Morning Musume

**Agencies:** | UP-FROMT AGENCY (1997-2011)UP-FROMT PROMOTION (2012-present)

**Morning Musume '24** (formerly known as Morning Musume (1997 until 2013), Morning Musume '14 (in 2014), Morning Musume '15 (in 2015), Morning Musume '16 (in 2016), Morning Musume '17 (in 2017), Morning Musume '18 (in 2018), Morning Musume '19 (in 2019), Morning Musume '20 (in 2020), Morning Musume '21 (in 2021), Morning Musume '22 (in 2022) and Morning Musume '23 (in 2023)) is the lead group of a production called the Hello! Project They first formed back in 1997 on a talent show called ASAYAN.

The five runners-up, Iida Kaori, Nakazawa Yuko, Abe Natsumi, Aya Ishiguro and Asuka Fukuda, became the 1st generation of the band, with a target to sell their demo single, Ai no Tane over five days, and they did so over four days. They quickly became, and is one of, the biggest girl groups in the world. They are currently one of the most successful Japanese idol groups holding the second highest singles (of a female group), with a combined CD and DVD release going over 21 million sales in Japan alone. Their producer, Tsunku, is responsible for the composition of the majority of their songs and lyrics, production of their CD-sleeve covers, designing of their costumes and make-up and their live shows.

The group is known for their ever-fluctuating line-up, with "graduations" and auditions held nearly every year.

Currently, they are one of the most successful Japanese pop idol girl groups, holding the second highest overall single sales (of a female group) on the Oricon charts as of February 2012, with the Oricon record of most top ten singles with an amount of 57. Morning Musume also is the biggest DVD seller in the female group category in Japan.

In recent years, the group has been making a concerted attempt to break into new markets in Asia, Europe and the US, performing at EXPOs worldwide

## History

### 1997-1998: Formation, Golden Era

Japanese producer Tsunku started the group through an audition for a female rock vocalist for his band Sharan Q. Tsunku decided to form a girl group consisting of five of the runners-up: Yuko Nakazawa, Natsumi Abe, Kaori Iida, Asuka Fukuda, and Aya Ishiguro. 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.

In 1998, the girls were ready with their first official single, "Morning Coffee." The success of this single (hitting #6 on the Japanese pop charts) brought them three new members known as the second generation: Kei Yasuda, Mari Yaguchi and Sayaka Ichii, bringing the total member count to eight.

On December 31, 1998, Morning Musume won the Japan Record Award for "Best New Artist."

### 1998-2000: Love Machine

Eager to add new life to the group, Tsunku held auditions for a third generation of Morning Musume. Two girls were expected to be admitted, but ultimately only Maki Goto was added. The group's seventh single, "LOVE Machine," sold 1,730,000 copies, making it a major hit.

In 2000, Koi no Dance Site, the follow up to their major hit, Love Machine, was released and it hit #2, selling over a million copies—400,000 copies away from reaching Love Machine's success. Aya Ishiguro left the group before the single was released.

There was also a new generation search. The fourth generation consisted of Rika Ishikawa, Hitomi Yoshizawa, Nozomi Tsuji, and Ai Kago. After their debut single, Happy Summer Wedding, Sayaka Ichii graduated to pursue her own music career.

### 2001-2003

At the end of January, the best selling Hello! Project album to date, at 2,259,510 copies, was released: Best! Morning Musume 1.

At the end of the year, four new members joined the group as the 5th Generation through the "Love Audition 21:" Asami Konno, Makoto Ogawa, and two members from the platinum era, Ai Takahashi, Risa Niigaki, bringing the roster to 13 girls. Their first single "Mr.Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~" sold over half a million copies.

In February, 2003, "Souda! We're ALIVE," another hit, was released.

Maki Goto graduated late in the year, her last single with the group was Do it! Now

In 2003, the unique child-like tune, Morning Musume no Hyokkori Hyoutanjima, was released in February as the group's seventeenth single. April brought the notably successful single AS FOR ONE DAY, a synthesizer-driven song about lost love, which sold 129,893 copies and hit #1 in the Oricon charts. This was Kei Yasuda's last single.

Before the auditions for the sixth generation were held, the group released the album No.5.

Four new girls were added as the sixth generation: Miki Fujimoto plus 3 members from the platinum era, Eri Kamei, longest serving Sayumi Michishige, and Reina Tanaka. The sixth generation's first single was Shabondama.

Morning Musume was split into two subgroups, Morning Musume Sakura Gumi and Morning Musume Otome Gumi so that it could tour more cities. Morning Musume Sakura Gumi included Natsumi Abe, Mari Yaguchi, Hitomi Yoshizawa, Ai Kago, Ai Takahashi, Risa Niigaki, Asami Konno and Eri Kamei, while Morning Musume Otome Gumi featured Kaori Iida, Rika Ishikawa, Nozomi Tsuji, Makoto Ogawa, Miki Fujimoto, Sayumi Michishige, and Reina Tanaka.

### 2004-2007

Auditions for the seventh generation were held in various cities, 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." This was the first time an audition had ended with no new members.

In November, Morning Musume released Namida ga Tomaranai Houkago. Following this single, Morning Musume EARLY SINGLE BOX was released.

Their sixth studio album, named Ai no Dai 6kan, hit stores in December. This was Ai Kago, Nozomi Tsuji, Kaori Iida, Mari Yaguchi, and Rika Ishikawa's last credited studio album.

On January 30, Kaori Iida graduated to pursue a solo career, with Mari Yaguchi taking on the leadership role. Hitomi Yoshizawa was made the sub-leader. Iida's single was THE Manpower!!

In February, Tsunku started another audition for Morning Musume's seventh generation. This audition resulted with one new member, Koharu Kusumi.

On April 27, the group's twenty-sixth single, Osaka Koi no Uta was released. This single was Yaguchi Mari's and Ishikawa Rika's last.

In July, Morning Musume released Iroppoi Jirettai, Koharu Kusumi's first single with the group. The single was considered to be the biggest hit of the year—selling around 20,000 more copies than any single they released in the past year.

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.

On April 28, it was announced by Tsunku, from his official website, that fifth generation members Asami Konno and Makoto Ogawa were going to graduate. Their last single was Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii Jan.

Tsunku also announced the audition for the eighth generation, called Morning Musume Happy 8 Audition. On December 10th's Hello! Morning, it was announced that the newest member was Aika Mitsui.

The last single release of the year was Aruiteru, which was a huge hit. It was the first single that hit the #1 spot in 3½ years . Their first mini-album, 7.5 Fuyu Fuyu Morning Musume Mini!, was released in December.

In February, the first single with eighth generation member Mitsui Aika was released, Egao YES Nude.

On March 15, Tsunku announced that two other eighth generation members would be joining the group: Li Chun and Qian Lin, both Chinese nationals, were to join as "exchange students." Tsunku stated that the two new members would be an important key for their group's planned expansion into Asia and gave them the stage names of "Junjun" and "Linlin" respectively.

With the success of Kanashimi Twilight, on May 1, Morning Musume became the "best single selling female group in Japan" with 11,085,000 copies sold—their fifth Oricon record. The achievement surpasses the previous record set by Pink Lady of 11,037,000 copies sold.

### 2008-2009: Platinum Era

2008 was the first year in which there were no changes in Morning Musume's lineup.

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.

Morning Musume released their 39th single, Shouganai Yume Oibito, on May 13, attaining the #1 position on Oricon's weekly chart, the first time since their single "Aruiteru" in 2006.

In late September, 2009, "Nanchatte Ren'ai" became Morning Musume's highest selling single since "Iroppoi Jirettai," which was released in 2005. With good sales from "Nanchatte Ren'ai," Morning Musume released their 41st single, Kimagure Princess, on October 28. It was Koharu Kusumi's last single. Her graduation marked the end of Morning Musume's longest lasting line-up.

### 2010-2012: Colorful Era

In 2010, their 44th single, Onna to Otoko no Lullaby Game, was released on November 17. This was the last single to feature Eri Kamei, Junjun and Linlin.

On December 15, 2010, the graduation of Eri Kamei, Junjun, and Linlin was held. It was the biggest graduation in Morning Musume's history. With this the group was reduced to 5 members, the smallest line-up since 1998.

On January 2, four ninth generation members were revealed to be Mizuki Fukumura, Erina Ikuta, Riho Sayashi and Kanon Suzuki at the Hello! Project 2011 Winter ~Kangei Shinsen Matsuri~ A gana Live concert. The ninth generation's debut single was Maji Desu ka Ska! The single was going to be released on March 23, but due to the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, it was released on April 6.

On January 9th, an announcement was made that leader Takahashi Ai would be graduating from Morning Musume and Hello! Project at the group's Autumn 2011 concert (on September 30). Morning Musume released their 47th single on September 14. This was the last single to feature Ai Takahashi.

On August 26, Morning Musume 5th generation member's, Ai Takahashi and Risa Niigaki celebrated 10 years as members of the group.

The tenth generation members were introduced on September 29th. Haruna Iikubo, Ayumi Ishida, Masaki Sato, and Haruka Kudo

Once Ai Takahashi graduated, she passed on the leadership role of both Morning Musume and Hello! Project to Risa Niigaki, the only remaining 5th generation member.

On January 5, Morning Musume ultimately lost the record of having the highest overall single sales (of a female group) on the Oricon charts to AKB48. They were then currently tied with the most number one singles.

On January 25, "Pyocopyoco Ultra," was released, it became their lowest selling single, selling only 34,050 copies.

On April 11, "Ren'ai Hunter," was released.

On May 4, it was announced that Aika Mitsui and Risa Niigaki would be graduating from Morning Musume on May 18, the last day of their Spring Concert Tour, at the Nippon Budokan. Mitsui's reason for graduating was due to the possibility of a stress fracture in her left ankle from the prior year reoccurring if she continued with her activities in Morning Musume.

On May 18, Sayumi Michishige was announced as Morning Musume's 8th Leader, succeeding Risa Niigaki. The same day the Morning Musume Eleventh Generation Auditions were set to begin.

On May 26, Morning Musume was one of the special artists to perform at Girls Award 2012 Spring/Summer collection ~All you need is LOVE~ event at Yoyogi Stadium along side names as ICONIQ, Kato Miliyah and Korean Pop Group Wonder Girls.[12]

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

On September 14, during Morning Musume's 15th Anniversary Concert Tour rehearsal, Hello! Pro Kenshuusei Member, Sakura Oda, passed the 11th Generation Auditions, making her the sole 11th Generation member.

### 2013

On January 19, both Sayumi Michishige and Reina Tanaka officially celebrated 10 full years as members of Morning Musume.

On January 30, Morning Musume's single Help me!! became the first Hello! Project single to reach #1 on Oricon's weekly singles chart since Shouganai Yume Oibito, which was released in 2009. Help me!! also had the best first day sales since 2003.

On March 16, 12th generation auditions were announced. The application deadline was April 30. It was later announced that no one passed the audition. However, all finalists from the audition were offered positions in Hello! Pro Kenshuusei.

On April 23, "Brainstorming / Kimi Sae Ireba Nani mo Iranai," ranked #1 on Oricon's weekly singles chart and became Morning Musume's 2nd consecutive weekly #1, which was previously achieved with "Mr.Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~" in 2001. The single also became the first since "Aruiteru" to have every day of the first week ranked at number 1.

On May 21, the day of Tanaka Reina's graduation, Mizuki Fukumura, later leader, and Haruna Iikubo were appointed sub-leaders of Morning Musume.[4]

On September 12, "Wagamama Ki no Mama Ai no Joke / Ai no Gundan," ranked #1 on the first week of sales. It was the highest selling Hello! Project single of 2013. And it became Morning Musume's highest selling single since "Koko ni Iruzee!", which was released in 2002.

### 2014: Fukumura Mizu Era

On January 1, Morning Musume began the new year with their new group name, Morning Musume '14.[13][14].

On January 21, Tsunku announced at the Presentation Spring 2014 that Morning Musume would be part of a commercial along with comedians Morisanchuu, forming a new unit called Morimusu.

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.[13][15]. The single peaked at #1 on the Oricon charts, becoming their fourth #1 single in a row – the longest streak of number ones in the group's history.

In February, Morning Musume '14 cheered and sang an official song produced by Tsunku, titled "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!.

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", which also peaked at #1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

On April 29, during the Morning Musume '14 Concert Tour Haru ~Evolution~ concert held in Yamaguchi, Sayumi Michishige announced her graduation. She would be graduating at their Fall 2014 concert tour. On August 16, it was announced that the last date of the tour would take place on November 26, 2014 at Yokohama Arena.

On May 29, a second in-group unit was formed. The unit, named Zenryoku Yasai Musume, will be promoting KAGOME vegetable juice.

The 12th Generation members were officially revealed on September 30. They are ice skater Haruna Ogata, America raised Miki Nonaka, and two former Hello!Pro Kenshuusei members Maria Makino, and Akane Haga. This was their biggest line up since 2004.

On October 15, Morning Musume '14 released their 57th single "TIKI BUN / Shabadaba Doo~ / Mikaeri Bijin". It is the final single featuring 6th generation member Sayumi Michishige.

On October 29, Morning Musume '14 released their 14th studio album 14shou ~The message~. It was the last album to feature Sayumi Michishige, 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 Fuji TV’s end of the year specials. To enter the audition, one must submit a three minute video. The audition was open to any nationality. Both amateurs and professionals were welcome to apply.

On November 26, Sayumi Michishige graduated, appointing Mizuki Fukumura as the leader of Morning Musume and both Haruna Iikubo and Erina Ikuta were appointed sub-leaders of Morning Musume.

On December 28th, 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 would start airing on January 4, 2015

### 2015

On January 1, Morning Musume '14 changed their name to Morning Musume '15.

On February 9, it was announced that Morning Musume '15 would be releasing a song for the upcoming Pretty Cure movie, in which Haruna Iikubo, Ayumi Ishida, and Sakura Oda would be providing their voices to 3 spirits whose artwork they designed themselves.

On February 14, it was announced that Haruna Iikubo would be the official mentor to the 12th generation, bringing back the mentor system.

On April 15, Morning Musume '15 released their 58th single, "Seishun Kozou ga Naiteiru / Yuugure wa Ameagari / Ima Koko Kara". This was the 12th generation's debut single and their first single without Sayumi Michishige.

On June 24, Morning Musume '15 performed at the TV Tokyo Music Festival(2). In addition, it was also announced that original members of Morning Musume will gathered together for a 4-song medley including “Daite HOLD ON ME!”, LOVE Machine”, “Koi no Dance Site” and “Happy Summer Wedding.”

On August 19, Morning Musume '15 released their 59th single, "Oh my wish! / Sukatto My Heart / Imasugu Tobikomu Yuuki".

On October 29, Riho Sayashi announced that she will graduate from Morning Musume '15 on December 31.

On December 16, Morning Musume '15 will perform at Fuji TV's 2015 FNS Kayousai THE LIVE.[27]

On December 29, Morning Musume '15 will release their 60th single, "Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only". It is Riho Sayashi's last single as a member of Morning Musume.

On December 31, Riho Sayashi graduated at the end of the first part of the Hello! Project COUNTDOWN PARTY 2015 ~GOOD BYE & HELLO!~.

### 2016

On January 1, Morning Musume '15 changed their name to Morning Musume '16.

On January 2, Morning Musume '16 announced their Shinseki Audition during the Hello! Project 2016 WINTER ~DANCING! SINGING! EXCITING!~ concert. This was to look for a 13th generation.

On February 7, Kanon Suzuki announced she will graduate from Morning Musume '16 and Hello! Project at the end of the Morning Musume '16 Concert Tour Haru ~EMOTION IN MOTION~.

From February 26 to February 28, 2016, Morning Musume '16 were main guests at Anime Matsuri in Houston, Texas to celebrate the convention's 10th anniversary, which took place at the George R. Brown Convention Center. On Friday, February 26, the group appeared in the opening ceremony and held a Q&A session afterwards. Their concert was held on Saturday, February 27, which they performed a total of 16 songs in front of 6,000 people. OG member Aika Mitsui accompanied the group and was the concert MC. There were originally plans for members Haruna Iikubo and Haruka Kudo to participate in the Friday J-Fashion Show as models, but they did not appear.

Morning Musume '16 released their 61st single "Utakata Saturday Night! / The Vision / Tokyo to Iu Katasumi". It is Kanon Suzuki's last single as a member of Morning Musume.

On May 31, Kanon Suzuki graduated at the end of the spring concert tour in Nippon Budokan and it was announced that no one had passed the Shinseiki audition, but as announced on June 15, 2016, it is being re-held.

Morning Musume '16 has been invited to perform during the *TV Tokyo Music Festival(3)* on June 29, and NTV's *THE MUSIC DAY Natsu no Hajimari* on July 2, TBS TV's *Ongaki no Hi x CDTV Asamade Natsu Fes! 2016* on July 16 and Fuji TV's *2016 FNS Uta no Natsu Matsuri* on July 18 with ℃-ute and ANGERME.

On October 5, 2016, Morning Musume '16 attended a fan meeting in Seoul, South Korea and then on October 6 they performed in the MU:CON LIVE AMN Big Concert at DMC Festival 2016, which took place in the Sangam Culture Plaza.

On October 15, 2016, Morning Musume '16 performed "Utakata Saturday Night!" on TVBS's Quan Qiu Zhong Wen Yin Yue Bang Shang Bang (全球中文音樂榜上榜; Global Chinese Music Live), a live Taiwanese music program. The next day on October 16, the group held a live concert in Taipei. Two months before on August 16, members Fukumura Mizuki, Kudo Haruka, and Ogata Haruna visited Taipei for a press event outside of the Red House Theater to promote the concert.

On November 23, Morning Musume '16 released their 62nd single, Sexy Cat no Enzetsu / Mukidashi de Mukiatte / Sou Janai. Morning Musume '16 will appear 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.

On November 23 at the Morning Musume '16 Concert Tour Aki ~MY VISION~ concert in Osaka, the group announced that the 13th generation would be selected from Hello Pro Kenshuusei and announced at the Nippon Budokan tour finale on December 12. The audition administrator later released an official statement on the Hello! Project website explaining that the winner(s) would be chosen from Hello Pro Kenshuusei because, once again, no suitable candidates were found from the general audition.

The 13th Generation members were officially revealed on December 12. They are two former Hello!Pro Kenshuusei members Kaede Kaga and Reina Yokoyama. This was the first time ever that only two members were in a generation.

On December 31, the group will perform on TV for the first time as the Morning Musume '17 line-up during the CDTV Special! Toshikoshi Premier Live 2016→2017. The performance was pre-recorded on December 30, which Sato Masaki was unable to participate due to her lower back injury.

### 2017

On January 1, Morning Musume '16 changed their name to Morning Musume '17.

On January 12, 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. it was also announced that Haruka Kudo would be the official mentor to the 13th generation.

Morning Musume '17 will form a collaborative unit with HKT48 member Sashihara Rino named Sashining Musume. They will sing the track "Get you!" released in Type-A of AKB48's 8th album Thumbnail on January 25.

On January 26th it was announced that Morning Musume'17 would release their 63rd single titled BRAND NEW MORNING / Jealousy Jealousy.

On February 21, it was announced Morning Musume '17 would have their own show on TV Tokyo called *Tokugi☆Saikenshou Momusu DE Gozaru!* beginning on March 8. The program will show off and verify each members' special skill listed on their official profile.

On February 24, Up Front announced that Sato Masaki will be returning from her three month hiatus, and restart her activities in the group on March 18, where the group will have a concert in Pacifico Yokohama during the "Morning Musume。'17 Concert Tour Spring ~THE INSPIRATION~" tour.

On March 12, Morning Musume '17 will perform in the *SKY PerfecTV! Ongakusai 2017*.

On March 25, it was announced that Morning Musume '17 and ANGERME would be featured in the game app titled *Hello! Project Hina Fest "Idol Nama Gassen" ~Kunitori Tenka Touitsu Hen~*, for which a "live battle" event will be held on April 16.

On April 10, Morning Musume '17 was appointed the official Ouen Taishi, or Cheer Ambassadors, of the "Ceka Paka PLAY DREAM CAMPAIGN" for the Nihon Seimei Ce-Pa Koryusen (the Nippon Professional Baseball interleague) that would begin on May 30. Fukumura Mizuki would be the leader of the whole campaign while the other 12 members would each support one of the 12 teams, and each member would have their own type of dance movie that would be shown at their team's home stadium.

At the April 29 concert, Kudo Haruka announced that she would graduate from Morning Musume and Hello! Project at the group's upcoming fall tour to focus on acting.

Morning Musume '17 will perform in the *TV Tokyo Ongakusai 2017* on June 28 and Nippon TV's *THE MUSIC DAY Negai ga Kanau Natsu* on July 1.

As part of their collaboration with marukome, Morning Musume '17 will begin airing a weekly 5-minute radio program titled *marukome Morning Misoshiru Koeru yo!* on July 1 across 38 stations.

On June 26, it was announced through a special episode of Hello! Project Station that Chisaki Morito has joined the group as a new 14th generation member and concurrent member from Country Girls, She will begin activities with the group in the Hello! Project 2017 SUMMER concert tour and in their upcoming fall tour.

Morning Musume '17 performed in the *TV Tokyo Ongakusai 2017* on June 28 and Nippon TV's *THE MUSIC DAY Negai ga Kanau Natsu* on July 1.

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.

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.

On July 24, it was announced that Morning Musume '17 would be featured in Asobista's summer edition of *Idol Nama Gassen*, fully titled *Idol Nama Gassen Kunitori Tenka Touitsu Hen ~2017 Natsu no Jin~*. It began on July 29, when the video of the first battle was released, and ended on August 30.

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.

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. 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.

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.

On November 30, Morning Musume '17 released the digital single "Gosenfu no Tasuki" in honor of their anniversary.

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!".

On December 11, Kudo graduated at Nippon Budokan.

For the second night of Fuji TV's *2017 FNS Kayousai* on December 13, Morning Musume '17 will perform in collaboration with Kato Hifumi, a retired pro shogi player nicknamed "Hifumin" who has been a popular guest on variety shows. The five original members will also perform "Ai no Tane" live together for the first time in 18 years.

### 2018

On January 1, Morning Musume '17 changed their name to 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. Afterwards, it will be open from March 11 to April 15 at HMV Sendai in Miyagi.

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.

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". That following evening, Morning Musume '18 performed in the second part of the SKY PerfecTV! Ongakusai 2018 alongside Tsubaki Factory.

On March 27, it was announced that Haruna Ogata would graduate from Morning Musume '18 and Hello! Project to attend a junior college. She'll graduate at the end of the Morning Musume Tanjou 20 Shuunen Kinen Concert Tour 2018 Haru ~We are MORNING MUSUME~ tour on June 20th.

Morning Musume ‘18 will release their new single Are you happy?/A gonna on 13 June. The single will be the last single to feature Haruna Ogata.

On June 20, Haruna Ogata graduated at the end of the Morning Musume Tanjou 20 Shuunen Kinen Concert Tour 2018 Haru ~We are MORNING MUSUME~ tour at Nippon Budokan.

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. Morning Musume '18 also performed in TBS's Ongaku no Hi 2018 on July 14 and the 2018 FNS Uta no Natsu Matsuri on July 25.

On August 12, they performed at rockin'on presents ROCK IN JAPAN FES.2018 on the Lake Stage.

On August 17, Haruna Iikubo announced that she will graduate from Morning Musume and Hello! Project at the end of the Morning Musume autumn concert tour GET SET GO! on 16th December. Morning Musume will also release their 66th single Furari Ginza / Jiyuu na Kuni Dakara which is Iikubo Haruna's last single to be released on 24th October.

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.

On October 24, Morning Musume '18 released their 66th single and Iikubo's last, "Furari Ginza / Jiyuu na Kuni Dakara".

They were invited to perform on the second night of Fuji TV's year-end music show 2018 FNS Kayousai on December 12. They will also perform in the MelodiX! Special 2018 on December 27 with former 3rd generation member Goto Maki.

On December 16, Haruna Iikubo graduated at the end of the Morning Musume Concert Tour 2018 Aki ~GET SET GO!~ tour at Nippon Budokan. After the concert, it was announced that Miki Nonaka would be halting her activities as an idol until mid-February 2019 to study abroad as a short term student to improve her English skills.

### 2019

On January 1, Morning Musume '18 changed their name to Morning Musume '19. It was also announced that Ayumi Ishida will be the new sub-leader alongside Erina Ikuta and that Mizuki Fukumura will be taking over Ayaka Wada as the new leader of Hello! Project in June.

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.

On March 13, 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, The first two new members were Rio Kitagawa and Homare Okamura, who won through the main audition, whereas a third member, Mei Yamazaki, was selected from Hello! Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido to debut. They were introduced on stage during the Hello! Project 2019 SUMMER concert tour from July 13 and began performing with the group in the Morning Musume '19 Concert Tour Aki. At the same time, Akane had changed her color to Orange which was Haruka's signature color.

On July 10, it was announced that Oda was diagnosed with cervical degenerative disc disease by the doctor, after she experienced severe pain around her left shoulder blade the day before. Due to it requiring one month of treatment, Oda was absent from the Hello! Project 2019 SUMMER concert tour from July 13 to August 3, as well as a "Jinsei Blues / Seishun Night" release event on July 15. She made her return on August 10 in Morning Musume '19's show at rockin'on presents ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2019.

On August 10, Morning Musume '19 performed at rockin'on presents ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2019 on the GRASS STAGE. With a capacity of over 60,000 people, this was their largest audience to date. On September 12, they performed in the *NHK WORLD-JAPAN presents SONGS OF TOKYO Festival 2019*. It was also announced that Kaede Kaga and Reina Yokoyama would both be the official mentors to the 15th generation.

On October 13, they performed in the *tv asahi DREAM FESTIVAL 2019*.

### 2020

In January 1, Morning Musume '19 changed their name to Morning Musume '20.

On January 22, they released their 68th single, "KOKORO&KARADA / LOVEpedia / Ningen Kankei No way way", which marked the debut of 15th Generation members Rio Kitagawa, Homare Okamura and Mei Yamazaki.

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.

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 in the midst of the #stayhome and #withme movements to raise funds for UNICEF Asia in support of families affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Morning Musume '20 was one of the few acts representing Japan alongside EXILE, AKIRA and AKB48.

On December 16, they released their 69th single, "Junjou Evidence / Gyuusaretai Dake na no ni".

### 2021

On January 1, Morning Musume '20 changed their name to Morning Musume '21.

On February 21, Sato Masaki was absent from a release event due to poor health and severe abdominal pain. It was later announced that she had been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome by a doctor. She had also taken a blood test that same day, and results would be announced on February 26. She needed two weeks of treatment for her irritable bowel syndrome. Later on, Sato will remain on rest and be absent from the activities until she recovers as the symptoms of her irritable bowel syndrome have not changed.

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.

On September 24, it was announced that 10th generation member Sato Masaki will 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 the show business as a soloist after graduation.

On December 1, their TikTok Channel opened.

On December 8, they will release their 70th single, Teenage Solution / Yoshi Yoshi Shite Hoshii no / Beat no Wakusei, which is also Sato Masaki's last single.

On December 13, Sato Masaki graduated from the group and became a soloist.

### 2022

On January 1, Morning Musume '21 changed their name to Morning Musume '22.

On January 2, during the opening concert of the Hello! Project 2022 Winter ~LOVE & PEACE~ tour, it was announced by Fukumura Mizuki that Morning Musume '22 and Juice=Juice would be holding a holding a joint new member audition titled Hello! Project "Morning Musume '22" "Juice=Juice" Goudou Shin Member Audition. The audition is open to applicants as of January 2, and the application period will end at 10pm (22:00) JST on February 9, 2021. Any girl living in Japan from 5th grade elementary school to 2nd year of high school are eligible to apply. A website of the audition was opened with more details.

On February 28, it was announced that Chisaki Morito 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, so that she will be able to go and study english abroad.

On May 1, Morning Musume '22 performed at JAPAN JAM 2022.

On June 8, Morning Musume '22 released their 71st single, "Chu Chu Chu Bokura no Mirai / Dai・Jinsei Never Been Better" which is the last single for Chisaki until she graduates from the group.

On June 20, Chisaki Morito graduated from Morning Musume and Hello! Project on June 20, 2022 in order to study abroad.

On June 27, it was announced on Hello! Project Station that new Morning Musume '22 members would be announced on June 29.

On June 29, it was announced on a special video of the Hello! Project Station that Rio Sakurai had passed the final round of the Hello! Project "Morning Musume '22" "Juice=Juice" Goudou Shin Member Audition, becoming a member of Morning Musume '22.

On July 10, Miki Nonaka was assigned as a mentor to 16th generation member Rio Sakurai.

On September 3, it was announced that Kaede Kaga is set to graduate from Morning Musume and Hello! Project on December 10 at the final concert of the Morning Musume '22 25th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT TOUR ~SINGIN' TO THE BEAT~, so that she will be able to go and study dancing.

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 December 10, Kaede Kaga graduated from Morning Musume and Hello! Project after the Morning Musume '22 25th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT TOUR ~SINGIN' TO THE BEAT~ Kaga Kaede Sotsugyou Special concert at Nippon Budokan. In the same day, she released a photobook produced by actress Matsuoka Mayu titled *Kaga Kaede Graduation Memorial Photobook*.

On December 21, Morning Musume '22 released their 72nd single Swing Swing Paradise / Happy birthday to Me!

On December 27, Mizuki Fukumura is set to graduate from Morning Musume and Hello! Project after the group's upcoming fall concert tour in November 29, 2023.

### 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.

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.

On April 30, Morning Musume'23 performed at Japan Jam 2023 in Chiba Soga Sports Park.

On May 17, it was announced that Morning Musume'23 would perform at rockin'on presents Rock in Japan FES 2023.

On May 23, it was announced that Morning Musume 25 Shuunen Kinen Shin Member Audition -Asu wo Tsukuru no wa Kimi- winners Haruka Inoue and Ako Yumigeta has joined the group as the 17th generation. It was also announced that Akane Haga would be the official mentor to the 17th generation.

On August 30, the group released their 9th best album Morning Musume Best Selection ~The 25 Shuunen~.

On October 25, Morning Musume'23 released their 73rd single, Suggoi FEVER! / Wake-up Call ~Mezameru Toki~ / Neverending Shine.

On November 29, Mizuki Fukumura officially graduated from Morning Musume and Hello! Project at the Morning Musume '23 Concert Tour Aki "Neverending Shine Show ~Sanctuary~" Fukumura Mizuki Sotsugyou Special in Yokohama Arena. It was also revealed that afterwards, Erina Ikuta became the new leader of both Morning Musume and Hello! Project, Sakura Oda became the new sub-leader of the group and that Ayumi Ishida would remained sub-leader after Mizuki Fukumura's graduation.

### 2024

On January 1, Morning Musume '23 became Morning Musume '24.

## Members

### Current members

#### 12th Generation

* Miki Nonaka
* Maria Makino
* Akane Haga

#### 15th Generation

* Rio Kitagawa
* Homare Okamura
* Mei Yamazaki

#### 17th Generation

* Haruka Inoue
* Ako Yumigeta

### Past Members

#### 1st Generation

* Yuko Nakazawa (2001)
* Aya Ishiguro (1999)
* Kaori Iida (2005)
* Natsumi Abe (2004)
* Asuka Fukuda (1999)

#### 2nd Generation

* Kei Yasuda (2003)
* Mari Yaguchi (2005)
* Sayaka Ichii (2000)

#### 4th Generation

* Rika Ishikawa (2005)
* Hitomi Yoshizawa (2007)
* Nozomi Tsuji (2004)
* Ai Kago (2004)

#### 5th Generation

* Ai Takahashi (2011)
* Asami Konno (2006)
* Makoto Ogawa (2006)
* Risa Niigaki (2012)

#### 6th Generation

* Miki Fujimoto (2007)
* Eri Kamei (2010)
* Sayumi Michishige (2014)
* Reina Tanaka (2013)

#### 8th Generation

* Aika Mitsui (2012)
* Junjun (2010)
* Linlin (2010)

#### 9th Generation

* Mizuki Fukumura (2023)
* Riho Sayashi (2015)
* Kanon Suzuki (2016)

#### 10th Generation

* Haruna Iikubo (2018)
* Masaki Sato (2021)
* Haruka Kudo (2017)

## Releases

### Singles

* Demo: Ai no Tane
* 1: Morning Coffee
* 2: Summer Night Town
* 3: Daite Hold on me
* 4: Memory Seishun no Hikari
* 5: Manatsu no Kohen
* 6: Furusato
* 7: Love Machine
* 8: Koi no Dance Site
* 9: Happy Summer Wedding
* 10: I Wish
* 11: Renai Revolution 21
* 12: The peace!
* 13: Mr. Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~
* 14: Souda! We're Alive!
* 15: Do it! Now!
* 16: Koko ni Iruzee!
* 17: Morning Musume no Hyokkori Hyoutanjima
* 18: As For One Day
* 19: Shabondama
* 20: Go Girl ~Koi no Victory~
* 21: Ai Araba It's Alright
* 22: Roman ~My Dear Boy~
* 23: Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari
* 24: Namida ga Toumaranai Hougako
* 25: THE Manpower!
* 26: Osaka Koi no Uta
* 27: Iroppoi Jirettai
* 28: Chokkan2 ~Nogashita Sakana wa Ooshiizo!~
* 29: Sexy Boy ~Soyokazeniyorisotte~
* 30: Ambitious! Yashinteki Ii de jan
* 31: Aruiteru
* 32: Egao YES Nude
* 33: Kanashimi Twilight
* 34: Onna ni Sachi Are
* 35: Mikan
* 36: Resonant Blue
* 37: Pepper Keibu
* 38: Naichau Kamo
* 39: Shouganai Yume Oibito
* 40: Nanchatte Renai
* 41: Kimagure Princess
* 42: Onna ga Medatte Naze Ikenai
* 43: Seishun Collection
* 44: Onna to Otoko no Lullaby Game
* 45: Maji de suka Ska!
* 46: Only You
* 47: Kono Chikyuu de Heiwa wo Honki de Negatterun dayo!/Kare to Issho ni Omise ga Shitai!
* 48: Pyoco Pyoco Ultra
* 49: Renai Hunter
* 50: One Two Three/The Matenrou Show
* 51: Wakuteka Take a Chance
* 52: Help me!!
* 53: Brainstorming: Kimi Sae Ireba Nani Mo Iranai
* 54: Wagamam Kinomama Ai no Joke/Ai no Gundan
* 55: Egao no Kimi wa Taiyou sa/Kimi no Kawari wa Iyashinai/What is LOVE?
* 56: Toki wo Koe Sora wo Koe/Password is 0
* 57: Tiki Bun/Shaba Daba Doo~/Mikaeri Bijin
* 58: Seishun Kozou ga Naiteiru/yuugure wa Ameagari/Ima Koko Kara
* 59: Oh my wish!/ Sukatto My Heart/Imasugu Tobikomu Yuuki
* 60: Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only
* 61: Utakata Saturday Night! / The Vision / Tokyo to Iu Katasumi
* 62: Sexy Cat no Enzetsu / Mukidashi de Mukiatte / Sou Janai
* 63: BRAND NEW MORNING / Jealousy Jealousy (Without Masaki Sato)
* 64: Jama Shinai de Here We Go! / Dokyuu no Go Sign / Wakaindashi!
* 65: Are you happy? / A gonna
* 66: Furari Ginza / Jiyuu na Kuni Dakara
* 67: Jinsei Blues / Seishun Night
* 68: KOKORO & KARADA / LOVEpedia / Ningen Kankei No way way
* 69: Junjou Evidence / Gyuusaretai Dake na no ni
* 70: Teenage Solution / Yoshi Yoshi Shite Hoshii no / Beat no Wakusei
* 71: Chu Chu Chu Bokura no Mirai / Dai・Jinsei Never Been Better
* 72: Swing Swing Paradise / Happy birthday to Me!
* 73: Suggoi FEVER! / Wake-up Call ~Mezameru Toki~ / Neverending Shine

**Albums**

* 1: First Time
* 2: Second Morning
* 3: 3rd -Love Paradise-
* 4: 4th “Ikimasshoi!”
* 5: NO. 5
* 6: Ai no Dai 6kan
* 7: Rainbow 7
	+ 7.5: Fuyu Fuyu Morning Musume Mini
* 8: Sexy 8 Beat
* 9: Platinum 9 Disc
* 10: 10 My Me
* 11: Fantasy! Juuichi
* 12: 12, Smart
* 13: 13 Colourful Character
* 14: 14 Shou ~the Message~
* 15: 15 Thank You Too
* 16: 16th ~That's J-POP~

## Gallery

Erina IkutaAyumi IshidaSakura OdaMiki NonakaMaria MakinoAkane HagaReina YokoyamaRio KitagawaHomare OkamuraMei YamazakiRio SakuraiHaruka InoueAko YumigetaHow they appear in Business FriendlyAll Morning Musume members including Sayumi, Mizuki, Erina, Riho, Kanon, Haruna Iikubo, Ayumi, Masaki, Haruka Kudo and Sakura (except from Haruna Ogata, Miki, Maria, Akane, Kaede, Reina, Chisaki, Rio Kitagawa, Homare, Mei, Rio Sakurai, Haruka Inoue and Ako) in Homer kills Morning Musume/Gets GroundedAll The 12th Generation Members of Morning Musume on GoAnimate including Haruna Ogata, Miki Nonaka, Maria Makino and Akane Haga in Chantel DuBois kills people and gets executedThe remaining Morning Musume members including Kaede, Reina, Chisaki, Rio Kitagawa, Homare, Mei, Rio Sakurai, Haruka Inoue and Ako)Sayumi MichishigeRiho SayashiKanon SuzukiHaruka KudoHaruna OgataHaruna IikuboMasaki SatoChisaki MoritoKaede KagaMizuki Fukumura

## Trivia

* They all got killed by Homer Simpson with his Ickle Pickle curse. But, they are revived by Haruka Amami with her Wonder Blunder Spell in Homer Kills Morning Musume/Gets Grounded.
	+ However, the only members not to be featured as victims were Kaede Kaga, Reina Yokoyama, Chisaki Morito, Rio Kitagawa, Homare Okamura, Mei Yamazaki, Rio Sakurai, Haruka Inoue and Ako Yumigeta as they were not members at the time the video was released.
* Asuka Fukuda only lasted in the group for a mere 1 year, 7 months and 11 days. She didn't have any time to settle into the group. On the other scale, Sayumi Michishige really stood the test of time as a Morning Musume member, lasting a monstrous 11 years, 10 months and 7 days until Mizuki Fukumura, Erina Ikuta and Ayumi Ishida also stood the test of time as a Morning Musume member and beat Sayumi Michishige's record at 11 years, 10 months and 7 days.
* Miki Fujimoto has the briefest period as Morning Musume's Leader, lasting for only 28 days! Ai Takahashi also lasted 28 days as sub-leader before Fujimoto left the group.
* Of the briefest time as sub leader, Ai then became the longest serving leader of the band, lasting 4 years from 2007 until 2011. Risa Niigaki also lasted 4 years as sub-leader too!
	+ As of March 2019, Mizuki Fukumura is the longest serving leader to this day. She beat Ai Takahashi's previous record of 4 years, 3 months, and 28 days.
	+ As of June 2020, Erina Ikuta is the longest-serving sub-leader to this day. She beat Haruna Iikubo's previous record of 5 years, 6 months, and 25 days.
	+ Haruna Iikubo and Ayumi Ishida are the only subleaders who has had two different leadership reigns. Haruna Iikubo has been a subleader under leadership reigns of 6th generation member Sayumi Michishige and 9th generation member Mizuki Fukumura and Ayumi Ishida is a subleader under leadership reigns of 9th generation members Mizuki Fukumura and Erina Ikuta.
* The band's 7th single, 'Love Machine'. was their highest ever number of singles sold (1,646,630) and their most successful single to date. However, 'Pyoco Pyoco Ultra' was their lowest selling single, with only 34,050 copies sold.
* 2008 and 2020 were the only years that there were no changes in the member line-up.
* The year 1999 has the most member births out of any year with 6 members being both that year, in order it is: Haruna Ogata (February 15th), Sakura Oda (March 12th), Masaki Sato (May 7th), Miki Nonaka (October 7th), Haruka Kudo (October 27th), and Kaede Kaga (November 30th). Coincidently they all are blood type A.
* It was revealed that Morning Musume are Emma McGoldrick's favourite artist, while their hit, *One Two Three*, was Julie Jones's favourite song.
* A majority of members are adoptive mothers to several troublemakers. They are: Riho Sayashi (Robot Chicken), Ayumi Ishida (Captain Barnacles), Erina Ikuta (Chantel DuBois), Masaki Sato (Wally), Ai Takahashi (Falcon), Junjun (Devious Diesel), Eri Kamei (Tex Richman), Linlin (Diego), Kanon Suzuki (Auto), Haruka Kudo (Benson), Sayumi Michishige (Lord Faquad), Mizuki Fukumura (Monster House), Risa Niigaki (June), Hitomi Yoshizawa (Quincy), Aika Mitsui (Leo), Maria Makino (Psycho Dad), Haruna Ogata (Happy Chapman), Koharu Kusumi (Little Bill) and Kei Yasuda (Annie).