Sasaki Rikako

Sasaki Rikako (佐々木莉佳子) is a Japanese pop singer, dancer and model. She is a former 3rd generation member of ANGERME under Hello! Project. She first joined Hello! Project in March 2013 as a Hello Pro Kenshuusei member.
Prior to joining Hello! Project, she was a member of the local idol group SCK GIRLS. She graduated from SCK GIRLS on March 31, 2013.
She graduated from ANGERME and Hello! Project on June 19, 2024 at the end of the group's 2024 spring concert tour."アンジュルム 佐々木莉佳子 の卒業に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2023-12.21.
==Biography==
===Early Life===
Sasaki Rikako was born on May 28, 2001 in Kesennuma, Miyagi to Sasaki Toshishige and Estella.
===2011-2012===
On March 11, 2011, Sasaki and her family lost their home to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami."気仙沼で活動する小学生アイドル・佐々木莉佳子親子の２年「思い出は流れたけど、私たちには未来がある」" (in Japanese). Shuu Pure☆News. 2013-03-23. After the earthquake, her father sent an application in for her to join the local idol group SCK45, now called SCK GIRLS, because he thought it would cheer her up.
In summer 2012, Sasaki participated in the Morning Musume 11ki Member "Suppin Utahime" Audition for an opportunity to join Morning Musume, but was not chosen to enter the group.
===2013===
On March 1, Sasaki joined Hello Pro Kenshuusei."スマイレージ 新メンバー決定！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2014-10-04. She was introduced as the sole 18th generation member at the Hello! Pro Kenshuusei Happyoukai 2013 ~3gatsu no Nama Tamago Show!~ event on March 31."「ハロプロ研修生」公演、充実の内容で盛況。Juice=Juice第2弾シングル、5月先行発売発表" (in Japanese). De☆View. 2013-04-01. On the same day, she graduated from SCK GIRLS. She blogged on April 2 thanking staff members of SCK GIRLS for supporting her.
On June 13, Sasaki participated in a release event for Ten Made Nobore! at Ikebukuro Sunshine city with Juice=Juice, Tanabe Nanami, Hamaura Ayano and Murota Mizuki.
===2014===
From March 14 to March 23, Sasaki participated in the musical Bokutachi Karen na Shounen Gasshoudan along with Yasuda Kei, Ogawa Makoto and 7 other trainees. On opening day, the Hello Pro Kenshuusei single "Karen na Gasshoudan" was released to promote the musical.
On May 4, Sasaki won the judge's dance award at the Hello Pro Kenshuusei Happyoukai 2014 ~Haru no Koukai Jitsuryoku Shindan Test~ event for her performance of "Kiseki no Kaori Dance.".
On May 31, it was revealed that Sasaki had won the Pichi Lemon audition for new models. She was first featured in the fashion magazine on June 30.
From June 5 to June 15, Sasaki participated in the musical LILIUM -Lilium Shoujo Junketsu Kageki- along with selected Morning Musume '14 members, S/mileage, and fellow trainees Tanabe Nanami and Kaga Kaede. She played the role of "Mimosa", one of the followers of Princess Marguerite (played by Sato Masaki).
On October 4, it was announced that Sasaki was selected to join S/mileage as the 3rd generation, along with Murota Mizuki and Aikawa Maho,"話題の佐々木莉佳子ら3人増員" (in Japanese). ORICON STYLE. 2014-10-04.Tommy V.D. "Say hello to S/mileage’s 3rd generation." Hello! News Service. 2014-10-04. subsequently leaving Hello Pro Kenshuusei.Her Hello Pro Kenshuusei profile was taken down on October 10, 2014.
===2015===
On February 28, Sasaki released her first solo e-Hello! Blu-ray, Greeting ~Sasaki Rikako~.
On June 1, Sasaki celebrated her 14th birthday at a special birthday event titled ANGERME Sasaki Rikako Birthday Event 2015. The event featured two performances in Tokyo.
On July 20, she released her first solo photobook, titled RIKAKO.
On October 31, Sasaki was featured as model for Pichi Lemon for the last time, with the fashion magazine discontinuing its publication.
===2016===
Sasaki was featured in the March issue of fashion magazine Seventeen, released on February 1. In the issue, it was announced that that she was chosen to become a ST model.アンジュルム佐々木莉佳子ファッション誌｢Seventeen｣専属モデルに決定！ (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2016-02-01.
On June 3, Sasaki celebrated her 15th birthday at a special event called ANGERME Sasaki Rikako Birthday Event 2016. The event featured two performances at TOKYO FM HALL.
===2017===
On February 21, Sasaki held a talk event at the Hello! Project Official Shop in Akihabara.http://www.helloproject.com/event/detail/071e8255c3bd1fbd42a73531f3eafb0a24a5e4ff
On March 2, Sasaki was featured alongside Haga Akane in the Graduation2017 Chuugaku Sotsugyou published by TOKYONEWS magazine&mook, a collection of interviews and gravure photos commemorating her and other idols' graduation from middle school."【予約】【佐々木 莉佳子（アンジュルム）ポストカード付】Graduation2017　中学卒業" (in Japanese). TOKYONEWS magazine&mook.
On May 29, Sasaki celebrated her 16th birthday at fanclub event titled ANGERME Sasaki Rikako Birthday Event 2017, featuring two shows as TOKYO FM HALL.
===2018===
On January 30, Sasaki and Morning Musume '18 member Ishida Ayumi were announced as the image characters of "Eagles Girl", the female fans of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles."モーニング娘。'18石田亜佑美・アンジュルム佐々木莉佳子が「イーグルスガール」イメージキャラクターに決定！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2018-01-30. They were appointed on Eagles Girl Day, which was held on June 23 during the home game against the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters."6/23(土)はイーグルスガールデー!スタンドをピンクに染めよう!" (in Japanese). Rakuten Eagles. 2018-01-30. They both danced with the Tohoku Golden Angels cheerleading team and received the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch."6/23(土)始球式を務めた石田亜佑美さん・佐々木莉佳子さんからメッセージ" (in Japanese). Rakuten Eagles. 2018-06-23.
On May 19, Sasaki appeared as a Seventeen model in the Rakuten GirlsAward 2018 SPRING/SUMMER at Makuhari Messe.https://twitter.com/angerme_upfront/status/969409469061808128
On May 22, Sasaki celebrated her 17th birthday at fanclub event titled ANGERME Sasaki Rikako Birthday Event 2018, featuring two shows as TOKYO FM HALL.
On May 27, the Fami Hello! PHOTOBOOK was released, including Sasaki's gravure that was originally published in an October 2016 issue of Weekly Famitsu."ハロー！プロジェクト20周年記念「ファミハロ！PHOTOBOOK」発売決定！！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2018-04-27.
On July 14, the summer 2018 commercial campaign for PIZZA-LA's "Yokubari Quarter" menu item began, starring Kamikokuryo Moe and Funaki Musubu in a commercial for a fourth time and Sasaki for the first time alongside comedian Degawa Tetsuro."今度のピザーラCMは“出川ゾウ”！！ ～ゾウダンスで、イチキュッパ・オーン!!～" (in Japanese). @Press. 2018-07-12."「PIZZA LA CMメイキング2018夏」予告篇" (in Japanese). ANGERME (via YouTube). 2018-07-12.
On August 10, Ishida and Sasaki participated as Eagles Girls at the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles home game against the Saitama Seibu Lions."モーニング娘。'18石田亜佑美・アンジュルム佐々木莉佳子が、8/10(金)東北楽天ゴールデンイーグルスの試合にイーグルスガールとして参加！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2018-08-03.
On October 4, Sasaki and Murota Mizuki held the ANGERME Murota Mizuki・Sasaki Rikako FC Event 2018 at Shinagawa Stellar Ball to celebrate the fourth anniversary of their debut as 3rd generation members of ANGERME."★ファンクラブ会員限定イベント★「アンジュルム 室田瑞希・佐々木莉佳子FCイベント2018」開催決定！" (in Japanese). UP-FC. 2018-08-30.
On November 3, the winter 2018 commercial campaign for PIZZA-LA's "Yokubari Quarter" menu item began, starring Kamikokuryo, Sasaki, and Funaki with Degawa Tetsuro."アンジュルムの上國料萌衣・佐々木莉佳子・船木結が「PIZZA-LA」冬の新CMで出川さんと一緒の着ぐるみ姿で共演！体を張ったワイヤーアクションにも挑戦！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2018-11-01.
===2019===
From March 9, Sasaki began starring in PIZZA-LA's "Yokubari Quarter" spring 2019 commercial campaign with Degawa Tetsuro and fellow ANGERME members Kamikokuryo Moe, Funaki Musubu, and Ise Layla."「PIZZA-LA CMメイキング2019春」予告篇" (in Japanese). ANGERME (via YouTube). 2019-03-07."アンジュルムの上國料萌衣・佐々木莉佳子・船木結・伊勢鈴蘭「PIZZA-LA」春の新CM出演！！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2019-03-09.
On May 30, she celebrated her 18th birthday at a fanclub event titled ANGERME Sasaki Rikako Birthday Event 2019, which featured two shows at Square Ebara Hiratsuka Hall.
===2020===
On March 1, Sasaki announced that she has graduated from being an ST model for the magazine Seventeen."seventeen 佐々木莉佳子" (in Japanese). ANGERME Member Official Blog. 2020-03-01.
On May 14, she opened up an official Instagram account."ハロー！プロジェクトメンバーオフィシャルInstagramスタート！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2020-05-14.
On May 28, she released her second photobook, Rikako -Shoujo, Dai Ni Shou-.https://twitter.com/wani_utb/status/1250262179581845508"写真集　佐々木莉佳子" (in Japanese). ANGERME Member Official Blog. 2020-04-15.
On August 19, she celebrated her 19th birthday at a fanclub event titled ANGERME Sasaki Rikako Birthday Event 2020, which featured two shows at LANDMARK HALL."★ファンクラブ会員限定イベント★「アンジュルム 佐々木莉佳子バースデーイベント2020」開催決定！" (in Japanese). UP-FC. 2020-07-21. In compliance with government policy, cheering, crowding, standing, and closeness in the venue were prohibited, and wearing masks were required to enter.
===2021===
On May 28, she celebrated her 20th birthday at a fanclub event titled ANGERME Sasaki Rikako Birthday Event 2021, featuring two shows at LANDMARK HALL.
On June 23, Sasaki Rikako became an exclusive CanCam model with the release of the magazine's August issue.https://twitter.com/cancamtv/status/1403095070153187328
On July 29, it was announced that Sasaki will be halting activities for the time being. On July 25, fellow ANGERME member Ise Layla was diagnosed with COVID-19, and after the confirmation of her diagnose, all members of Hello! Project underwent PCR tests which all of them tested negative for the virus, but Sasaki was classified as a close contact by the public health center. Although there is nothing wrong with her physical condition, she will be refraining from her activities for the time being and will be monitored under the instructions of the public health center and medical institutions."アンジュルム 佐々木莉佳子に関するご報告" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2021-07-29.
On August 6, it was announced that all Hello! Project members, managers, and tour staff had underwent PCR tests earlier in the week, and all of them had tested negative. As a result, the Hello! Project 2021 Summer Sapphire & Ruby show at Nakano Sun Plaza on August 8 will proceed as planned. Ise Layla and Sasaki Rikako had also taken PCR tests after their quarantine period, and had also tested negative. They will subsequently return to activities."「Hello! Project 2021 Summer ～Sapphire & Ruby～」8/7(土)8(日)中野サンプラザ公演について" (in Japanese). 2021-08-06.
===2022===
On May 27, she celebrated her 21st birthday at a fanclub event titled ANGERME Sasaki Rikako Birthday Event 2022, featuring two shows at Hitotsubashi Hall.
===2023===
On May 31, she celebrated her 22nd birthday at a fanclub event titled ANGERME Sasaki Rikako Birthday Event 2023, featuring two shows at Sunpearl Arakawa.
On June 2, it was announced that Sasaki had undergone a PCR test due to feeling feverish and lethargic, and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, she would temporarily halt activities in order to self-isolate.http://helloproject.com/news/16012/
On December 21, it was announced that Sasaki would be graduating from ANGERME and Hello! Project at the end of the group's upcoming spring concert tour in 2024.
===2024===
On April 6, it was announced in the first day of the ANGERME concert tour 2024 spring "Secret secret" that Sasaki's graduation concert would be held on June 19 at Yokohama Arena, and that ANGERME's 34th single "Bibitaru Ichigeki / Uwasa no Narushii / THANK YOU, HELLO GOOD BYE" would be her last."アンジュルム、新SGリリース決定 佐々木莉佳子卒コンは横アリで「最後まで全力で楽しんで旅立っていきたい」" (in Japanese). ODOTOY. 2024-04-06.
On May 28, she celebrated her 23rd birthday at a fanclub event titled ANGERME Sasaki Rikako Birthday Event 2024 ~Minna Kyosei Sasaki oshi★~, featuring two shows at Tiara Koto.
On June 4, in collaboration with CanCam, she released her third photobook titled girasol, which also served as a commemorative graduation photobook as well."【速報】アンジュルム・佐々木莉佳子卒業記念フォトブック発売決定！" (in Japanese). CanCam. 2024-04-02.
On June 19, she officially graduated from ANGERME and Hello! Project at the ANGERME CONCERT 2024 SECRET SECRET Sasaki Rikako FINAL "Aijou no Sekai e, Kimi mo Oide yo" in Yokohama Arena. A day later, on June 20, she released her graduation song "Kimi Dake ja nai sa...friends (Himawari Ver.)" digitally."佐々木莉佳子(アンジュルム)「君だけじゃないさ...friends (ひまわりVer.)」本日6/19(水)24時配信スタート！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2024-06-19.
On August 1, she was transferred from to ."佐々木莉佳子SNS更新中！" (in Japanese). J.P ROOM. 2024-08-01. Later, on August 27, she opened a Twitter account.https://x.com/rikako_sasaki_/status/1828310265039069531
==Personal Life==
==Profile==
==Discography==
===Digital Songs===
*[2024.06.20] Kimi Dake ja nai sa...friends (Himawari Ver.)
===Solo Songs===
*Hanako no Uta (from MODE)
===Solo Fanclub DVDs===
*[2024.09.xx] ANGERME Sasaki Rikako Birthday Event 2024 ~Minna Kyosei Sasaki oshi★~
===Solo Blu-rays===
*[2015.02.27] Greeting ~Sasaki Rikako~
==Publications==
===Solo Photobooks===
*[2015.07.20] RIKAKO
*[2020.05.28] Rikako -Shoujo, Dai Ni Shou-
*[2024.06.04] girasol
==Works==
===Theater===
*[2014] Bokutachi Karen na Shounen Gasshoudan
*[2014] LILIUM -Lilium Shoujo Junketsu Kageki-
*[2016] MODE
*[2017] Yumemiru Television
*[2018] Attack No.1
===TV Programs===
*[2012] Tsuntube
*[2012.07.19] Sakigake Ongaku Banzuke Eight
*[2012.08.16] ZIP!
*[2012.12.04] Star☆Draft
*[2013–2014] ~Onedari Entame!~ Hapi★Pure
*[2014-2019] The Girls Live
*[2015.01.01] Bakushou HIT PARADE
*[2019–2020] AI・DOL PROJECT (AI・DOL プロジェクト)
*[2020] Hello Dream. (ハロドリ。)
*[2020] Hello! Project presents... "Solo Fes!"
*[2020] ANGERME no Kekkyoku wa LOVE desho!!
*[2021] Hello Pro! TOKYO Sanpo (ハロプロ!TOKYO散歩)
*[2021] Hello! Project presents... "Solo Fes! 2"
*[2021-2022] Azatokute Nani ga Waruino? (あざとくて何が悪いの?)
*[2021] Ikuze! Nippon Budokan! Tsubaki Factory 26-jikan Special (行くぜ!日本武道館!つばきファクトリー26時間スッペシャル)
===Internet===
*[2013.06.16–08.16] Hello! Pro Kenshuusei no Tadaima Kenshuuchuu!
*[2014–2024] Hello! Project Station
*[2014–2016] MUSIC+
*[2015–2016] GREEN ROOM
*[2016–] Upcoming
*[2016–2017] Girls Night Out
*[2017–2021] tiny tiny
*[2018–2024] OMAKE CHANNEL
*[2018] Hello Pro no Monohon!
*[2019–2022] Hello Pro Dance Gakuen
*[2019–2020] Hello Pro no Oshigoto Challenge
*[2019–2020] Hello Pro Kouhaku Taiko THE☆BATTLE
*[2023] Hello Pro Dance Academy
===Commercials===
*[2018–2019] PIZZA-LA "Yokubari Quarter" (よくばりクォーター)
===Radio===
*[2015-] AS1422 (アンジュルムステーション１４２２)
===Music Videos===
*[2014] Wonderful Hachikun (dancer)
===Magazines===
*[2014–2015] Pichi Lemon (ピチレモン)
*[2016–2020] Seventeen
==Rankings==
Award 	Place /Position
Best Dancer in Hello Pro Kenshuusei(March 2014 Issue of Gekkan Entame)Gekkan Entame. March 2014 Issue. Published 2014-01-30. 	3
Best at Physical Activity in Hello Pro Kenshuusei(March 2014 Issue of Gekkan Entame) 	
Beautiful Idol General Election 2012Elementary School Grouphttps://matome.naver.jp/odai/2135590320420300201 	2
Beautiful Idol General Election 2013Elementary School Grouphttp://xxidolxx.wix.com/idolsousenkyo#!js8/c5c5 	4
Hello Pro Kenshuusei Happyoukai 2014 ~Haru no Koukai Jitsuryoku Shindan Test~Judge's Special Award for Dance Performance(awarded by judge Mitsubachi Maki)	1
==Trivia==
==Honorary Titles==
|}
==References==
==External Links==
*Official Profiles: ANGERME, Hello Pro Kenshuusei (archived), Pichi Lemon (archived), Seventeen
*Instagram
*Official Twitter
*Twitter (inactive)
*Blogs:
**ANGERME Member Blog
**SCK Girls (inactive)
**Pichi Lemon Blog (inactive)
**Hello Pro Kenshuusei blogs: June 2013, December 2013, 2014 Test, September 2014 (not tagged), Morning Musume / ℃-ute Tours
de:Sasaki Rikako
es:Sasaki Rikako
fr:Sasaki Rikako
Category:2013 Additions
Category:Members from Miyagi
Category:May Births
Category:Blood Type A
Category:2001 Births
Category:Youngest Hello! Project Member
Category:Members who failed a Morning Musume audition
Category:Former local idols
Category:Gemini
Category:Hello Pro Kenshuusei
Category:Youngest Hello Pro Kenshuusei Member
Category:18th Generation Hello Pro Kenshuusei
Category:Sasaki Rikako
Category:Members featured in Hello! Project Station
Category:Dark Pink Member Color
Category:Debuted Kenshuusei
Category:Hello Pro Kenshuusei Formers
Category:ANGERME
Category:3rd Generation ANGERME
Category:Youngest ANGERME Member
Category:Members born in Heisei Period
Category:SCK GIRLS
Category:Yellow Member Color
Category:Members of Filipino descent
Category:Date Shimai
Category:NakaZYXtai!!!
Category:Multiethnic Members
Category:Members born after Hello! Project's formation
Category:Hello! Project Dance Club
Category:Snake
Category:Pink Member Color
Category:2024 Departures