Kumai Yurina

Kumai Yurina (熊井友理奈) is a Japanese singer and talent under and a fashion model under Tateoka Office. She is a former idol under Hello! Project, having joined as a member of Hello! Project Kids in 2002 and later debuting as a member of Berryz Koubou in 2004. During her time in Hello! Project, she was also a member of Tanpopo#, Guardians 4, BeriKyuu, Cat's♥Eye 7, and Ujicha♥Taishi Maccha's.
She graduated from Hello! Project on March 3, 2015 in a joint graduation concert with the other members of Berryz Koubou.
==Biography==
===Early Life===
Kumai Yurina was born on August 3, 1993 in Kanagawa, Japan.
===2002===
On June 30, Kumai Yurina was announced as one of the 15 winners of the 2002 Hello! Project Kids audition.Hello! Morning. Broadcast Date: 2002-06-30.
===2004===
She was chosen as one of the eight members of Berryz Koubou.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.
===2009===
Kumai, Mitsui Aika, Sugaya Risako and Nakajima Saki were chosen to join a sub-group called Guardians 4 which focused on songs for the anime Shugo Chara!.
Kumai was put in the revival of Tanpopo with Kamei Eri, Mitsui Aika, and Okai Chisato.
She was chosen to promote the rock band Base Ball Bear's new album, (WHAT IS THE) LOVE & POP, in a TV commercial that featured only her, which was her first time doing a solo CM. Some fans speculated that one of the reasons Kumai might have been chosen is for her surname (Kumai = Kuma = Bear) or because front man Koide Yusuke was a long time Hello! Project and Berryz Koubou. She also left a comment on the official BBB site: "Love&POP contains many up-tempo songs, and the whole album conveys a lot of power. My favorites are "Stairway Generation" and "Umi ni Naritai pt2! I had these on loop. I'd definitely like to go to their concert as well." Base Ball Bear is a Japanese rock band under EMI Music Japan. When the CM appeared on YouTube, it had a record of over 12 million views and over 80 comments. The majority of users left comments like Kumai-chan is "kirei" and "kawaii" written in English and Japanese.
===2011===
Kumai, along with other members of Hello! Project Kids, starred in the horror film Ousama Game. Kumai played the lead role of high-school student Honda Chiemi.
===2012===
On July 25 it was announced that Berryz Koubou's Kumai Yurina, Shimizu Saki, Sudo Maasa, Sugaya Risako and ℃-ute's Yajima Maimi, Nakajima Saki and Hagiwara Mai would be performing in an stage play titled CAT'S♥EYE, based on a manga. The stage play ran from September 22 to September 30.
===2013===
On April 26, Kumai appeared on the cover of the magazine Weekly Famitsu Taiwan.
===2014===
On August 4, Kumai celebrated her 21st birthday at a special event called Berryz Koubou ~Kumai Yurina Birthday Event 2014~. The event featured two performances in Tokyo.
===2015===
After concluding her activities in Berryz Koubou on March 5, Kumai announced that she would focus on her education and graduating within 4 years. She also revealed plans on becoming a model in the near future. She was moved to not long after.
On May 1, Kumai became a member of M-line club.
On June 16, Kumai appeared in the weekly newspaper Tokyo Sports.Kumai Yurina Blog (English)
On July 29, Kumai appeared on the television show Nakai no Mado.Kumai Yurina Blog (English)
On August 22, Kumai appeared in POKER FACE 2015 SUMMER alongside Nogizaka46, Nakajima Saki, Hagiwara Mai, Okada Robin Shoko, Akiyama Yurika, and various other idols.Amazon Listing (Japanese)
On October 6, Kumai appeared in the November 2015 issue of the magazine Top Yell as a guest in Fukuda Kanon's interview about her impending graduation.
On October 7, Kumai made a guest appearance on THE Karaoke ★ Battle, a television show aimed at finding the best male vocalist.
On October 10, Kumai began appearing as a regular on the TBS television show Ousama no Brunch.Kumai Yurina Blog (English)
In September, Kumai appeared in her first photoshoot as a visual model for DAMMY's 2015 collection.
===2016===
On February 14, Kumai held a solo fan-club event titled Kumai Yurina FC Event ~Enjoy Valentine's Day~.
On February 16, Kumai appeared in Katsura Yumi's wedding themed fashion show at the Tokyo International Forum.Kumai Yurina Blog (English)
On March 13 and 21, Kumai held a solo casual dinner show titled Kumai Yurina Casual Dinner Show ~Enjoy Spring~.
===2017===
In July, Kumai appeared in the music video for Tsubaki Factory's "Shuukatsu Sensation".
On July 25, Kumai was a runway model for the 2017 YUMI KATSURA GRAND COLLECTION in OSAKA."YUMI KATSURA×JIKEI GRANDCOLLECTION IN OSAKA" (in Japanese). Kumai Yurina Official Blog. 2017-07-27.
On August 3, she celebrated her 24th birthday at a fanclub event titled Kumai Yurina FC Event "8×3=24", which had three shows at Shibuya SHIDAX Culture Hall.
===2018===
On May 1, she joined the modeling agency Tateoka Office."NEWS" (in Japanese). Tateoka Office. 2018-05-01.
On August 3, Kumai celebrated her 25th birthday at the Kumai Yurina Birthday Event ~ENJOY!25♡~ with two shows at Shibuya Shidax Culture Hall. Then on August 4 and 5, she held the Kumai Yurina Casual Dinner Show ~Enjoy! Happy Summer!!~, featuring four shows at Music Restaurant La Donna.
On October 15, Kumai released Complex ni Sayounara!, a joint book with four of the shortest current members in Hello! Project: Yokoyama Reina, Morito Chisaki, Kamikokuryo Moe, and Funaki Musubu who have been named Minis?."熊井友理奈＆ミニーズ。? (横山玲奈、森戸知沙希、上國料萌衣、船木結)身長差悩みあるあるWorld「コンプレックスにサヨウナラ！」発売決定！！ "(in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2018-08-30.
On December 2 and 22, she held the Kumai Yurina Casual Dinner Show 2018 ~Heisei Saigo no ENJOY! Kumasmas~.
===2019===
From March 15 to March 17, she and Sudo Maasa held the Sudo Maasa・Kumai Yurina Fanclub Tour KuMaaz to Ikou! in Okinawa.
Kumai was a runway model for Giorgio Armani's 2020 Cruise Collection show on May 24 at the Tokyo National Museum.https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx6BA0MFPfb/"GIORGIO ARMANI" (in Japanese). Kumai Yurina Official Blog. 2019-05-25."Berryz工房・熊井友理奈「アルマーニ」ランウェイ出演に反響" (in Japanese). modelpress. 2019-05-26.
On June 25, she announced a clothing collaboration with the brand KANGOL REWARD,"KANGOL REWARD 【コラボ決定！】" (in Japanese). Kumai Yurina Official Blog. 2019-06-25. which opened for orders on July 18.https://twitter.com/KANGOLREWARD/status/1151764500850212864https://www.instagram.com/p/B0DmLd3lrEV
On August 3 and 4, Kumai held the Kumai Yurina Casual Dinner Show 2019 ~Reiwa! ENJOY! My Birthday!!~ at Music Restaurant La Donna to celebrate her birthday.
From October 4 to October 6, she held the Kumai Yurina Fanclub Tour Kuma Tabi in Hokkaido ~Kumai-chan wa Dekkai Dou~.
===2020===
On January 19, she and Sudo Maasa held a joint fanclub event titled Sudo Maasa・Kumai Yurina FC Event "KuMaaz ~Koufuku Kangei!~", featuring three shows at Shibuya SHiDAX Culture Hall.
On March 24, it was announced that her fanclub event with Sudo Maasa and Shimizu Saki titled Shimizu Saki・Sudo Maasa・Kumai Yurina FC Event "Futsuu, Kono Hi Nashi de wa Yatterannai Desho!?", which was originally scheduled for March 3, would be postponed to May 26 in consideration of a new policy established by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19."3月3日(火) 清水佐紀・須藤茉麻・熊井友理奈FCイベント「普通、この日なしではやってらんないでしょ！？」振替公演のお知らせ" (in Japanese). M-line club. 2020-03-24. It was eventually cancelled."「普通、この日なしではやってらんないでしょ！？」中止のお知らせ" (in Japanese). Sudo Maasa Official Blog. 2020-04-14.
On April 9, it was announced that Kumai Yurina Casual Dinner Show 2020 spring ~Enjoy your new life!!~ originally scheduled for April 26 would be postponed to August 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic."4月26日(日)熊井友理奈カジュアルディナーショー公演延期のお知らせ" (in Japanese). J.P ROOM. 2020-04-09. It was later cancelled entirely.
On August 8, she celebrated her 27th birthday at a fanclub event titled Kumai Yurina BD Event 2020 with three shows at Shibuya SHIDAX Culture Hall."★ファンクラブ会員限定イベント★「熊井友理奈BDイベント2020」開催決定！" (in Japanese). M-line club. 2020-07-15.​​ In compliance with government policy, cheering, crowding, standing, and closeness in the venue were prohibited, and wearing masks were required to enter.
===2020===
On March 27, she graduated from the TBS television show Ousama no Brunch.Kumai Yurina Blog (Japanese)
===2023===
On January 1, she was transferred from to alongside Fujimoto Miki, Yasuda Kei, Ishikawa Rika, Sudo Maasa, Mano Erina, Yajima Maimi, Nakajima Saki, Kudo Haruka, Iikubo Haruna, and Katsuta Rina.
On August 10, she announced through her Instagram account that she has gotten married to fellow fashion model Osuga Takashi.https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvv4oGGxKJH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
===2024===
On March 2, she participated in Berryz Koubou 20th Anniversary Live ~Sono Subete no Ai ni Thank You~, a live event celebrating the 20th anniversary of Berryz Koubou. 
==Personal Life==
==Profile==
==Discography==
===Solo DVDs===
*[2007.04.01] Kumai Yurina Berryz Koubou DVD Magazine Vol.8 (DVD Magazine)
*[2011.12.23] one day in autumn (“e-Hello!” DVD)
*[2012.04.18] Lily (“e-Hello!” DVD)
*[2013.10.05] brand new day (“e-Hello!” DVD)
*[2016.06.25] Kumai Yurina FC Event ~Enjoy! Valentine's day~ (Fanclub DVD)
*[2017.02.11] Kumai Yurina Fanclub Bus Tour in Kyoto “Soda kumai chan ni iyasare ni ikou” (Fanclub DVD)
==Publications==
===Solo Photobooks===
#[2007.08.29] Yurina (友理奈)
#[2009.07.27] FLOWERAGE
#[2010.12.17] KumaSpo!
==Works==
===Movies===
*[2002] Koinu Dan no Monogatari (仔犬ダンの物語)
*[2004] Hotaru no Hoshi (ほたるの星)
*[2011] Ousama Game (王様ゲーム) (as Honda Chiemi)
===TV Programs===
*[2002–2007] Hello! Morning (ハロー! モーニング)
*[2002-2004] Hello Kids
*[2007–2008] Haromoni@ (ハロモニ@)
*[2008] Berikyuu! (ベリキュー!)
*[2008–2009] Yorosen! (よろセン!)
*[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)
*[2014–2015, 2018] The Girls Live
*[2015] Nakai no Mado
*[2015] THE Karaoke ★ Battle
*[2015–2021] Ousama no Brunch
===TV Drama===
*[2003] Little Hospital (リトル・ホスピタル)
===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
*[2012] CAT'S♥EYE (キャッツ♥アイ)
*[2013] Warera Jeanne ~Shoujo Seisen Kageki~ (我らジャンヌ 〜少女聖戦歌劇〜) (as Olga and Rene)
*[2014] Musical Sengoku Jieitai
===Internet===
*[2011] Michishige Sayumi no "Mobekimasutte Nani??"
*[2013–2015] Hello! Project Station
*[2014–2015] MUSIC+
*[2015] GREEN ROOM
*[2016–2017] Girls Night Out
*[2017–2021] tiny tiny
===Radio===
*[2009–2012] Tsuukai! Berryz Oukoku (痛快! ベリーズ王国)
*[2012–2015] BZS1422
===Commercials===
*[2003] Japan Meat Information Service Center (日本食肉消費総合センター)
*[2009] Base Ball Bear - (WHAT IS THE) LOVE & POP?
===Music Videos===
*[2017] Tsubaki Factory - Shuukatsu Sensation
==Rankings==
*She was voted 2nd favorite member in the 2010 "Hello! Project Music Awards" event.http://www.esrp2.jp/hpma/2010/result/member/001-.html
*She ranked 1st in a magazine's 2011 "Girls that seem like they'll become big stars in the future" poll.http://chisatointelligenceagency.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/lib396789.jpg
*She ranked 10th most stylish idol by high school girls in a 2014 women's magazine.http://i.imgur.com/vJBSYXH.jpg
==Kumai Yurina's Height==
Kumai Yurina is known to be the tallest member in Hello! Project's entire history. She was initially shorter than fellow Hello! Project Kids member Sudo Maasa when Berryz Koubou was first formed in 2004. Kumai soon surpassed her in height, and grew to be the tallest member in Hello! Project. However, for years there would be confusion on what her exact height was, and fans suspected her to be taller than she claimed to be. 
*On the August 9, 2007 broadcast of GyaO MIDTOWN TV's ○○Ai☆Kora!Nama Yaguchi, she claimed to be 174-175 cm tall. 
*In February 2009, the "Berryz Koubou Kumai Yurina 7 Great Secrets Thorough Anatomy!!" corner from volume 189 of the magazine UP to boy claimed that she was 176 cm tall. 
*On November 9, 2010, a blog post by Tsunku revealed that she was 179 cm tall."Berryz工房 11/10発売 シングル「シャイニング パワー" (in Japanese). Tsunku Official Blog. 2010-11-09.
*On November 10, 2011, an article published by Sponichi Annex promoting the 2011 film Ousama Game also claimed that she was 176 cm tall.https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2011/11/10/kiji/K20111110001995300.html
*On July 29, 2015, Kumai made a guest appearance on a special episode of Nippon TV's Nakai no Mado focusing on some of the tallest people in the entertainment industry. There, they measured her height on camera, and she was found to be 181 cm tall.
Currently, her Tateoka Office profile lists her as 179 cm tall, while her J.P ROOM profile lists her as 181 cm tall.
==Trivia==
*Her favorite artists are ayaka, Crystal Kay, UNJASH and Sakurazuka Yakkun.
*She claimed that her own name is a bit difficult to say.
*She sometimes gets to keep the change when it's 30 yen or so. And when her grandfather comes to visit, he sometimes give her 10 thousand yen as a gift.
*She has claimed that all the dance lessons they took, prior to debuting in Berryz Koubou, were the hardest things in her life.
*She said that it is important to keep the memories of past times with her, for example, in an album. To her, that and her family and friends are all precious.
*Since she likes fireworks, she wants to make a firework with the words "Berryz Koubou."
*In Yorosen!, she taught Berryz Koubou about fashion.
*She admires pretty girls who, curiously, don’t have much make-up on, like Nose Karina and Hasegawa Jun.
*She'd like to try out being a fashion model and also aims to become a cool woman.
*Said she can't live without her dog Mint, because she soothes her every day.
*She saved a fan letter that was sent to her in 2005 from Sashihara Rino, who is a former member of AKB48, HKT48, and STU48, and the producer of =LOVE and ≠ME.
*Sudo Maasa said that she is an airhead.
*Ogata Haruna thinks that Kumai Yurina is the coolest member of Hello! Project.
*Her favorite ANGERME song is Please Miniskirt Postwoman!.
==Honorary Titles==
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==References==
==External Links==
*UP-FRONT CREATE Profile
*Tateoka Office Profile
*Berryz Koubou Profile (archived)
*Kumai Yurina Official Blog "Enjoy!"
*Instagram
*Twitter
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