Template:Unit infobox
Morning Musume Logo (1997-2013)
1997-Present
Morning Musume (モーニング娘。; Morning Girls), currently known as Morning Musume '17 (モーニング娘。'17, read as Morning Musume One-Seven), is the lead group of Hello! Project. The group was formed in 1997 on a talent show called ASAYAN. It quickly became, and currently is, one of Japan's top all-girl groups with a number of hit records and albums.
Their combined CD and DVD sales exceed 22 million copies 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 60. 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.[1]
Morning Musume '16, November
Morning Musume '16, May
Morning Musume '15, December
Morning Musume '15, August
Morning Musume '15, April
Morning Musume '14, October
Morning Musume '14, April
Morning Musume '14, January
Morning Musume, September 2013
Morning Musume, August 2013
Morning Musume, April 2013
Morning Musume, January 2013
Morning Musume, September 2012
Morning Musume, April 2012
Morning Musume, September 2011
Morning Musume, March 2011
Morning Musume, November 2010
Morning Musume, March 2010
Morning Musume, October 2009
Morning Musume,March 2009
Morning Musume, September 2008
Morning Musume, April 2008
Morning Musume, July 2007
Morning Musume, February 2007
Morning Musume, June 2006
Morning Musume, July 2005
Morning Musume, July 2004
Morning Musume, July 2003
Morning Musume, July 2002
Morning Musume, July 2001
Morning Musume, May 2000
Morning Musume, July 1999
Morning Musume, September 1998
Morning Musume, November 1997
Members
- Main article: Morning Musume Members
- Ninth Generation (2011)
- Fukumura Mizuki (譜久村聖; Deep Pink[2]) Leader
- Ikuta Erina (生田衣梨奈; Yellow-Green[3]) Sub-Leader
- Tenth Generation (2011)
- Iikubo Haruna (飯窪春奈; Honey[3]) Sub-Leader[4]
- Ishida Ayumi (石田亜佑美; Blue[5])
- Sato Masaki (佐藤優樹; Emerald Green[5])
- Kudo Haruka (工藤遥; Orange[5])
- Eleventh Generation (2012)
- Oda Sakura (小田さくら; Lavender)
- Twelfth Generation (2014)
- Ogata Haruna (尾形春水; Sea Blue)
- Nonaka Miki (野中美希; Purple)
- Makino Maria (牧野真莉愛; Light Pink)
- Haga Akane (羽賀朱音; Light Orange)
- Thirteenth Generation (2016)
- Kaga Kaede (加賀楓; Italian Red)
- Yokoyama Reina (横山玲奈; Golden Yellow)
History
- Main article: Morning Musume History
1997-1998
Japanese producer Tsunku started the group through an audition for a female rock vocalist for his band Sharan Q.[6] Tsunku decided to form a girl group consisting of five of the runners-up: Nakazawa Yuko, Abe Natsumi, Iida Kaori, Fukuda Asuka, and Ishiguro Aya. They were issued a challenge to sell 50,000 copies of their demo single, "Ai no Tane," with just five days of promotion events.[6] 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: Yasuda Kei, Yaguchi Mari, and Ichii Sayaka, bringing the total member count to eight.
On December 31, 1998, Morning Musume won the Japan Record Award for "Best New Artist."
1999-2000
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 Goto Maki 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 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.
There was also a new generation search. The fourth generation consisted of 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.
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: 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, 2003, "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
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
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
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
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.
2008-2010
2008 was the first year in which there were no changes in Morning Musume's line-up.
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 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
On January 2, four ninth 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.[7][8] 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, Morning Musume 5th generation member's, Takahashi Ai and Niigaki Risa celebrated 10 years as members of the group.
Morning Musume released their 47th single, "Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa wo Honki de Negatterun da yo!", and Takahashi's last, on September 14.
The tenth generation members were introduced on September 29: Iikubo Haruna, Ishida Ayumi, Sato Masaki, and Kudo Haruka.[9]
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
At the beginning of the year, 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 tenth 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 Mitsui Aika 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.
At Niigaki and Mitsui's graduation concert, Michishige Sayumi was announced as Morning Musume's eighth leader, succeeding Niigaki Risa. The same day, the eleventh generation auditions were set to begin.[10][11]
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, it was revealed that Hello Pro Kenshuusei member, Oda Sakura, passed the eleventh generation auditions, making her the sole new member.
2013
On January 19, both Michishige Sayumi and Tanaka Reina 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, twelfth 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, Fukumura Mizuki and Iikubo Haruna 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.
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.[13] Tsunku would also be producing a special cheer song.
2014
On January 1, Morning Musume began the new year with their new group name, Morning Musume '14.[14][15]
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?" This was their first single released under the name Morning Musume '14.[14][16] "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.[17] 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.
On March 15, the twelfth 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 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.[18][19][20][21][22][23] On August 16, it was announced that the last date of the tour would take place on November 26 at Yokohama Arena.[24]
On May 29, a second in-group unit was formed to promote KAGOME vegetable juice. The unit was named Zenryoku Yasai Musume.
The twelfth 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.[24]
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.[25] 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.
On December 28, it was announced that Morning Musume’s twelfth 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.[26]
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 Iikubo Haruna, Ishida Ayumi, and Oda Sakura would be providing their voices to 3 spirits whose artwork they designed themselves.
On February 14, it was announced that Iikubo Haruna would be the official mentor to the twelfth generation, bringing back the mentor system for the first time since 2011.
On April 15, Morning Musume '15's 58th single and the twelfth generation's debut single, "Seishun Kozou ga Naiteiru / Yuugure wa Ameagari / Ima Koko Kara," was released. Shibue Shuhei, who once the BIG CHANCE music video contest, directed another version of the "Seishun Kozou ga Naiteiru" music video. "Ima Koko Kara" was also the theme song of PreCure All Stars: Haru no Carnival, which Morning Musume '15 were 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 will gathered together for a 4-song medley including “Daite HOLD ON ME!”, LOVE Machine”, “Koi no Dance Site” and “Happy Summer Wedding.”[27]
On August 19, Morning Musume '15 released their 59th single, "Oh my wish! / Sukatto My Heart / Imasugu Tobikomu Yuuki."
On October 29, Sayashi Riho announced that she will 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.[28]
On December 16, Morning Musume '15 performed at Fuji TV's 2015 FNS Kayousai THE LIVE.[29] They performed in a large idol collaboration medley with ℃-ute, ANGERME, and non-Hello! Project groups such as AKB48, Nogizaka46, and Momoiro Clover Z.[30]
On December 29, Morning Musume '15 released their 60th single, "Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only," Sayashi Riho's last single. "One and Only" was an opening theme for J-MELO and is Morning Musume's first song in completely English.[31] The single reached weekly #1 on the Oricon weekly charts.
2016
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.
On February 7, 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~.[32][33]
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.[34] On the same day, it was announced on the Morning Musume '16 Shinseiki Audition website that there were no winners, but a second audition began on June 15.
Morning Musume '16 was invited to perform during the TV Tokyo Music Festival(3) on June 29,[35] NTV's THE MUSIC DAY Natsu no Hajimari on July 2,[36] TBS TV's Ongaki no Hi x CDTV Asamade Natsu Fes! 2016 on July 16,[37] and Fuji TV's 2016 FNS Uta no Natsu Matsuri on July 18 with ℃-ute and ANGERME.[38]
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 Morning Musume '16 Shinseiki Audition and 13th generation members were announced to be Kaga Kaede and Yokoyama Reina.[39][40][41]
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.[42][43]
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.[44] The performance was pre-recorded on December 30, which Sato Masaki was unable to participate due to her lower back injury.[45]
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.[46]
Morning Musume '17 formed a collaborative unit with HKT48 member Sashihara Rino, named Sashining Musume, for the song "Get you!" which was released in Type A of AKB48's 8th album Thumbnail on January 25.[47][48][49]
On February 21, it was announced Morning Musume '17 would air a show on TV Tokyo called Tokugi☆Saikenshou Momusu DE Gozaru! on March 8. The program would show off and verify each members' special skill listed on their official profile.[50]
On March 8, Morning Musume '17 will release their 63rd single titled "BRAND NEW MORNING / Jealousy Jealousy." The A-sides do not include Sato Masaki who was still recovering from her injury during the production period.[51]
On March 12, Morning Musume '17 will perform in the SKY PerfecTV! Ongakusai 2017.[52]
Group Name Origin
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:[53]
- 87 - 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]).
- Takoyaki Sisters (たこ焼きシスターズ)
- Tabehoudai (食べ放題) - meaning "all-you-can-eat buffet"
- Viking (バイキング) - another word for "buffet"
- Morning (モーニング)
- Morning Service (モーニングサービス)
Since their expansion into the Chinese market in 2007, the group officially adopted the name Jou An Sao Nu Jou (Zǎo Ān Shào Nǚ Zǔ, 早安少女組。; Good Morning Girl Group).[54] In regards to media and tabloids they are sometimes known as Momusu (モー娘。).
Life in the Group
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.[6] 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.[6]
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]".[6]
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 is a rare case in which the producer, Tsunku, controls all aspects of the group rather than the manager. According to the management, Tsunku is responsible for producing the songs, concepts, costumes, makeup, live shows, CD-sleeve designs and more.
Line distribution for live performances, when a current member inherits lines from a graduated member, and recordings are decided by management by listening to all the group members' voices and finding one that suits the line the best.[55]
Activities Outside Japan
In addition to already having official fan clubs 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 EXPOs.[6]
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.
In June 2008, Morning Musume also held their 10th Anniversary Live Tour in Korea.
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.[1] 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.
Morning Musume attended and performed at Japan Expo 2010 in Paris, France as guests of honor. "Tomo," the coupling track to the group's 43rd single, "Seishun Collection," was the event's theme song.
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.[56]
On October 5, 2014, Morning Musume '14 performed a live 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.[57] 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.[58] OG member Mitsui Aika accompanied the group and was the concert MC.
On October 5, 2016, Morning Musume '16 attended a fan meeting in Seoul, South Korea;[59] 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.[60][61][62]
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.[63][64] The next day on October 16, the group held a live concert in Taipei.[65] 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.[66]
On March 12 and 19, 2017, Morning Musume '17 will appear on the Taiwanese show Riben Tian Nan Di Bei You (日本天南地北遊; Traveling All Over Japan).[67] The group members split into pairs and give tours to Taiwanese celebrities around Kyushu in the first episode and Hokkaido and Okinawa in the second episode.[68][69][70]
Discography
For more of singles and albums, please visit Morning Musume Discography
- [1998.07.08] First Time
- [1999.07.28] Second Morning
- [2000.03.23] 3rd -LOVE Paradise-
- [2002.03.27] 4th "Ikimasshoi!"
- [2003.03.26] No.5
- [2004.12.08] Ai no Dai 6kan
- [2006.02.15] Rainbow 7
- [2007.03.21] SEXY 8 BEAT
- [2009.03.18] Platinum 9 DISC
- [2010.03.17] 10 MY ME
- [2010.12.01] Fantasy! Juuichi
- [2011.10.12] 12, Smart
- [2012.09.12] 13 Colorful Character
- [2014.10.29] 14shou ~The message~
- Cover Albums
- [2008.11.26] COVER YOU
- Extended Plays
- [2006.12.13] 7.5 Fuyu Fuyu Morning Musume Mini!
- Best Albums
- [2001.01.31] Best! Morning Musume 1 (ベスト! モーニング娘。1)
- [2004.03.31] Best! Morning Musume 2 (ベスト! モーニング娘。2)
- [2004.12.15] Morning Musume Early Single Box (モーニング娘。EARLY SINGLE BOX)
- [2007.10.24] Morning Musume ALL SINGLES COMPLETE ~10th ANNIVERSARY~ (モーニング娘。ALL SINGLES COMPLETE ~10th ANNIVERSARY~)
- [2009.10.07] Morning Musume Zen Single Coupling Collection
- [2010.06.02] Morning Musume Best of Singles Japan Expo Limited Edition
- [2013.09.25] The Best! ~Updated Morning Musume~
- [2014.03.12] Morning Musume '14 Coupling Collection 2
- [2014.10.05] One・Two・Three to Zero
- Other Albums
- [1998.09.30] Morning Cop ~Daite HOLD ON ME!~ OST
- [2000.07.05] Pinch Runner Original Soundtrack
- [2001.08.01] Morning Musume no Musical "LOVE Century -Yume wa Minakerya Hajimaranai-"
- [2002.07.10] Hawaiian de Kiku Morning Musume Single Collection
- [2002.07.17] Morning Musume no Musical "Morning Town"
- [2003.02.14] Koinu Dan no Monogatari Original Soundtrack
- [2003.07.02] Morning Musume Shuen Musical Edokko Chuushingura
- [2006.07.26] Ribbon no Kishi The Musical Song Selection
- [2014.08.06] Engeki Joshibu Musical LILIUM Lilum Shoujo Junketsu Kageki Original Soundtrack (with S/mileage)
- [2015.07.15] Engeki Joshibu Musical "TRIANGLE" Original Soundtrack
- [2016.07.13] Engeki Joshibu Musical "Zoku 11nin Iru! Higashi no Chihei, Nishi no Towa" Original Soundtrack
- Collaboration Singles
- [2003.01.29] Ganbacchae!/HEY! Mirai (Morning Musume, Hello! Project Kids, and Goto Maki) (Single V)
- [2004.12.01] ALL FOR ONE & ONE FOR ALL! (H.P. All Stars)
- [2011.06.22] Ai wa Katsu (愛は勝つ) (Ganbarou Nippon Ai wa Katsu Singers)
- [2011.11.16] Busu ni Naranai Tetsugaku (Hello! Project Mobekimasu)
- Other Singles
- [2003.09.15] Hare Ame Nochi Suki♥ (Morning Musume Sakura Gumi)
- [2003.09.15] Ai no Sono ~Touch My Heart!~ (Morning Musume Otome Gumi)
- [2004.02.25] Sakura Mankai (Morning Musume Sakura Gumi)
- [2004.02.25] Yuujou ~Kokoro no Busu ni wa Naranee!~ (Morning Musume Otome Gumi)
- [2007.01.24] Bokura ga Ikiru MY ASIA (Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai)
- [2007.08.08] Itoshiki Tomo e (Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai)
- [2010.10.27] Appare! Kaiten Zushi (Muten Musume)
- [2010.12.01] Ramen Revolution 2010 Long Type (Digital Single)
Works
Theater
- [2001] LOVE Century ~Yume wa Minakerya Hajimaranai~
- [2002] Morning Town
- [2003] Morning Musume Shuen Musical Edokko Chuushingura
- [2004] HELP!! Acchii Chikyuu wo Samasunda.
- [2006] Ribbon no Kishi The Musical
- [2008] Cinderella the Musical
- [2010] Fashionable
- [2011] Reborn ~Inochi no Audition~- (without Michishige Sayumi)
- [2012] Stacies Shoujo Saisatsu Kageki- (without Michishige Sayumi)
- [2014] LILIUM -Lilium Shoujo Junketsu Kageki- - (without Ikuta Erina and Iikubo Haruna)
- [2015] TRIANGLE
- [2016] Zoku 11nin Iru! Higashi no Chihei, Nishi no Towa
Film
- [1998.09.30] Morning Cop ~Daite HOLD ON ME!~ (モーニング刑事。～抱いてHOLD ON ME!～)
- [2001.02.21] Pinch Runner (ピンチランナー)
- [2002.03.15] Nama Tamago (ナマタマゴ)
- [2002.07.17] Tokkaekko (とっかえっ娘)
- [2002.12.31] Hamtaro the Movie 2 (劇場版とっとこハム太郎 ハムハムハムージャ！幻のプリンセス, Gekijo-ban Tottoko Hamutaro Ham-Ham Hamuja Maboroshi no Princess)
- [2003.06.21] Koinu Dan no Monogatari (仔犬ダンの物語)
- [2011.02.05] Keitai Deka The Movie 3: Morning Musume Kyuushutsu Daisakusen! ~ Pandora no Hako no Himitsu~ (ケータイ刑事 ＴＨＥ ＭＯＶＩＥ３ モーニング娘。救出大作戦！～パンドラの箱の秘密)
- [2011.11.12] Sharehouse (シェアハウス)
Drama
- [2002.12.28] Ore ga Aitsu de Aitsu ga Ore de (おれがあいつであいつがおれで) - Yoshizawa Hitomi, Konno Asami, Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa, Ogawa Makoto and Ishikawa Rika
- [2002.??.??] Angel Hearts - Abe Natsumi,Tsuji Nozomi, Kago Ai,Konno Asami, Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa and Ogawa Makoto
- [2010.01.15] Hanbun Esper (半分エスパー)
- [2016.04.08] Sono "Okodawari", Watashi ni mo Kure yo!!
Milestones
- Kōhaku Uta Gassen (紅白歌合戦) youngest participant – 12 year old Kago Ai (51st Kōhaku) from December 31, 2000 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.
- 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)[71]
- Longest active girl group in Japan.
Trivia
- Morning Musume is the 9th best selling girl group in the world.
- According to MADAME NOIRE they are in #8 for the Best-Selling Girl Groups of all time, as of October 17, 2011.
- They are the most requested act from the J-MELO- Team.
- The average age of the group since early May 2016, is 17.16 years.
- Their sub-group Petitmoni was the only sub-group from Morning Musume to debut at #1 and sell more than 1,000,000 copies.
- Fukumura Mizuki was the first former Hello Pro Kenshuusei to become sub-leader and current leader of Morning Musume, she was also the youngest leader the group has ever had.
- Fukuda Asuka and Goto Maki sang solo lines in every A-side of the singles since their debut until their graduation.
- 1st generation member Fukuda Asuka is the only former member that has never participated in any type of unit or subgroup during her time in Hello! Project.
- Fujimoto Miki is the only Morning Musume leader not to be leader within a single.
- Takahashi Ai has had the lead vocals in singles the most often while she was a member.
- To date, 4 songs reached more than a million sold copies ("LOVE Machine," "Koi no Dance Site," "Happy Summer Wedding," and "Ren'ai Revolution 21").
- There have only been nine singles to reach Oricon weekly #1 with the group not led by a first generation member: the 31st, 39th, 52nd, 53rd, 54th, 55th, 56th, 60th and 62nd singles.
- Girls' Generation member Sooyoung is a fan of Morning Musume. Sooyoung and SNSD members Jessica, Tiffany, and Taeyeon have gone to a Morning Musume concert in Korea in the past.
- As of July 2016, their official YouTube channel has 220,000,000+ channel views, 230,000+ subscribers, 35 videos with 1,000,000+ views, 10 videos with 2,000,000+ views, 9 videos with 3,000,000+ views, 5 videos with 4,000,000+ views, 1 video with 5,000,000+ views, 1 video with 6,000,000+ views, 2 videos with 7,000,000+ views, and 1 video with 9,000,000+ views.[72]
- Korean group After School are fans of Morning Musume and were described by Pledis Entertainment as the "South Korean Morning Musume".
- Yasuda Kei is the only sub-leader to have never become leader.
- Michishige Sayumi, along with Iida Kaori, are the only leaders to have never been sub-leaders.
- They are the second group in Hello! Project to release a triple A-side single, the first being Juice=Juice.
- Ikuta Erina and Ishida Ayumi are the only members born in the same year as the year the group was formed in 1997.
- 2008 is the only full year during which no members were added and no members graduated.
- 2011 is the only year during which two generations were added, the 9th and 10th generations.
- All of the 12th generation members wear glasses.
- Morning Musume '15 was the first, and currently only lineup in which there were 4 full generations (meaning no generation is missing members due to graduation) in the group at the same time.
- Fukuda Asuka was the first and youngest member to graduate.
- Currently all members are either type A or O blood.
Awards
- [1998.12.31] 40. Japan Record Awards 1998 - "Best New Artist"
- [2013.09.xx] 50. Billboard Japan Music Awards 2013 - "Active Artist of the Year 2013"[73]
Subgroups
Not to be mistaken with shuffles units or other separate groups of Hello! Project.
Splinter Groups
- Morning Musume Sakuragumi (2003-2004, 2007-2009)
- Morning Musume Otomegumi (2003-2004, 2007-2009)
Other
- Venus Mousse (2002-2003)
- POCKY GIRLS (2002-2003)
- Muten Musume (2010)
- Morimusu (2014)
- Zenryoku Yasai Musume (2014)
- Sashining Musume (2017)
Total Sales Count
| 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 | 0+ | 0+ | TBA |
See Also
- Morning Musume Members
- Morning Musume History
- Morning Musume Era
- Morning Musume Discography
- Morning Musume Concerts & Events
- Morning Musume DVDs
- Morning Musume Publications
- Morning Musume Timeline
- Morning Musume Auditions
- Gallery:Morning Musume
- Gallery:Morning Musume Music Videos
- Morning Musume Dance Formation
Notes
- ^ 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.[74]
References
External Links
- Official Website
- Official Google+ Page
- Official Facebook Page
- Official Twitter
- Wikipedia: Japanese, English, Thailand
- Discography: Hello! Project, UP-FRONT WORKS (archived)
- projecthello.com: Morning Musume lyrics
- Official YouTube Channel
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