Morning Musume (モーニング娘。; Morning Girls), currently known as Morning Musume '20 (モーニング娘。'20, read as Morning Musume Two-Zero), is the lead idol group of Hello! Project. The group was formed in 1997 on a talent show called ASAYAN.[1] It quickly became, and currently is, one of Japan's top all-girl groups with a number of hit records and albums.

The group is known for their ever-fluctuating line-up, with "graduations" and auditions held nearly every year. Tsunku was previously 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 until late 2014, when he resigned from his position as Hello! Project's general producer.[2] He continues to work with Morning Musume, but only as their sound producer.[3]

Currently, they are one of the most successful Japanese idol girl groups, holding the record for the second highest overall single sales (of a female group) on the Oricon charts as of January 2012,[4] as well as the record for the most top ten singles with 66 titles as of October 2018[5] and the most top ten albums with 18 titles as of March 2019.[6] Morning Musume is also the biggest DVD seller in the female group category in Japan. Their combined CD and DVD sales exceed 23 million copies in Japan alone.

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.[7]









Contents show]

Members Edit

Main article: Morning Musume Members

History Edit

Main article: Morning Musume History

In April 1997, Japanese producer Tsunku decided to hold an audition for a female rock vocalist for his band Sharam Q through the ASAYAN talent show.[8] At the end of August, Heike Michiyo was declared the winner,[9] but on September 7, he also decided to form an idol group with five of the ten runner-ups: Nakazawa Yuko, Abe Natsumi, Iida Kaori, Fukuda Asuka, and Ishiguro Aya.

Back at the studio, they were told that to be able to debut with Tsunku as their producer, they had to sell 50,000 copies of the demo single "Ai no Tane" with just five days of promotion events.[10][8] A week later, on September 14, the group's name was revealed as Morning Musume.[11]

Morning Musume's campaign to sell 50,000 copies of "Ai no Tane", which was to be done by hand, began on November 3, 1997 in Osaka and was scheduled to take place throughout the month in four other major cities, with the final day on December 7 in Tokyo.[12] They managed to reach the sales goal in just four days on November 30.[13]

On January 28, 1998, they debuted with their first official single, "Morning Coffee".[14] The success of the single, which in its first week it reached #6 on Oricon singles chart,[15] resulted in the decision to hold the Morning Musume Tsuika Audition for new members. Yasuda Kei, Yaguchi Mari, and Ichii Sayaka were announced as the three winners and joined the group as the second generation, bringing the total member count to eight.

On December 31, 1998, Morning Musume received the Best New Artist Award from the 40th Japan Record Awards.[16] They also made their first annual appearance on the New Year's Eve music show Kohaku Uta Gassen as members of the red team.[17]

In March 1999, Morning Musume received a New Artist of the Year Award in The Japan Gold Disc Award 1999.[18][19]

On April 18, 1999, Fukuda Asuka became the first member to leave the group, graduating at the end of the group's first concert tour, the Morning Musume '99 Memory Seishun no Hikari Tour.

In June 1999, Tsunku announced a second audition for a third generation of Morning Musume.[20] Two girls were expected to be admitted,[21] but ultimately only Goto Maki was added.[22]

On September 9, 1999, the group released their seventh single, "LOVE Machine". It became a national hit,[23] ranking as the weekly #1 single on the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks[24] and selling a reported total of 1,646,630 copies.

In 2000, "Koi no Dance Site" was released and it hit #2, selling over a million copies—400,000 copies away from reaching the success of "LOVE Machine". Ishiguro Aya left the group before the single was released.

In January 2000, a fourth generation audition began. The winners were Ishikawa Rika, Yoshizawa Hitomi, Tsuji Nozomi, and Kago Ai. After their debut single, "Happy Summer Wedding", Ichii Sayaka graduated to pursue her own music career.

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: Takahashi Ai, Konno Asami, Ogawa Makoto, and Niigaki Risa, bringing the roster to 13 girls. Their first single "Mr.Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~" sold over half a million copies.

In February, 2002, "Souda! We're ALIVE", another hit, was released.

Goto Maki's 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 Yasuda Kei'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: Fujimoto Miki, Kamei Eri, Michishige Sayumi, and Tanaka Reina. The sixth generation's first single was "Shabondama".

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

2004 Edit

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 Kago Ai, Tsuji Nozomi, Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari, and Ishikawa Rika's last credited studio album.

2005 Edit

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

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

On April 27, the group's 26th 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," Kusumi Koharu'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.

2006 Edit

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 Konno Asami and Ogawa Makoto would be graduating. Their last single was "Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii Jan".

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

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 3 and a half years. Their first mini-album, 7.5 Fuyu Fuyu Morning Musume Mini!, was released in December.

2007 Edit

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 Yoshizawa Hitomi and Fujimoto Miki's last single "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 was the first year in which there were no changes in Morning Musume's line-up.

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 Kusumi Koharu's last single. Her graduation marked the end of Morning Musume's longest lasting line-up.

In August 2010, an audition for ninth generation members began. This was the group's first audition in four years, since the 8th generation audition in 2006.

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

On December 15, 2010, the graduation of Kamei Eri, 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.

2011 Edit

On January 2, four 9th generation members were revealed to be Fukumura Mizuki, Ikuta Erina, Sayashi Riho and Suzuki Kanon at the Hello! Project 2011 Winter ~Kangei Shinsen Matsuri~ A gana Live concert.[25][26] 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 9, an announcement was made that leader Takahashi Ai would be graduating from Morning Musume and Hello! Project at the end of the group's fall 2011 concert tour on September 30.

In June, Morning Musume released their 46th single "Only you".

On August 26, 5th generation members Takahashi Ai and Niigaki Risa celebrated 10 years in the group, becoming the first two members to reach this milestone.

Morning Musume released their 47th single, "Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa wo Honki de Negatterun da yo!", and Takahashi's last, on September 14.

On September 29, the 10th generation members and winners of the Morning Musume 10ki Member "Genki Jirushi" Audition were announced as Iikubo Haruna, Ishida Ayumi, Sato Masaki, and Kudo Haruka.[27]

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

2012 Edit

At the beginning of the year, leader and 5th generation member Niigaki Risa announced she would be graduating from Morning Musume and Hello! Project in May.

On January 5, Morning Musume 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, the 10th generation's debut single "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 8th generation member Mitsui Aika would be graduating from Morning Musume alongside Niigaki Risa 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.

At Niigaki and Mitsui's graduation concert, Michishige Sayumi was announced as Morning Musume's eighth leader, succeeding Niigaki Risa. The same day, the Morning Musume 11ki Member "Suppin Utahime" Audition were set to begin.[28][29]

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.[30]

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 Tanjou 15 Shuunen Kinen Concert Tour 2012 Aki ~Colorful Character~ rehearsal, it was revealed that Hello Pro Kenshuusei member Oda Sakura was the sole winner of the 11th generation audition.

2013 Edit

On January 19, both Michishige Sayumi and Tanaka Reina 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, the Morning Musume 12ki Member "Mirai Shoujo" Audition 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 second 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 #1.

On May 21, the day of Tanaka Reina's graduation, Fukumura Mizuki and Iikubo Haruna were appointed sub-leaders of Morning Musume.[31]

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.

On October 30, Morning Musume was appointed as Nippon! Call Project Ambassadors by the Japanese Olympic Committee to support Team Japan at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.[32] Tsunku would also be producing a special cheer song.

2014 Edit

On January 1, Morning Musume began the new year with their new group name, Morning Musume '14.[33]

On January 21, Tsunku announced at a press event held by au, a mobile phone company, that Morning Musume '14 would be starring in a commercial campaign with comedians Morisanchuu, forming a special 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?".[33] "Kimi no Kawari wa Iyashinai" was the official cheer song for Team Japan at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, and "What is LOVE?" was an ending theme for J-MELO.[34] The single peaked at #1 on the Oricon charts, becoming their fourth #1 single in a row which is the longest streak of number ones in the group's history.

On March 15, the 12th generation auditions were re-held as the Morning Musume '14 <Golden> Audition!.

On March 30, NHK BS Premium aired a four-hour special on Morning Musume's history and their past 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, Michishige Sayumi announced her graduation at the end of their fall concert tour.[35][36][37][38][39][40] On August 16, it was announced that the last date of the tour would take place on November 26 at Yokohama Arena.[41]

On May 29, a second in-group unit, Zenryoku Yasai Musume, was formed to promote KAGOME vegetable juice.

The 12th generation members were officially revealed on September 30 to be Ogata Haruna, Nonaka Miki, Makino Maria, and Haga Akane. This became Morning Musume's largest line-up since 2004.

On October 15, Morning Musume '14 released their 57th single "TIKI BUN / Shabadaba Doo~ / Mikaeri Bijin". Their 14th studio album 14shou ~The message~ was later released on October 29. Both were the last to feature Michishige Sayumi, as well as the last to feature a 6th generation member.[41]

On November 14, 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 were 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 had to submit a three minute video. The audition was open to any nationality, and both amateurs and professionals were welcome to apply.[42] Director Shibue Shuhei won the public vote with his CGI animated music video.

On November 26, Michishige Sayumi graduated, officially appointing Fukumura Mizuki as the ninth leader of Morning Musume, and Ikuta Erina as a new sub-leader alongside Iikubo Haruna.

2015 Edit

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 Iikubo Haruna, Ishida Ayumi, and Oda Sakura would be providing their voices to 3 spirits whose artwork they designed themselves.

On April 15, Morning Musume '15's 58th single and the 12th generation's debut single "Seishun Kozou ga Naiteiru / Yuugure wa Ameagari / Ima Koko Kara" was released. Shibue Shuhei, who won the BIG CHANCE music video contest, directed another version of the "Seishun Kozou ga Naiteiru" music video that was only released on YouTube. "Ima Koko Kara" was also the theme song for PreCure All Stars: Haru no Carnival, which Morning Musume '15 are featured in the closing credits.

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 would gathered together for a 4-song medley.[43]

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

On October 29, 9th generation memeber Sayashi Riho announced that she would graduate from Morning Musume '15 on December 31 at the end of the first part of the Hello! Project COUNTDOWN PARTY 2015 ~GOOD BYE & HELLO!~ at Nakano Sun Plaza.[44]

On December 16, Morning Musume '15 appeared in Fuji TV's 2015 FNS Kayousai THE LIVE.[45] They performed in a large idol collaboration medley with ℃-ute, ANGERME, and non-Hello! Project groups such as AKB48, Nogizaka46, and Momoiro Clover Z.[46]

On December 29, Morning Musume '15 released their 60th single and Sayashi's last, "Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only". "One and Only", which is Morning Musume's first song completely in English, was used as the opening theme for J-MELO.[47] The single reached weekly #1 on the Oricon weekly charts.

2016 Edit

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

On January 2, during the Hello! Project 2016 WINTER ~DANCING! SINGING! EXCITING!~ concert, the Morning Musume '16 Shinseiki Audition for 13th generation members was announced.[48]

On February 7, 9th generation member Suzuki Kanon announced she would graduate from Morning Musume '16 and Hello! Project at the end of the Morning Musume '16 Concert Tour Haru ~EMOTION IN MOTION~.[49][50]

On May 11, Morning Musume '16 released "Utakata Saturday Night! / The Vision / Tokyo to Iu Katasumi", their 61st single and Suzuki Kanon's last.

On May 31, Suzuki graduated at Nippon Budokan.[51] On the same day, it was announced on the Morning Musume '16 Shinseiki Audition website that no suitable candidates could be found, but the audition would start again on June 15.

Throughout the summer, Morning Musume '16 appeared in several live TV music festivals. They were invited to perform in the TV Tokyo Music Festival(3) on June 29,[52] NTV's THE MUSIC DAY Natsu no Hajimari on July 2,[53] TBS TV's Ongaki no Hi x CDTV Asamade Natsu Fes! 2016 on July 16,[54] and Fuji TV's 2016 FNS Uta no Natsu Matsuri on July 18 with ℃-ute and ANGERME.[55]

On November 23, Morning Musume '16 released their 62nd single, "Sexy Cat no Enzetsu / Mukidashi de Mukiatte / Sou ja nai".

On December 12 during the Morning Musume '16 Concert Tour Aki ~MY VISION~ finale at Nippon Budokan, the winners of the second Morning Musume '16 Shinseiki Audition and 13th generation members were announced as Hello Pro Kenshuusei members Kaga Kaede and Yokoyama Reina.[56][57][58]

Morning Musume '16 appeared 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.[59][60]

On December 31, the group performed on TV for the first time as the Morning Musume '17 line-up during the CDTV Special! Toshikoshi Premier Live 2016→2017.[61] The performance was pre-recorded on December 30, which Sato Masaki was unable to participate due to a lower back injury.[62]

2017 Edit

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

In January, 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.[63] Morning Musume '17 also formed the collaborative unit Sashining Musume with HKT48 member Sashihara Rino for the song "Get you!", which was released in Type A of AKB48's 8th album Thumbnail on January 25.[64][65][66] Both songs were later included as B-sides in Morning Musume '17's 63rd single.

On February 21, it was announced Morning Musume '17 would air a one-off show on TV Tokyo called Tokugi☆Saikenshou Momusu DE Gozaru! on March 8.[67] The program showed off and verified each members' special skill listed on their official profile.

On March 8, Morning Musume '17 released their 63rd single "BRAND NEW MORNING / Jealousy Jealousy". The A-sides did not include Sato Masaki, who was still recovering from her injury during the production period.[68]

On March 12, Morning Musume '17 performed in the SKY PerfecTV! Ongakusai 2017.[69]

On March 25, it was announced that Morning Musume '17 and ANGERME would be featured in a Idol Nama Gassen web service game by Asobista, titled Hello! Project Hina Fest Idol Nama Gassen Kunitori Tenka Touitsu Hen. The "live battle" event was held on April 16.[70] A second event only featuring Morning Musume '17, titled Idol Nama Gassen Kunitori Tenka Touitsu Hen ~2017 Natsu no Jin~, took place throughout July and August.[71]

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.[72][73] Fukumura Mizuki was the leader of the whole campaign while the other 12 members each supported one of the 12 teams and had their own dance movie that was shown at their team's home stadium.

On April 28, 10th generation member Kudo Haruka announced she would graduate from Morning Musume '17 and Hello! Project at the end of their fall 2017 tour.[74][75]

On June 26, it was announced in a special episode of Hello! Project Station that Morito Chisaki had joined the group as a new 14th generation member and concurrent member from Country Girls.[76][77] She will begin activities with the group in the Hello! Project 2017 SUMMER concert tour and in their upcoming fall tour.[78][79]

Morning Musume '17 performed in the TV Tokyo Ongakusai 2017 on June 28[80] and Nippon TV's THE MUSIC DAY Negai ga Kanau Natsu on July 1.[81]

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.[82]

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.[83][84]

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.[85]

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.[86][87] 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.[88] The museum will later open at HMV Sakae in Aichi, Nagoya on December 30 through to January 28, 2018.[89]

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.[90][91]

On November 30, Morning Musume '17 released the digital single "Gosenfu no Tasuki" in honor of their anniversary.[92]

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!".[93][94]

On December 11, Kudo Haruka graduated at Nippon Budokan.[95]

For the second night of Fuji TV's 2017 FNS Kayousai on December 13, Morning Musume '17 performed "Jealousy Jealousy" and a collaboration with Kato Hifumi, a retired pro shogi player nicknamed "Hifumin" who has been a popular guest on variety shows.[96][97] The five original members also performed "Ai no Tane (20th Anniversary Ver.)" live together for the first time in 18 years.[98]

2018 Edit

On January 1, Morning Musume '17 became 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.[99] Afterwards, it was open from March 11 to April 15 at HMV Sendai in Miyagi.[100]

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.[101]

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".[102][103] That following evening, Morning Musume '18 performed in the second part of the SKY PerfecTV! Ongakusai 2018 alongside Tsubaki Factory.[104]

On March 27, it was announced that 12th generation member Ogata Haruna would graduate from Morning Musume '18 and Hello! Project at the end of their spring tour.[105]

On June 13, Morning Musume '18 released their 65th single and Ogata Haruna's last, "Are you Happy? / A gonna".

On June 20, Ogata graduated at Nippon Budokan.[106]

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.[107][108] Morning Musume '18 also performed in TBS's Ongaku no Hi 2018 on July 14[109] and the 2018 FNS Uta no Natsu Matsuri on July 25.[110]

On August 12, they performed at rockin'on presents ROCK IN JAPAN FES.2018 on the Lake Stage.[111]

On August 17, 10th generation member and sub-leader Iikubo Haruna announced her graduation from Morning Musume '18 and Hello! Project at the end of the Morning Musume '18 Concert Tour Aki ~GET SET, GO!~.[112][113]

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.[114][115][116]

On October 24, Morning Musume '18 released their 66th single and Iikubo's last, "Furari Ginza / Jiyuu na Kuni Dakara".[117]

On December 12, they performed on the second night of Fuji TV's 2018 FNS Kayousai.[118]

On December 16, Iikubo Haruna graduated from the group and Hello! Project.[119][120]

They were invited to performed in the year-end music show MelodiX! Special 2018 on December 27 which was co-hosted by former 3rd generation member Goto Maki,[121] as well as the CDTV Special! Toshikoshi Premier Live 2018→2019 on December 31.[122]

During the Hello! Project 20th Anniversary!! Hello! Project COUNTDOWN PARTY 2018 ~GOOD BYE & HELLO!~ on December 31, 10th generation member Ishida Ayumi was appointed as a new sub-leader of the group.[123]

2019 Edit

On January 1, Morning Musume '18 became Morning Musume '19.

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.[124][125][126]

On March 20, 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.[127] The winners of the Morning Musume '19 LOVE Audition were Okamura Homare and Kitagawa Rio, while a third member, Yamazaki Mei, was selected from Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido.[128][129] They were introduced on stage during the Hello! Project 2019 SUMMER concert tour from July 13 and would begin performing with the group in the Morning Musume '19 Concert Tour Aki.[130]

Morning Musume '19 appeared on the TV Tokyo Ongakusai 2019 on June 26,[131][132] and they also appeared in TBS's Ongaku no Hi 2019 on July 13.[133][134]

On August 10, Morning Musume '19 performed at rockin'on presents ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2019 on the GRASS STAGE.[135][136] With a capacity of over 60,000 people, this was their largest audience to date.[137][138]

On September 12, they performed in the NHK WORLD-JAPAN presents SONGS OF TOKYO Festival 2019.[139]

On October 13, they performed in the tv asahi DREAM FESTIVAL 2019.[140][141]

2020 Edit

On January 1, Morning Musume '19 became Morning Musume '20.

On January 22, they released their 68th single, "KOKORO&KARADA / LOVEpedia / Ningen Kankei No way way".

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.[142][143]

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.[144]

Group Name Origin Edit

The name "Morning Musume" comes from various notions such as abundance, multitude, like the breakfast set you can receive with many elements on it.

When creating the name for the group, other names Tsunku considered included:[11]

87 - the sum of the original members' ages.

- the sum of the original members' ages. Todoufu (都道府) - from the last kanji of the original members' home prefectures (Tokyo [東京都], Hokkaido [北海道], and Kyoto [京都府]).

(都道府) - from the last kanji of the original members' home prefectures (Tokyo [東京都], Hokkaido [北海道], and Kyoto [京都府]). Takoyaki Sisters (たこ焼きシスターズ)

(たこ焼きシスターズ) Tabehoudai (食べ放題) - meaning "all-you-can-eat buffet"

(食べ放題) - meaning "all-you-can-eat buffet" Viking (バイキング) - another word for "buffet"

(バイキング) - another word for "buffet" Morning (モーニング)

(モーニング) Morning Service (モーニングサービス)

The "。" (called a 句点, kuten) originated from ASAYAN's custom of adding periods to the end of on-screen text. Ninety-nine's Okamura Takashi, who hosted the show, asked staff if the period after the name was necessary. However, his comedy partner, Yabe Hiroyuki, gave his own opinion that the name did need it. Thus the "。" stayed as an official part of Morning Musume's name. When asked if the J-pop scene would have been a little different without "。" in the name, Tsunku answered, "It would have changed a whole lot."[145] This is evident by its usage becoming a hot topic and a fad in the 1990s after Morning Musume was formed.[146]

Since their expansion into the Chinese market in 2007, the group officially adopted the name Zǎo Ān Shàonǚ Zǔ in pinyin (早安少女組。; Good Morning Girl Group).[147] In regards to media and tabloids they are sometimes known as Momusu (モー娘。).

Life in the Group Edit

The audition process has been described by Takahashi Ai as involving a training camp of three days and two nights, in which participants were expected to learn a new song, a dance routine and a script.[8] Out of 25,000 applicants, nine were selected for the camp in which Takahashi passed.

The girls are afforded three holidays a year of five days each, in winter, summer and for New Year's.[8]

The group always contains a leader and sub-leader, though neither comes with any real responsibility. Takahashi Ai has said that the role merely includes encouraging other to do their best, while Niigaki Risa has said that as sub-leader, "there is nothing I have to do, but I want to support [the leader]."[8]

The girls tend to spend their social time together, as well as their work time, and have said that they are encouraged to discuss problems if any in-fighting occurs.

The group was a rare case in which the producer, Tsunku, controlled all aspects of the group rather than the manager. According to the management, Tsunku was responsible for producing the songs, concepts, costumes, makeup, live shows, CD-sleeve designs and more. As of late 2014, he is only only in charge of their sound[3] after stepping down as the general producer of Hello! Project including the overall production of Morning Musume.[2]

The first chief manager of the group, and the only manager publicly known to fans, was Wada Kaoru who was Sharam Q's manager prior to becoming in charge of Morning Musume from their formation up to the 4th generation members joining.[148][149][150]

Line distribution for live performances, such as when a current member inherits lines from a graduated member, and new recordings are decided by management by listening to all the group members' voices and choosing one that suits it best.[151]

Activities Outside Japan Edit

In addition to already having official fanclubs in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Hawaii, Hello! Project and Morning Musume began actively extending its fan base outside of Japan and primarily into the rest of Asia starting from the middle of 2007 and into 2008.

In March 2007, Morning Musume inducted its first two non-Japanese members from China, Li Chun (Junjun) of Hunan and Qian Lin (Linlin) of Hangzhou. The duo left in 2010 after the group failed to break into China due to piracy levels, leading to the group focusing on European and American fans and performing at anime conventions.[8]

In addition to the unveiling of Hello! Project's Taiwanese website in 2007, Hello! Project also launched the Taiwan H.P. New Star Audition as well. The audition aimed at recruiting new members to join Hello! Project as Hello Pro Egg members. At this audition, Morning Musume also performed as well.

The TV show Morning Musume New Star aired on Taiwan's TTV network every Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 pm with re-runs Monday to Thursday at 10:15 pm. It ended in mid-August 2008 for re-runs.

On May 24, 2008, Morning Musume held their first concert overseas in Taipei, Taiwan.[152] This was followed by two concerts in Seoul, Korea on June 1,[153] and a concert in Shanghai, China on June 28 as an Expo 2010 pre-event.[154]

In France, Morning Musume music videos are aired on a television channel called Nolife, a channel that features video games and Japanese music.

On February 12, 2009, it was announced that Morning Musume would be attending and performing in the United States at Anime Expo, the nation's largest anime convention, during its 2009 convention, as one of the first official guests of honor.[7] It was also announced that "3, 2, 1 BREAKIN'OUT!", the coupling track of their upcoming single "Shouganai Yume Oibito", would be the official theme song for Anime Expo 2009. The convention was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California on July 2 to July 5. Their concert was held on Friday, July 3, with a packed audience of American fans, as well as many foreign fans who traveled to AX for a chance to see them.

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. Their music has since become available on iTunes in most regions.

Morning Musume attended Japan Expo 2010 in Paris, France as guests of honor from July 1 to July 4, 2010.[155] "Tomo", the coupling track to the group's 43rd single, "Seishun Collection", was the event's theme song. They performed a concert on July 2.

In October 2012, Morning Musume members Michishige Sayumi, Tanaka Reina, Fukumura Mizuki, Iikubo Haruna, and Ishida Ayumi held handshake events for Hello! Project's 15th anniversary in Taipei, Taiwan; Bangkok, Thailand; and Paris, France.[156]

On October 5, 2014, Morning Musume '14 performed a concert in New York City in front of 2,000 fans at the Best Buy Theater.

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.[157] 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.[158] Former member Mitsui Aika, who had studied English abroad after her graduation, accompanied the group on the trip and was the concert MC.

On October 5, 2016, Morning Musume '16 attended a fan meeting in Seoul, South Korea.[159] 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.[160][161][162]

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.[163][164] The next day on October 16, the group held a live concert in Taipei.[165] 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.[166]

On March 10, 2017, Ishida Ayumi, Oda Sakura, Nonaka Miki, Kaga Kaede, and Yokoyama Reina visited Taipei, Taiwan for a handshake event.[167][168]

On March 12 and 19, 2017, Morning Musume '17 appeared in the Taiwanese show Riben Tian Nan Di Bei You (日本天南地北遊; Traveling All Over Japan).[169] The group members split into pairs and gave tours to Taiwanese celebrities around Kyushu in the first episode, and Hokkaido and Okinawa in the second episode.[170][171][172]

On June 25, 2017, Morning Musume '17 held their first concert in Hong Kong.[173]

On November 10, 2018, Morning Musume '18 held their first concert in Mexico.[174] A week later, on November 17, they performed in the Anisong World Matsuri at Anime NYC 2018 in New York City,[175] which included a panel and autograph signing session the day before.[176][177] To promote these two overseas appearances, a YouTube live stream was held on October 5 JST with the members answering fans' questions.[178][179][180]

In June 2019, Morning Musume '19 held fan meetings in Hong Kong on June 8 and in Taipei on June 9, which included mini live performances.[181][182]

In mid-June 2020, Morning Musume '20 was set to hold an overseas travel tour in Vladivostok, Russia as part of the Japan-Russia Regional Cultural Exchange 2020-2021.[183] On April 21, it was announced that all June concerts and events were cancelled due to the coronavirus.[184]

Discography Edit

See also: Morning Musume Discography

Publications Edit

See also: Morning Musume Publications

Works Edit

Milestones Edit

Kohaku Uta Gassen youngest participant – 12 year old Kago Ai from December 31, 2000 (51st) until December 31, 2007, when Hagiwara Mai of ℃-ute at age 11, broke that 7-year record.

youngest participant – 12 year old Kago Ai from December 31, 2000 (51st) until December 31, 2007, when Hagiwara Mai of ℃-ute at age 11, broke that 7-year record. Ninth generation members, Sayashi Riho and Suzuki Kanon, are the first members who joined and were born after the group's formation in 1997.

All of their singles except for Morning Coffee , Mikan , Onna to Otoko no Lullaby Game have ranked in the Oricon Weekly Singles Top 5.

, , have ranked in the Oricon Weekly Singles Top 5. Kudo Haruka is the youngest person to ever join Morning Musume at the age of 11 (one month from being 12) and auditioning at age 11. She beat Kago Ai's record which was set at the age of 12.

Fukumura Mizuki is the youngest member to become sub-leader at 16.

Fukumura Mizuki is the youngest member to become leader of Morning Musume at the age of 18, thus breaking Iida Kaori's record.

Oricon – Most consecutive number one singles by a female group in Japan (AKB48 Broke their Record)

Oricon – Most Top 10 singles by a female group in Japan

Oricon – Most number one singles by a female group in Japan, beating the previous record set by Pink Lady.

Oricon – Best single selling female group in Japan—18,067,949 copies sold, becoming their fifth Oricon record.

Oricon – Most consecutive Top 10 singles by a female group in Japan.

Oricon – First girl group to have their songs put a No. 1 ranking in three consecutive decades. (1990's 2000's and 2010's) [185]

Longest active girl group in Japan.

Trivia Edit

Awards Edit

[1998.12.31] 40th Japan Record Awards - Best New Artist [16]

[1999.03] The Japan Gold Disc Award 1999 - New Artist of the Year Award [18]

[2013.09] Billboard Japan Music Awards 2013 - Active Artist of the Year 2013[187]

Subgroups Edit

Not to be mistaken with shuffles units or other separate groups of Hello! Project.

Splinter Groups Edit

Other Edit

Total Sales Count Edit

Year Group Sales Collaboration Sales Total Sales 1997 50,000 0 50,000 1998 1,466,860 0 1,516,860 1999 3,367,161 0 4,884,021 2000 5,689,222 0 10,573,243 2001 3,951,718 0 14,524,961 2002 1,961,143 0 16,486,104 2003 1,153,935 31,628 17,671,667 2004 907,593 61,440 18,640,700 2005 488,144 0 19,128,844 2006 357,373 0 19,486,217 2007 391,759 0 19,877,976 2008 189,828 0 20,067,804 2009 308,767 0 20,376,571 2010 226,653 0 20,603,224 2011 200,989 58,924 20,863,137 2012 320,955 0 21,184,092 2013 410,310 0 21,594,402 2014 502,154 6,923 22,103,479 2015 258,122 0 22,361,601 2016 380,131 0 22,741,732 2017 209,269 0 22,951,001 2018 303,947 0 23,254,948 2019 168,468 0 23,423,416 2020 0+ 0+ TBA

See Also Edit

Notes Edit

^ The actual date of Morning Musume's formation is September 7, but the group celebrates their anniversary on September 14, which is the day their name was first announced on ASAYAN.[188]