Ai Takahashi

***Ai** redirects here, if you are looking for the 4th generation member of Morning Musume with the same name, head to Ai Kago.*

**Ai Takahashi** (legally **Ai Abe**) is a Japanese singer, actress and model managed by UP-FRONT CREATE. She is best known as the former leader of Morning Musume and Hello! Project and as a former member of Minimoni. She joined Morning Musume in 2001 through the fifth generation auditions. In 2009, Takahashi became the leader of Hello! Project. However, on September 30, 2011, she passed her leadership of Morning Musume and Hello! Project to Risa Niigaki when she graduated. As of 2009, she was the longest-serving leader.

## History

### Early Life

Takahashi Ai was born on September 14, 1986 in Sakai, Fukui Prefecture.

During her childhood, she practiced ballet.

Takahashi Ai joined Morning Musume in 2001 as part of the group's fifth generation along with Makoto Ogawa, Asami Konno, and Risa Niigaki. Her debut with the group was on their 13th single "Mr.Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~ ".

In 2002, The first album was she featured on was the group's fourth album, titled "4th Ikimasshoi!". It is currently their second highest selling album, with a total of 515,400 copies sold.

Soon after Takahashi entered into her first Hello! Project Shuffle Unit, Happy 7, as one of the group's lead singers

### 2003-2005

In 2003, Takahashi replaced Yaguchi Mari in the Morning Musume spinoff group Minimoni, first appearing in the group's movie; Minimoni ja Movie: Okashi na Daibōken! and its accompanying soundtrack.

Later in 2003, she was part of the Morning Musume splinter group Morning Musume Sakura Gumi, which performed mainly slower numbers on the group's two singles, Hare Ame Nochi Suki♥ and Sakura Mankai, and the shuffle group 7AIR , an Rhythm & Blues inspired septet.

Takahashi's vocals became more prominent on the second and final Minimoni album, "Minimoni Songs 2," as well as on Morning Musume's singles from Roman ~MY DEAR BOY~ onward. She also had a duet with Tsunku on the cover version of Tsunku and Ayumi Hamasaki's duet "Love ~since 1999~" on his solo album Take1.

In 2005, Morning Musume's first single release of the year, THE Manpower!!, featured Takahashi in a prominent co-lead-vocal role, a role she has since retained on subsequent singles. In the summer of that year, she became part of the 2005 shuffle group Elegies.

### 2006

In 2006, Takahashi played the lead role, Sapphire, in the musical "Ribbon no Kishi The Musical" which was a collaboration work of Takarazuka Revue (a famous Japanese all-female musical group) and Hello! Project. The musical was based on Tezuka Osamu's manga and also starred the all of the members of v-u-den, Nozomi Tsuji, Matsuura Aya and Natsumi Abe, as well as Marcia and Kaoru Ebira of the Takarazuka Revue.

Soon thereafter, Takahashi released her first solo single, Yume Kara Samete.

### Leadership Years (2007-2011)

Following then-leader Hitomi Yoshizawa;s graduation from Morning Musume on May 6, 2007, the current sub-leader, Miki Fujimoto ascended to the leader position, with Takahashi becoming the new sub-leader of the group. However, on June 1, 2007, after Fujimoto's resignation, Takahashi took over as the new leader.

Takahashi is also captain of the Hello! Project kickball team, Metro Rabbits H.P.

Takahashi became a member of Hello Project's new unit High-King, a group created to promote Morning Musume's upcoming Cinderella the Musical, in which Takahashi played the main character.

It was announced in July 2008, that Takahashi and fellow Morning Musume member Niigaki Risa would play the 80s J-Pop duo Pink Lady in the TV Drama Hitmaker Aku Yuu Monogatari.

As of September 2008, she and Risa Niigaki had the second longest tenures of any member, with only Kaori Iida remaining in the group longer. She is also one of only four members to remain in the group for seven years or more, with the others being Kaori Iida, Hitomi Yoshizawa and Risa Niigaki.

In February 1, 2009, during the "Hello Pro Award '09 ~Elder Club Sotsugyo Kinen Special~" concert held at Yokohama Arena, Yuko Nakazawa passed on her leadership position in Hello! Project to Takahashi.

On February 16, 2009, Risa Niigaki and Takahashi tied with 1st Generation member Iida Kaori with 26 singles featured in.

Around December 2009, Ai Takahashi promoted the release of Final Fantasy XIII in Japan.

Takahashi joined the Inter FM FIVESTARS radio lineup by getting her own regular radio show.

Takahashi studed English through the use of the PSP game Talkman.

Takahashi dubbed the part of the main actress Kim Ah-joong (who plays Han Ji-soo) in the Korean Drama, Accidental Couple.

Takahashi Ai opened up an official Ameba blog.

At the beginning of 2011, it was announced that Takahashi would graduate in Autumn 2011, passing leadership of ppMorning Musume]] and Hello! Project to then sub-leader Risa Niigaki.

Here's a statement from Takahashi: "Since Eri graduated, Tsunku told me to think about when I should graduate, too. There is still a lot of time so, after having been the leader for the 9th gen and having taken good care of them, I want to graduate." -Takahashi Ai.

It was announced that Takahashi Ai would be the lead actress in a special Valentine Day's drama titled Koi Choco - Bitter Sweet Angel (Chocolate Love – Bitter Sweet Angel).

Takahashi cut and dyed her hair blonde around April.

It was announced that Takahashi would be opening an official Ameba Shop.

On June 23, it was announced that she would have a solo song on her last single with Morning Musume titled Jishin Motte Yume Motte Tobitatsu Kara.

On June 30, Morning Musume 2011 Autumn Concert Tour title was revealed to be "Morning Musume Concert Tour 2011 Aki Ai Believe ~Takahashi Ai Graduation Memory Special~". Takahashi would graduate from Morning Musume on the final day of the tour on September 30, at the Nippon Budokan.

On July 26, it was announced that Takahashi would release her last Photobook and DVD.

It was announced that Ai Takahashi would be starring as Sarah in a musical titled Dance of the Vampires. The musical took place from November 17 to December 24.

On August 26, 2011, Takahashi and Risa Niigaki celebrated 10 years being in Morning Musume. Both of them were the first members in Morning Musume history to pass the 10 year mark.

On September 23, 2011, it was announced that Takahashi would be appointed Ambassador for her hometown Fukui. This occurred on September 26, 2011.

On September 30, 2011, Takahashi officially graduated from Morning Musume and Hello! Project. Takahashi's graduation song was Jishin Motte Yume Motte Tobitatsu Kara in the Morning Musume Concert Tour 2011 Aki Ai Believe ~Takahashi Ai Graduation Memory Special~.

On October 3, 2011, it was announced that Takahashi was a part of M-Line.

On October 11, 2011, it was announced that Takahashi would be a regular MC on the Ameba Studio show Joshi Chikara Café ~Aisukurissu~ hosted by Chris Matsumura. The show aired every Wednesday starting from October 12 at 10PM (JST).

On November 25, it was announced that Takahashi Ai would be part of the cast for a stage play titled La Patisserie. The play ran from March 3 to March 11 in Tokyo, March 20 and March 22 in Osaka and Ishikawa.

### After Morning Musume

On May 6, Takahashi announced that she would be part of Taira no Kiyomori, debuting in June. She played Tsuneko, the wife of Kiyomori's eldest son.

Takahashi starred in a stage play titled High School Uta Gekidan☆Otoko-gumi. The play ran from September 12 to September 23.

On October 1, Takahashi was transfered to UP-FRONT CREATE along with other UP-FRONT PROMOTION members.

It was announced that Takahashi would be voicing a character in the hit anime Detective Conan. The episodes she voiced in were expected to be aired in early 2013.

In 2013, she starred in The Wedding Singer as Julia.

On February 12, Hello! Project Fanclub News announced that Takahashi will star in a stageplay titled Moshimo Kokumin ga Shusho o Erandara along with Rika Ishikawa, S/mileage members Wada Ayaka and Fukuda Kanon, and Juice=Juice members Miyamoto Karin and Uemura Akari. There will be 11 showings and it will run from April 24th through the 30th.

On March 18, Takahashi appeared in the commercial “Ai to Kumao,” promoting the insect repellent “Mushuda.” This was her first time appearing solo on a commercial.

On May 10, Takahashi was modeled for Vanquish Venus fashion magazine.

Takahashi had a solo-live titled "Takahashi Ai Sparkling Live in Yuigahama" on July 21.

Takahashi participated in a musical called "Merrily We Roll Along" in November and played Beth Spencer.

On July 3, It was announced that Takahashi would be going to Thailand for the Japan Festa 2013 from August 31 to September 1. She held a free mini live and handshaking event.

On July 16, it was announced that she would be holding a birthday live on September 14 and 16. The title was called "Ai Takahashi Birthday Live 2013 ~HELLO♥27~" September 14 in Tokyo and September 16 in Osaka. Later, her Osaka performance was cancelled due to a typhoon.

On September 10, HMV announced that Takahashi would be releasing her first style book. It would include an interview about her Morning Musume days, as well as her idea of love. It would also include articles on how to find a outfit, hair tips, and makeup. It was released on October 18.

Takahashi became a regular in the new TV drama Jikken Keiji Totori 2, which started to air on October 12.

Takahashi had a main role in the movie Kara-age☆USA. Filming for the movie occurred in Usa city, Oita prefecture in late October to November. The movie was released in Summer 2014.

On December 20, it was announced that Takahashi was engaged to her boyfriend, Abe Koji, and they planned to get married on February 14, 2014. Their wedding ceremony was changed to take place some time after May

On March 17, Takahashi appeared in another commercial for “Mushuda,” titled "Live.".

Takahashi attended Hello Pro Kenshuusei Happyoukai 2015 ~Haru no Koukai Jitsuryoku Shindan Test~ as a judge.

In April it was announced that she had joined a girl group with fellow Morning Musume graduates Mari Yaguchi and Nozomi Tsuji called "Datsumo Musume", under the management of Datsumo Labo for the promotion of their hair removal services.

On July 17, the women's lingerie and clothing retailer PEACH JOHN announced they would be collaborating with Takahashi for the collection LOVE & PEACH.

On September 11, it was announced Takahashi would be collaborating with fashion brand haco. for the LOVE&PEACE Project 2015, a project that began in the wake of the 9/11 attacks to raise funds to support "a happy future for children around the world" by selling clothing from the project collection.

On October 2, Takahashi modeled and introduced a new boot collection by ASBee.

On October 24, Takahashi appeared as a model in the GirlsAward 2015 AUTUMN/WINTER at Yoyogi National Gymnasium.

In the spring, Takahashi starred in Hoshi Boshi no Yakusoku, Japan's first live-action drama movie made for a full-dome cinema, which was screened at the Fukui City Museum of Natural History Dome Theater.

On August 8, Takahashi collaborated with the clothing brand haco! for the LOVE AND PEACE PROJECT2016, continuing from the previous year.

On September 27, Takahashi released her third style book 30. as an e-mook.

On October 8, she appeared as a guest model in the GirlsAward 2016 AUTUMN/WINTER by Mynavi at Yoyogi National Gymnasium.

From November 21, Takahashi would be featured in a commercial for S.T. Corporation's Dasshuu Yumi product alongside singer Yaida Hitomi, titled "Ai to Yaiko Getabako".

On February 7, Takahashi was appointed the poster model for Kutsushitaya's SPRING 2017 collection.

On February 21, Takahashi appeared as a special guest during her friend Kojima Haruna's AKB48 graduation ceremony at Yoyogi National Stadium. Takahashi performed "Hare Ame Nochi Suki ♡" and "LOVE Machine" with some of the AKB48 members.

On February 22, Takahashi starred in two web commercials, one by herself and one alongside comedy trio Panther, for clothing brand Right-on's jean collection named BACK NUMBER DENIM.

On March 3, it was announced that Takahashi and WEGO collaborated to create strawberry-themed clothing items that would be sold from March 17 online and from April 1 in-stores.

Takahashi starred in a web commercial for Shiseido Senka's Perfect Whip Silky facial cleanser which was uploaded on May 8.

On September 16, she appeared as a guest model in the Rakuten GirlsAward 2017 AUTUMN/WINTER at Makuhari Messe.

On October 13, Takahashi released her fourth style book and her first self-edited book, titled i ♡ magazine.

From October 26 to November 12, Takahashi performed in the Engeki Joshibu musical Bokutachi Karen na Shounen Gasshoudan starring members of Hello Pro Kenshuusei.

On November 21, Takahashi made a surprise appearance alongside Sayumi Michishige and Reina Tanaka during the Morning Musume Tanjou 20 Shuunen Kinen Concert Tour 2017 Aki ~We are MORNING MUSUME~ at Nippon Budokan. The three of them performed "Shabondama" and "Resonant Blue" with all of the current members.

On April 23, Takahashi released her first guide book on South Korea, titled Takahashi Ai no Kankoku Hon.

On May 4, she held a joint fanclub event with Niigaki Risa, titled Takahashi Ai・Niigaki Risa FC Event AiGaki DISCO 2018 ~Time Slip~.

On May 19, Takahashi appeared as a guest model in the Rakuten GirlsAward 2018 SPRING/SUMMER at Makuhari Messe.

On June 25, it was announced that she and Tanaka Reina would be starring in a new commercial titled "Ai to Reina" for S.T. Corporation's fridge odor eliminator product Dasshuu Sumi.

On July 24, Takahashi starred in KFC's collaborative web commercial with mini magazine to promote the "Shin Krushers" drink.

On September 1, Takahashi appeared as a guest model in the Tokyo Girls Collection 2018 AUTUMN/WINTER at Saitama Super Arena.

On September 8, Takahashi celebrated her 32nd birthday at the Takahashi Ai Birthday Event HAPPY B'DAY TO Meee 32., featuring three shows at Shibuya Shidax Culture Hall.

On September 16, she appeared in the Rakuten GirlsAward 2018 AUTUMN/WINTER at Makuhari Messe on September 16.

On November 30, she published the Ai Takahashi MAKE-UP BOOK, which also features six active Hello! Project members as models.

In March, Takahashi and Niigaki Risa became regulars in the Wednesday "Oshare Sanpo" corner of CBC TV's Chant!.

On June 17, Takahashi and Tanaka Reina teamed up for a second time for a new Dasshuu Sumi commercial, titled "Sumi Sugee".

On July 8, she and Tanaka were cast in a commercial for S.T. Corporation's Kometouban bug repellant, titled "Ai to Reina no Bouken".

On July 26, Takahashi and her husband Abe Koji starred in their first web commercial together for Glico's Café au Lait.

On September 16, she celebrated her 33rd birthday at a fanclub event titled Takahashi Ai Birthday Event ~HAPPY B'DAY TO Meee.33~, which featured three shows at Akabana ReNY alpha.

On Setpember 28, she appeared as a guest in the Rakuten GirlsAward 2019 AUTUMN/WINTER at Makuhari Messe.

On September 13, she celebrated her 34th birthday at a fanclub event titled Takahashi Ai Birthday Event ~HAPPY B'DAY TO Meee.34~ with three shows at LANDMARK HALL. In compliance with government policy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cheering, crowding, standing, and closeness in the venue were prohibited, and wearing masks were required to enter.

On April 14, she announced via her Youtube channel that she would be forming an apparel unit, with Harumi Akane and Fujii Sakiko. In May, the unit revealed their name to be GOKI-GENs through a dance cover of Moonlight Night ~Tsukiyo no Ban da yo~, uploaded to Takahashi's Youtube channel.

On May 29, she served as an Olympic torchbearer representing Fukui for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

On June 21, Takahashi along with Tanaka Reina and Natsuyaki Miyabi released the digital song "Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun" as the one-shot unit Taiyaki Tabeta no Nande? (たいやき たべたの なんで？; Why Did You Eat It?), abbreviated as TTN.

On September 11, she celebrated her 35th birthday at a fanclub event titled Takahashi Ai Birthday Event ~HAPPY B'DAY TO Meee.35th～ with two shows at LANDMARK HALL. In compliance with government policy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cheering, crowding, standing, and closeness in the venue were prohibited, and wearing masks were required to enter.

In October, Takahashi launched Aimmx, a line of gender-neutral cosmetics.

On January 24, it was announced that Takahashi Ai was diagnosed with COVID-19. She had a fever on January 22, and subsequently took a PCR test. She was diagnosed positive on January 23. She is currently in stable condition, but she will continue to concentrate on treatment under the direction of medical institutions and health centers. Her husband also underwent a PCR test, and was diagnosed as positive and will also be treated under the direction of the health center.

On April 27, Takahashi Ai, Tanaka Reina, and Natsuyaki Miyabi will be releasing the collaborating album Laugh and Peace, which features comedic songs, including previously released track "Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun".

On May 10, Takahashi's unit GOKI-GENs uploaded their first original music video to Takahashi's Youtube channel for their song "Suki o Kotoba ni Kaete".

## Appearance

Ai wears a yellow jacket over a red shirt, yellow trousers and yellow shoes. She has dark blonde hair.

## Trivia

* She shares the same first name as Ai Kago.