12-26.
==2017==
On January 1, Morning Musume '16 changed their name to Morning Musume '17.
In January, it was announced that Morning Musume '17 would collaborate with marukome by singing a remake of "Morning Coffee" titled "Morning Misoshiru" to promote the company's new miso soup product of the same name."モーニング娘。がマルコメとのコラボで新曲『モーニングみそ汁』を披露！" (in Japanese). WWS channel. 2017-01-12. Morning Musume '17 also formed the collaborative unit Sashining Musume with HKT48 member Sashihara Rino for the song "Get you!", which was released in Type A of AKB48's 8th album Thumbnail on January 25."指原＆モー娘“禁断”コラボユニット「サシニング娘。」誕生！" (in Japanese). Tokyo Sports. 2016-12-26."さしこ×モー娘。に山本彩×稲垣潤一！AKB48新アルバムでまさかのコラボ" (in Japanese). natalie. 2016-12-26."AKB48新アルバム収録曲&アートワーク公開 指原×モー娘。コラボも" (in Japanese). ORICON STYLE. 2016-12-26. Both songs were later included as B-sides in Morning Musume '17's 63rd single.
On February 21, it was announced Morning Musume '17 would air a one-off show on TV Tokyo called Tokugi☆Saikenshou Momusu DE Gozaru! on March 8."モー娘。が冠番組で特技披露「モー娘。DEござる！」" (in Japanese). Walkerplus. 2017-02-21. The program showed off and verified each member's special skill listed on their official profile.
On March 8, Morning Musume '17 released their 63rd single "BRAND NEW MORNING / Jealousy Jealousy". The A-sides did not include Sato Masaki, who was still recovering from her injury during the production period."モーニング娘。'17 NEWシングルリリースのお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2017-01-26.
On March 12, Morning Musume '17 performed in the SKY PerfecTV! Ongakusai 2017."「スカパー！ 音楽祭2017」にモーニング娘。'17、カントリー・ガールズの出演決定！!" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2017-03-12.
On March 25, it was announced that Morning Musume '17 and ANGERME would be featured in a Idol Nama Gassen web service game by Asobista, titled Hello! Project Hina Fest Idol Nama Gassen Kunitori Tenka Touitsu Hen. The "live battle" event was held on April 16."Hello! Project ひなフェス アイドル生合戦 国盗り天下統一編 produced by アソビスタ PR動画" (in Japanese). 876TV (via YouTube). 2017-03-22. A second event only featuring Morning Musume '17, titled Idol Nama Gassen Kunitori Tenka Touitsu Hen ~2017 Natsu no Jin~, took place throughout July and August.https://twitter.com/asobista/status/889388145673871360
On April 10, Morning Musume '17 was appointed the official Ouen Taishi, or Cheer Ambassadors, of the "Ceka Paka PLAY DREAM CAMPAIGN" for the (the interleague) that would begin on May 30."モー娘。’１７がセ・パ交流戦の応援大使に就任！" (in Japanese). Hochi Sports. 2017-04-10.https://cepa-playdream.jp/ Fukumura Mizuki was the leader of the whole campaign while the other 12 members each supported one of the 12 teams and had their own dance movie that was shown at their team's home stadium.
On April 28, 10th generation member Kudo Haruka announced she would graduate from Morning Musume '17 and Hello! Project at the end of their fall 2017 tour."モーニング娘。'17 工藤遥に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2017-04-29."[EN Concerning Haruka Kudo]." UP-FRONT LINK. 2017-04-29.
On June 26, it was announced in a special episode of Hello! Project Station that Morito Chisaki had joined the group as a new 14th generation member and concurrent member from Country Girls."ハロ！ステ号外 ～ハロー！プロジェクト2017新体制決定スペシャル～" (in Japanese). Hello! Project Station (via YouTube). 2017-06-26.Fukumura Mizuki. "ただいま☆譜久村聖" (in Japanese). Morning Musume Qki Official Blog. 2017-06-26. She will begin activities with the group in the Hello! Project 2017 SUMMER concert tour and in their upcoming fall tour."ハロー！プロジェクト 新体制について" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2017-06-26."[EN Concerning the new organization in Hello! Project]." UP-FRONT LINK. 2017-06-26.
Morning Musume '17 performed in the TV Tokyo Ongakusai 2017 on June 28"「テレ東音楽祭」に中丸雄一、SECOND、ジェネ、globe×島袋寛子、娘。ら" (in Japanese). natalie. 2017-06-19. and Nippon TV's THE MUSIC DAY Negai ga Kanau Natsu on July 1."『THE MUSIC DAY』出演者71組発表 嵐・ディーン・乃木坂46・星野源ら" (in Japanese). ORICON NEWS. 2017-06-10.
As part of their collaboration with marukome, Morning Musume '17 began airing a weekly 5-minute radio program titled marukome Morning Misoshiru Koeru yo! on July 1 across 38 stations."モーニング娘。'17新番組「marukome モーニングみそ汁 飲もうよ！」放送決定！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2017-06-23.
On July 15, Morning Musume '17 appeared with new member Morito Chisaki on TBS's Ongaku no Hi 2017 in two pre-recorded performances. Their first performance was solo, and the second was as a special Hello! Project unit with a selection of members from ANGERME, Kobushi Factory, and Tsubaki Factory."モーニング娘。’17、Hello! Projectメンバー（選抜）出演「TBS音楽番組 歌収録」 観覧募集のお知らせ" (in Japanese). UP-FC. 2017-07-07."TBS『音楽の日』にモー娘。'17、キック、氣志團ら9組。ハロプロ選抜ユニットも" (in Japanese). BARKS. 2017-07-12.
On October 4, they released Morito Chisaki's debut single and Kudo Haruka's last, titled "Jama Shinai de Here We Go! / Dokyuu no Go Sign / Wakain da shi!".
On November 3, a remake of Morning Musume's demo single, titled "Ai no Tane (20th Anniversary Ver.)", was digitally released exactly 20 years after the original. The remake is sung by the original five members and Morning Musume '17 as a special anniversary unit named Morning Musume 20th."モーニング娘。オリジナル＆現役メンバーのコラボシングル「愛の種(20th Anniversary Ver.)」配信限定でリリース！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2017-11-01.
As part of their 20th anniversary celebrations, Morning Musume '17 opened a limited time café named "20 Nenme no Morning Coffee ~Morning Musume 20th ANNIVERSARY CAFE~" at AREA-Q in Harajuku, Tokyo from November 3 to December 10."「20年目のモーニングコーヒー～20th ANNIVERSARY CAFE～」開催決定！！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2017-09-14."20年目のモーニングコーヒー ～モーニング娘。20th ANNIVERSARY CAFE～" (in Japanese). AREA-Q. 2017-09-14. In addition, the group will collaborate with HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA to open the "Morning Musume museum -Morning Musume Tanjou 20 Shuunen Kinen-" on the store's 6th floor from November 24 to December 24.「モーニング娘。museum -モーニング娘。誕生20周年記念-」開催！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2017-11-17. The museum will later open at HMV Sakae in Aichi, Nagoya on December 30 through to January 28, 2018."モーニング娘。結成20周年を記念したミュージアム 名古屋・栄での開催が決定" (in Japanese). LAWSON-TICKET & HMV NEWS. 2017-12-22.
Morning Musume '17 performed "Jealousy Jealousy" solo and "LOVE Machine" with Johnny's boy band Sexy Zone at NTV's BEST ARTIST 2017 on November 28."「ベストアーティスト2017」全出演者発表　亀と山P・中丸雄一＆Snow Man、SixTONES…" (in Japanese). modelpress. 2017-11-19.https://twitter.com/musicday_ntv/status/932798676245790720
On November 30, Morning Musume '17 released the digital single "Gosenfu no Tasuki" in honor of their anniversary.https://twitter.com/kodamameko/status/932939429106221056
On December 6, they released their 15th original album, titled ⑮ Thank you, too.
On December 10, they were the surprise guests at the Dai 7kai AKB48 Kouhaku Taikou Utagassen and performed "One・Two・Three". HKT48's Sashihara Rino then joined them on stage for "Utakata Saturday Night!" and their Sashining Musume song "Get you!".https://twitter.com/hkt48_official_/status/939798337322082305https://twitter.com/345__chan/status/939799621844418560
On December 11, Kudo Haruka graduated at Nippon Budokan."モー娘。工藤遥、涙の卒業 女優の夢へと決意新た「またね!」." ORICON NEWS. 2017-12-11.
For the second night of Fuji TV's 2017 FNS Kayousai on December 13, Morning Musume '17 performed "Jealousy Jealousy" and a collaboration with Kato Hifumi, a retired pro shogi player nicknamed "Hifumin" who has been a popular guest on variety shows."9時間生放送『FNS歌謡祭』にB’z、TOKIO、KinKi、aiko、乃木坂46、モー娘。'17ら" (in Japanese). BARKS. 2017-11-16."『FNS歌謡祭』ジャニーズ・48&46Gがアニメメドレー ひふみんはモー娘。とコラボ" (in Japanese). ORICON NEWS. 2017-11-29. The five original members also performed "Ai no Tane (20th Anniversary Ver.)" live together for the first time in 18 years.https://twitter.com/fns_kayousai/status/938860874751602689
==2018==
On January 1, Morning Musume '17 became Morning Musume '18.
On January 28, Morning Musume '18 released the digital single "Hana ga Saku Taiyou Abite".
From February 3 to March 4, the "Morning Musume museum -Morning Musume Tanjou 20 Shuunen Kinen-" was open at HMV&BOOKS HAKATA‏ in Fukuoka."モーニング娘。museum ―モーニング娘。誕生20周年記念―" (in Japanese). HMV&BOOKS online NEWS. 2018-01-26. Afterwards, it was open from March 11 to April 15 at HMV Sendai in Miyagi."モーニング娘。museum ―モーニング娘。誕生20周年記念―" (in Japanese). HMV&BOOKS online NEWS. 2018-03-05.
On February 12, TV Tokyo aired the Morning Musume 20 Shuunen Kinen Special starring 25 current and former members of Morning Musume: all thirteen Morning Musume '18 members and OG members Nakazawa Yuko, Iida Kaori, Ishiguro Aya, Abe Natsumi, Fukuda Asuka, Yaguchi Mari, Ishikawa Rika, Yoshizawa Hitomi, Tsuji Nozomi, Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa, and Michishige Sayumi. The show included a talk corner about group history, a look back at Hello! Morning, and several studio performances."【モーニング娘。】OGを含む総勢25人が集結！　収録の裏側を徹底リポート！" (in Japanese). TV Tokyo. 2018-02-01.
On March 14, the group attended a press conference to announce a collaboration between au and Hello! Project titled "Oto no VR", which will deliver 360° video and audio content for smartphones, starting with a video of Morning Musume '18 singing "I WISH"."au×ハロー! プロジェクト 推しメンの声が際立つ!「音のVR」による新音楽視聴体験コンテンツを制作" (in Japanese). KDDI. 2018-03-14."モーニング娘。'18、新たな音楽体験「音のVR」に興奮「誰もがセンターになれる」" (in Japanese). natalie. 2018-03-14. That following evening, Morning Musume '18 performed in the second part of the SKY PerfecTV! Ongakusai 2018 alongside Tsubaki Factory."＜スカパー! 音楽祭＞第2弾につばきファクトリー、T-BOLAN、NOBUら6組" (in Japanese). BARKS. 2018-01-15.
On March 27, it was announced that 12th generation member Ogata Haruna would graduate from Morning Musume '18 and Hello! Project at the end of their spring tour."モーニング娘。'18 尾形春水の卒業に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2018-03-27.
On June 13, Morning Musume '18 released their 65th single and Ogata Haruna's last, "Are you Happy? / A gonna".
On June 20, Ogata graduated at Nippon Budokan."【ライブレポート】モーニング娘。'18 尾形春水が卒業「私はもう、いま、この瞬間、とっても幸せです」" (in Japanese). BARKS. 2018-06-20.
On June 27, Morning Musume '18 performed "Are you Happy?" and a group of eight Morning Musume OG members performed a special medley in the TV Tokyo Music Festival 2018."5時間放送「テレ東音楽祭」第1弾発表でキンキ、関ジャニ、乃木坂、WANIMA、鈴木愛理ら" (in Japanese). natalie. 2018-06-27."モーニング娘。20周年特別企画！モーニング娘。OG大集結！「テレ東音楽祭2018」第2弾出演アーティスト発表！" (in Japanese). TV Tokyo. 2018-06-20. Morning Musume '18 also performed in TBS's Ongaku no Hi 2018 on July 14"TBS『音楽の日』アイドル23組出演決定 キンプリ、AKB48、乃木坂46、Aqoursら " (in Japanese). ORICON NEWS. 2018-07-10. and the 2018 FNS Uta no Natsu Matsuri on July 25.https://twitter.com/fns_kayousai/status/1016411672381149185
On August 12, they performed at rockin'on presents ROCK IN JAPAN FES.2018 on the Lake Stage."モーニング娘。'18・アンジュルム「rockin'on presents ROCK IN JAPAN FES.2018」出演決定！！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2018-06-06.
On August 17, 10th generation member and sub-leader Iikubo Haruna announced her graduation from Morning Musume '18 and Hello! Project at the end of the Morning Musume '18 Concert Tour Aki ~GET SET, GO!~."モーニング娘。'18 飯窪春菜の卒業に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2018-08-17.Iikubo Haruna. "#飯窪春菜に関する大切なお知らせ 飯窪春菜" (in Japanese). Morning Musume Tenkigumi Official Blog. 2018-08-17.
On September 14, they announced a collaboration with Caribadix, an anime short series produced by Sanrio and rockin'on about a group of animals who form a rock band. Morning Musume '18 would become cheer characters named "Gaokkii" who appear in each of the 12 members' colors with their symbolic motif. The characters are featured in goods sold at the Morning Musume '18 Concert Tour Aki ~GET SET, GO!~ and also in stores."Caribadix「がおっきー」がモーニング娘。'18応援キャラクターに！グッズも登場！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2018-09-14."Caribadix「がおっきー」がモーニング娘。'18の応援キャラクターに♡ グッズも登場！" (in Japanese). Sanrio. 2018-09-14."「モーニング娘。'18 feat.カリバディクス」グッズを、コンサートツアー福岡会場から順次先行販売！" (in Japanese). Sanrio. 2018-10-11.
On October 24, Morning Musume '18 released their 66th single and Iikubo's last, "Furari Ginza / Jiyuu na Kuni Dakara".Fukumura Mizuki. "モーニング娘。21歳☆譜久村聖" (in Japanese). Morning Musume Qki Official Blog. 2018-09-14.
On December 12, they performed on the second night of Fuji TV's 2018 FNS Kayousai.https://twitter.com/fns_kayousai/status/1063159703117553664
On December 16, Iikubo Haruna graduated from the group and Hello! Project."モー娘。飯窪春菜、卒業コンサートで号泣 メンバーの“贈る言葉”に感極まり… " (in Japanese). ORICON NEWS. 2018-12-16."モー娘。飯窪春菜：涙の卒業で「我がモーニング娘。人生に、一片の悔いなし！」" (in Japanese). MANTENWEB. 2018-12-16.
They were invited to perform in the year-end music show MelodiX! Special 2018 on December 27 which was co-hosted by former 3rd generation member Goto Maki,"『MelodiX!』初の2時間SP決定…乃木坂46・モー娘ら17組 MCは南キャン&後藤真希" (in Japanese). ORICON NEWS. 2018-12-10. as well as the CDTV Special! Toshikoshi Premier Live 2018→2019 on December 31."CDTV年越しSP、第3弾アーティストに金爆、セカオワ、モー娘’19 " (in Japanese). ORICON NEWS. 2018-12-29.
During the Hello! Project 20th Anniversary!! Hello! Project COUNTDOWN PARTY 2018 ~GOOD BYE & HELLO!~ on December 31, 10th generation member Ishida Ayumi was appointed as a new sub-leader of the group.Ishida Ayumi. "2018年最後の発表！石田亜佑美" (in Japanese). Morning Musume Tenkigumi Official Blog. 2018-12-31.
==2019==
On January 1, Morning Musume '18 became Morning Musume '19.
During the opening concert of the Hello! Project 20th Anniversary!! Hello! Project 2019 WINTER tour on January 2, the Morning Musume '19 LOVE Audition in search of 15th generation member(s) to join the group was announced."「​モーニング娘。'19 LOVEオーディション」開催！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2019-01-02."モー娘。の新メンバーオーディションの開催決定！　譜久村聖「モーニング娘。が大好きな人、待ってます」" (in Japanese). The Television. 2019-01-02."モーニング娘。'19新メンバーを募集する「LOVEオーディション」開催" (in Japanese). natalie. 2019-01-02.
On March 20, they released the compilation album Best! Morning Musume 20th Anniversary.
On June 12, the group released their 67th single "Jinsei Blues / Seishun Night".
On June 22, the 15th generation were announced in a YouTube live stream on Morning Musume's official channel at 5:00 PM JST."モーニング娘。22日に15期メンバー発表へ　新曲発表ライブに2000人" (in Japanese). Sponichi Annex. 2019-06-11. The winners of the Morning Musume '19 LOVE Audition were Okamura Homare and Kitagawa Rio, while a third member, Yamazaki Mei, was selected from Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido."ようこそ！モーニング娘。'19 新メンバーお披露目特番！" (in Japanese). Morning Musume (via YouTube). 2019-06-22."モーニング娘。'19 第15期メンバー決定！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2019-06-22. They were introduced on stage during the Hello! Project 2019 SUMMER concert tour from July 13 and would begin performing with the group in the Morning Musume '19 Concert Tour Aki."モーニング娘。’19：15期新メンバーは3人　岡村ほまれ、北川莉央、研修生から山崎愛生が加入" (in Japanese). MANTANWEB. 2019-06-22.
Morning Musume '19 appeared on the TV Tokyo Ongakusai 2019 on June 26,https://twitter.com/teretoongakusai/status/1138370285273473027"広末涼子『テレ東音楽祭』で生放送音楽番組の初司会 出演者第1弾も発表 " (in Japanese). ORICON NEWS. 2019-06-11. and they also appeared in TBS's Ongaku no Hi 2019 on July 13.https://twitter.com/TBS_awards/status/1149221937572302848"RAMPAGE、鈴木愛理、日向坂46、水樹奈々、宮本浩次ら58組" (in Japanese). natalie. 2019-07-11.
On August 10, Morning Musume '19 performed at rockin'on presents ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2019 on the GRASS STAGE."「rockin'on presents ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2019」出演時間・ステージ決定！！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2019-06-19. (Archived)"モーニング娘。'19（2019/08/10）ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2019 クイックレポート" (in Japanese). rockin'on.com. 2019-08-10. With a capacity of over 60,000 people, this was their largest audience to date."モー娘「ロッキン」で進化した「体力おばけ」ぶり披露" (in Japanese). Tokyo Sports. 2019-08-10."モー娘。ロッキン最大ステージで大観衆を一体化 直談判でギリギリ50分・14曲熱演" (in Japanese). ORICON NEWS. 2019-08-10.
On September 12, they performed in the NHK WORLD-JAPAN presents SONGS OF TOKYO Festival 2019."村上信五がホスト『SONGS OF TOKYO Festival』にキンプリ、ヒゲダン、モー娘。ら" (in Japanese). ORICON NEWS. 2019-08-13.
On October 13, they performed in the tv asahi DREAM FESTIVAL 2019."YOSHIKI、GENERATIONS、オーラル、GLAY、金爆ら集結！『テレビ朝日ドリームフェスティバル2019』第一弾出演アーティストを発表" (in Japanese). SPICE. 2019-08-12."＜ドリフェス2019＞第1弾でYOSHIKI、LUNA SEA、GLAY、モー娘。’19、GENERATIONSら8組" (in Japanese). BARKS. 2019-08-12.
==2020==
On January 1, Morning Musume '19 became Morning Musume '20.
On January 22, they released their 68th single, "KOKORO&KARADA / LOVEpedia / Ningen Kankei No way way".
On February 19, they appeared as guests at choreographer YOSHIKO's event YOSHIKO-sensei Hello Pro Furitsuke 20shuunen Kinen team445 Dummy Fes. ~"Kiiroi Osora de BOOM BOOM BOOM" kara 20nen☆Furitsuke Zen 494 Kyoku kara Episode Digest~ at Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo."YOSHIKO先生ハロプロ振付20周年記念 team445 ダミーFes.~「黄色いお空でBOOM BOOM BOOM」から20年☆振り付け全494曲からエピソードダイジェスト～" (in Japanese). ODYSSEY INC.Hirai Miyo. "YOSHIKO先生ハロプロ振付20周年記念！平井美葉" (in Japanese). BEYOOOOONDS Official Blog. 2020-02-19.
On May 27, they participated in WebTVAsia's ONE LOVE ASIA CONCERT, which was a remote concert featuring some of the biggest stars across key Asian countries. It was live-streamed through YouTube amid the #stayhome and #withme movements to raise funds for UNICEF Asia in support of families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Morning Musume '20 was one of the few acts representing Japan alongside EXILE AKIRA and AKB48 and their sister groups.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hGR3f1ct9Q
On December 16, they released their 69th single, "Junjou Evidence / Gyuusaretai Dake na no ni".
2020 is the first year since 2008 in which no changes were made to Morning Musume's line-up.
==2021==
On January 1, Morning Musume '20 became Morning Musume '21.
On March 31, they released their 16th studio album 16th ~That's J-POP~.
On June 21, a CM for AVIOT wireless earbuds featuring Morning Musume '21 singing the song "Ren'ai Revolution 21 (updated)" was released.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk0m8ceD1-4
On September 24, it was announced that 10th generation member Sato Masaki would be graduating from the group and Hello! Project on December 13 at Nippon Budokan due to health reasons. She is set to continue her activities in show business as a soloist after graduation."モーニング娘。'21 佐藤優樹の卒業に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2021-09-24.
On December 1, their TikTok Channel opened.Morning Musume on TikTok
On December 8, they released their 70th single, Teenage Solution / Yoshi Yoshi Shite Hoshii no / Beat no Wakusei, which was also Sato's last single.https://www.instagram.com/p/CUZ21lVFQvi/
==2022==
On January 1, Morning Musume '21 became Morning Musume '22.
On January 2, it was announced at the Hello! Project 2022 Winter ~LOVE & PEACE~ and the official Hello! Project website that Morning Musume '22 and Juice=Juice would be holding a joint new member audition titled Hello! Project "Morning Musume '22" "Juice=Juice" Goudou Shin Member Audition. The audition opened to applicants on January 2, and the application period would end on February 9. An audition website was also opened on the same day with more details."ハロー！プロジェクト「モーニング娘。'22」「Juice=Juice」合同新メンバーオーディション開催！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2022-01-02.
On February 28, it was announced that Morito Chisaki is set to graduate from Morning Musume and Hello! Project on June 20 at the final concert of the Morning Musume '22 CONCERT TOUR ~Never Been Better!~ at Nippon Budokan."モーニング娘。'22 森戸知沙希の卒業に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2022-02-28.
On May 1, Morning Musume '22 performed at JAPAN JAM 2022.モーニング娘。'22・アンジュルム rockin'on presents「JAPAN JAM 2022」出演！. Hello! Project Official Site. Concert&Event. 2022-03-09. (Archived)
On June 8, Morning Musume '22 released their 71st single, "Chu Chu Chu Bokura no Mirai / Dai・Jinsei Never Been Better!"."モーニング娘。'22 ～2022年第1弾シングル！6月8日発売決定！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2022-04-09.
On June 29, it was announced through Hello! Project Station that Hello! Project "Morning Musume '22" "Juice=Juice" Goudou Shin Member Audition winner Sakurai Rio has joined the group as a sole 16th generation member."「モーニング娘。'22」「Juice=Juice」新メンバー決定のお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2022-06-29.
On September 3, it was announced that Kaga Kaede is set to graduate from Morning Musume and Hello! Project at the final concert of the Morning Musume '22 25th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT TOUR ~SINGIN' TO THE BEAT~..モーニング娘。'22 加賀楓の卒業に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2022-09-03.
On September 14, Morning Musume '22 announced their 25 Shuunen Kinen -Asu wo Tsukuru no wa Kimi- Audition during the Morning Musume '22 Kessei 25 Shunen Kinen FC Event ~ Musume × FAN×Fun! × Dai Kansha-sai!~ concert. This was to look for a 17th generation.
On October 13, it was revealed that Kaga's graduation concert, Morning Musume '22 25th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT TOUR ~SINGIN' TO THE BEAT~ Kaga Kaede Sotsugyou Special, will be held on December 10 at Nippon Budokan.https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjpf8cxrBzG/
On December 21, Morning Musume '22 released their 72nd single, Swing Swing Paradise / Happy birthday to Me!.
On December 27, it was announced that Fukumura Mizuki is set to graduate from Morning Musume and Hello! Project after their concert tour to be held in fall of 2023.http://www.helloproject.com/news/15488/ (in Japanese). Hello!Project. 2022-12-27.
==2023==
On January 1, Morning Musume '22 became Morning Musume '23.
On March 23, it was announced that Morning Musume'23 (and other Hello! Project groups) would perform at the "Sayonara Nakano Sun Plaza Music Festival" on June 11. It will be held at the Nakano Sunplaza, which will be closed in July this year as a culmination of its 50-year history.https://sayonaranakanosunplaza.com/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0KOP4PZ5-QYTkRNlTH5Ibbb10y3B7QYJXkUkXq8rh585O3lUeyjAbz91o https://twitter.com/sayonarasunpla/status/1638711082415185921?fbclid=IwAR0KOP4PZ5-QYTkRNlTH5Ibbb10y3B7QYJXkUkXq8rh585O3lUeyjAbz91o
On March 31, Morning Musume'23 appears on Space Shower TV in collaboration with Station ID and Tsuribu Tokyo (filmmakers), who help them celebrate their anniversary. With the title "Running through the Future", Tsuribu Tokyo, who produced and directed the video, wanted to express the figure that runs strongly through the currents of the time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPY7Pe4Q2Sw https://twitter.com/tsuribu_tokyo/status/1641773021475250184
On April 30, Morning Musume'23 performed at Japan Jam 2023 in Chiba Soga Sports Park.https://japanjam.jp/2023/artist/?fbclid=IwAR0o3Q2c2P8FVKgbFPhA66t2Qw14I1R93GL4rykPZL4mdqVEd-TsV7KcYbg 
On May 17, it was announced that Morning Musume'23 would perform at rockin'on presents Rock in Japan FES 2023. http://www.helloproject.com/event/detail/fb076c71eb00960b7e038544c200320abb458223
On May 23, it was announced that Morning Musume 25 Shuunen Kinen Shin Member Audition -Asu wo Tsukuru no wa Kimi- winners Inoue Haruka and Yumigeta Ako has joined the group as the 17th generation."ハロー！プロジェクト25周年を迎えて各グループへの新メンバー加入のお知らせを致します。" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2023-05-23.
==References==
Category:Morning Musume