Momoiro Clover Z

is a Japanese idol group. It is commonly abbreviated as .

The group is known for energetic performances, incorporating elements of ballet, gymnastics, and action movies. In 2013, it was the 4th music artist by total sales revenue in Japan, with over ¥5.2 billion.

Momoiro Clover Z is ranked as the most popular female idol group according to 2013 and 2014 surveys.

 Music style 
Momoclo's songs are "hyperactive J-pop numbers". Their live performances are heavily choreographed and acrobatic. The group is known for their chaotic energy that is similar to that of punk bands. The response from the audience is also enthusiastic. Because of the hard dances, the girls' voices are not very stable. Nevertheless, they never lipsynch on stage. Overall, the group and its music are progressive and forward-thinking.

The group has worked with many famous songwriters and musicians, belonging to different genres of music, from pop to punk and heavy metal. For example, Marty Friedman played the guitar for , one of the singles, and also appeared on the group's  concert.

(Who is Momoiro Clover Z - YouTube)

 Members 
On stage, the members can be easily found by the colors of their clothes.

NameColorBirth date and ageNotes Kanako Momota  Red  Leader Shiori Tamai  Yellow  Nickname: Shiorin Ayaka Sasaki  Pink  Nickname: Ārin Reni Takagi  Purple  Former leader

+
Former membersAkari Hayami BlueNickname: Akarin，Former sub leaderMomoka Ariyasu Green Former child dancer of EXILE

There were some other members before releasing the debut CD:







 Discography 

 Singles 
 No. Title Release date OriconWeeklySinglesChart Officialvideo Independent label 1  Aug. 5, 2009 23 2  Nov. 11, 2009 11 Major label 1   3Music 2  Nov. 10, 2010 8Live 3   3Music 4   5Live 5  6Music 6  Nov. 23, 2011 7Music 7   5Music 8   3Music 9  Nov. 21, 2012 2*Music 10  Nov. 6, 2013 2Music 11   1Music 12  
*Billboard Japan Hot 100 number one

 Albums 
 No. Title Release date OriconWeeklyAlbumsChart 1   2 2   1 –   2

Collaboration
Momoiro Clover Z have collaborated with overseas artists.
 Kiss released a collaboration single with Momoiro Clover Z, titled "Yume no Ukiyo ni Saitemina" (January, 2015).
 Lady Gaga designated Momoiro Clover Z for an opening act of  her concert (August, 2014).

The group sings theme music for anime which are famous overseas too.
 Pokémon - "Mite Mite Kocchichi" (June, 2012)
 Sailor Moon - "Moon Pride" (July, 2015)

 Name origin 
The group formed in the spring of 2008 and officially debuted as a six-member unit a year later. It was originally named "Momoiro Clover", which means "Pink Clover". The name was chosen to show that the band was composed of innocent girls who wanted to bring happiness to people.

In 2011, the group faced a crisis because subleader Akari Hayami suddenly quit. Then, the management added the letter "Z" to the name. In Japan, "Z" is a symbol of evolution.

The group is nicknamed , because most of its members are students and the group is active mainly on weekends.

The group gives a special emphasis to closeness to the fans and its slogan is .  They used to perform on park walkways for passers-by. They also gave free concerts in electronics stores and sold CDs by themselves. Though the group made it big, their deep appreciation of the fans can be seen at their live concerts and events, when they make deep and long ojigi, a bow to say thanks.

References

 Other websites 



 YouTube channel (videos up to 2013; a shared channel with sister groups)
 YouTube channel (videos from 2014)

Category:Musical groups from Tokyo
Category:J-pop music groups
Category:Japanese girl groups
Category:2008 establishments in Asia
Category:2000s establishments in Japan