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This page consists of all current and former members of the J-pop group Morning Musume.

The group is known for their ever-fluctuating line-up, with "graduations" and auditions held nearly every year. As of November 2023, there have been a total of 47 members altogether (1997-present), 32 graduated members, 2 members which have resigned, and 17 generations. There are currently 13 members in Morning Musume '24 which consists of the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 16th, and 17th generations.

Members[]

Name Born Origin Blood
Type
Join
Date
Gen Member
Color
Notes
(生田衣梨奈)
July 7, 1997
(age 26)
Fukuoka A January 2, 2011 9th YellowGreen Penlight
Yellow-Green
Leader (2023-Present)
Previously sub-leader (2014-2023)
(石田亜佑美)
January 7, 1997
(age 27)
Miyagi O September 29, 2011 10th RoyalBlue Penlight
Royal Blue
Former B♭ member
Sub-leader (2018-Present)
(小田さくら)
March 12, 1999
(age 25)
Kanagawa A September 14, 2012 11th Lavender Penlight
Lavender
Sub-leader (2023-Present)
Former Hello Pro Kenshuusei (2011-2012)
(野中美希)
October 7, 1999
(age 24)
Shizuoka September 30, 2014 12th Purple Penlight
Purple
(牧野真莉愛)
February 2, 2001
(age 23)
Aichi Pink Penlight
Pink
Former Hello Pro Kenshuusei (2012-2014)
(羽賀朱音)
March 7, 2002
(age 22)
Nagano O Orange Penlight
Orange
Former Hello Pro Kenshuusei (2013-2014)
(横山玲奈)
February 22, 2001
(age 23)
Saitama December 12, 2016 13th GoldenYellow Penlight
Golden Yellow
Former Hello Pro Kenshuusei (2016)
(北川莉央)
March 16, 2004
(age 20)
Tokyo June 22, 2019 15th SeaBlue Penlight
Sea Blue
(岡村ほまれ)
May 9, 2005
(age 18)
A Daisy Penlight
Daisy
Child actress and model (2014-)
(山﨑愛生)
June 28, 2005
(age 18)
Hokkaido B BrightGreen Penlight
Bright Green
Former Hello Pro Kenshuusei Hokkaido (2016-2019)
(櫻井梨央)
November 11, 2005
(age 18)
Tokyo O June 29, 2022 16th MilkTea Penlight
Milk Tea
(井上春華)
May 6, 2006
(age 17)
Kyoto A May 23, 2023 17th MintGreen Penlight
Mint Green
(弓桁朱琴)
July 8, 2008
(age 15)
Shizuoka PureRed Penlight
Pure Red

Name Born Origin Blood
Type
Join
Date
Gen Departure
Date
Member
Color
Notes
(中澤裕子)
June 19, 1973
(age 50)
Kyoto O September 7, 1997 1st April 15, 2001 N/A Leader (1997–2001)
Dream Morning Musume
(石黒彩)
May 12, 1978
(age 45)
Hokkaido A January 7, 2000 N/A Tanpopo member
(飯田圭織)
August 8, 1981
(age 42)
January 30, 2005 N/A Leader (2001–2005)
Member of: Tanpopo, Morning Musume Otome Gumi, Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai, Dream Morning Musume
(安倍なつみ)
August 10, 1981
(age 42)
January 25, 2004 N/A Member of: Morning Musume Sakura Gumi, Tanjou 10nen Kinentai, Dream Morning Musume
(福田明日香)
December 17, 1984
(age 39)
Tokyo B April 18, 1999 N/A Later joined PEACE$TONE
(保田圭)
December 6, 1980
(age 43)
Chiba A May 3, 1998 2nd May 5, 2003 N/A Sub-leader (2001–2003)
Member of: Petitmoni, Dream Morning Musume
(矢口真里)
January 20, 1983
(age 41)
Kanagawa April 14, 2005 LightPurple Penlight
Light Purple
Leader (2005)
Previously sub-leader (2003–2005)
No graduation ceremony
Member of: Tanpopo, Minimoni (leader),
Sakura Gumi, Dream Morning Musume
(市井紗耶香)
December 31, 1983
(age 40)
Chiba May 21, 2000 N/A Petitmoni member
(後藤真希)
September 23, 1985
(age 38)
Tokyo O August 22, 1999 3rd September 23, 2002 N/A Member of: Petitmoni, Tanjou 10nen Kinentai
(石川梨華)
January 19, 1985
(age 39)
Kanagawa A April 16, 2000 4th May 7, 2005 HotPink Penlight
Hot Pink
Member of: Tanpopo, Otome Gumi,
v-u-den, Dream Morning Musume
(吉澤ひとみ)
April 12, 1985
(age 38)
Saitama O May 6, 2007 Purple Penlight
Purple
Leader (2005–2007)
Previously sub-leader (2005)
Member of: Petitmoni, Sakura Gumi,
Dream Morning Musume
(辻希美)
June 17, 1987
(age 36)
Tokyo August 1, 2004 N/A Member of: Otome Gumi, Minimoni,
Later joined W
(加護亜依)
February 7, 1988
(age 36)
Nara AB N/A Member of: Tanpopo,
Minimoni, Sakura Gumi
Later joined W
Later formed Girls Beat!!
(高橋愛)
September 14, 1986
(age 37)
Fukui A August 26, 2001 5th September 30, 2011 Yellow Penlight
Yellow
Leader (2007–2011)
Previously sub-leader (2007)
Member of: Minimoni,
Sakura Gumi
(紺野あさ美)
May 7, 1987
(age 36)
Hokkaido B July 23, 2006 Pink Penlight
Pink
Member of: Tanpopo,
Sakura Gumi
(小川麻琴)
October 29, 1987
(age 36)
Niigata O August 27, 2006 Blue Penlight
Blue
Member of: Petitmoni,
Otome Gumi,
Dream Morning Musume
(新垣里沙)
October 20, 1988
(age 35)
Kanagawa B May 18, 2012 YellowGreen Penlight
Yellow-Green
Leader (2011–2012)
Previously sub-leader (2007–2011)
Member of: Tanpopo,
Sakura Gumi,
Tanjou 10nen Kinentai
(藤本美貴)
February 26, 1985
(age 39)
Hokkaido A January 7, 2003 6th June 1, 2007 Red Penlight
Red
Leader (2007)
Previously sub-leader (2005–2007)
Resigned without a graduation ceremony
Member of: Otome Gumi,
Dream Morning Musume
(亀井絵里)
December 23, 1988
(age 35)
Tokyo AB January 19, 2003 December 15, 2010 Orange Penlight
Orange
Sakura Gumi member
(道重さゆみ)
July 13, 1989
(age 34)
Yamaguchi A November 26, 2014 Pink Penlight
Pink
Leader (2012–2014)
Otome Gumi member
(田中れいな)
November 11, 1989
(age 34)
Fukuoka O May 21, 2013 LightBlue Penlight
Light Blue
Otome Gumi member
Later joined LoVendoЯ
(久住小春)
July 15, 1992
(age 31)
Niigata A May 1, 2005 7th December 6, 2009 Red Penlight
Red
Former member of Tanjou 10nen Kinentai, Dream Morning Musume
(光井愛佳)
January 12, 1993
(age 31)
Shiga O December 10, 2006 8th May 18, 2012 LightPurple Penlight
Light Purple
(ジュンジュン)
January 11, 1988
(age 36)
Hunan, China March 15, 2007 December 15, 2010 Blue Penlight
Blue
Foreign student
(リンリン)
March 11, 1991
(age 33)
Zhejiang, China B EmeraldGreen Penlight
Emerald Green
Foreign student
Former Hello Pro Egg
(譜久村聖)
October 30, 1996
(age 27)
Tokyo O January 2, 2011 9th November 29, 2023 HotPink Penlight
Hot Pink
Leader (2014-2023)
Previously sub-leader (2013-2014)
Hello! Project Leader (2019-2023)
Former Hello! Project Sub-leader (2017-2019)
Former Hello Pro Egg (2008-2011)
(鞘師里保)
May 28, 1998
(age 25)
Hiroshima AB December 31, 2015 Red Penlight
Red
Former Peaberry member
(鈴木香音)
August 5, 1998
(age 25)
Aichi B May 31, 2016 Green Penlight
Green
(飯窪春菜)
November 7, 1994
(age 29)
Tokyo O September 29, 2011 10th December 16, 2018 Daisy Penlight
Honey
Sub-leader (2013-2018)
(佐藤優樹)
May 7, 1999
(age 24)
Hokkaido A December 13, 2021 EmeraldGreen Penlight
Emerald Green
(工藤遥)
October 27, 1999
(age 24)
Saitama December 11, 2017 Orange Penlight
Orange
Former Hello Pro Egg (2010-2011)
(尾形春水)
February 15, 1999
(age 25)
Osaka September 30, 2014 12th June 20, 2018 SeaBlue Penlight
Sea Blue
(加賀楓)
November 30, 1999
(age 24)
Tokyo December 12, 2016 13th December 10, 2022 ItalianRed Penlight
Italian Red
Former Hello Pro Kenshuusei (2012-2016)
(森戸知沙希)
February 19, 2000
(age 24)
Tochigi June 26, 2017 14th June 20, 2022 White Penlight
White
Former Country Girls Member (2014-2019)
Former CoCoRo Gakuen member (2011-2014)

Leadership[]

# Leader Period of Time Tenure Sub-Leader Period of Time Tenure
1st Nakazawa Yuko September 7, 1997 - April 15, 2001 3 Years, 7 Months, 8 Days None September 7, 1997 - April 15, 2001
2nd Iida Kaori April 16, 2001 - January 30, 2005 3 Years, 9 Months, 14 Days Yasuda Kei April 16, 2001 - May 5, 2003 2 Years, 0 Months, 19 Days
Yaguchi Mari May 5, 2003 - January 30, 2005 1 Year, 8 Months, 25 Days
3rd Yaguchi Mari January 31, 2005 - April 14, 2005 0 Years, 2 Months, 14 Days Yoshizawa Hitomi January 31, 2005 - April 14, 2005 0 Years, 2 Months, 14 Days
4th Yoshizawa Hitomi April 15, 2005 - May 6, 2007 2 Years, 0 Months, 21 Days Fujimoto Miki April 15, 2005 - May 6, 2007 2 Years, 0 Months, 21 Days
5th Fujimoto Miki May 7, 2007 - June 1, 2007 0 Years, 0 Months, 25 Days Takahashi Ai May 7, 2007 - June 1, 2007 0 Years, 0 Months, 25 Days
6th Takahashi Ai June 2, 2007 - September 30, 2011 4 Years, 3 Months, 28 Days Niigaki Risa June 2, 2007 - September 30, 2011 4 Years, 3 Months, 28 Days
7th Niigaki Risa October 1, 2011 - May 18, 2012 0 Years, 7 Months, 17 Days None October 1, 2011 - May 20, 2013
8th Michishige Sayumi May 19, 2012 - November 26, 2014 2 Years, 6 Months, 7 Days
Fukumura Mizuki May 21, 2013 - November 26, 2014 1 Year, 6 Months, 5 Days
Iikubo Haruna May 21, 2013 - December 16, 2018 5 Years, 6 Months, 25 Days
9th Fukumura Mizuki November 27, 2014 - November 29, 2023 9 Years, 0 Months, 2 Days
Ikuta Erina November 27, 2014 - November 29, 2023 9 Years, 0 Months, 2 Days
Ishida Ayumi December 31, 2018 - Present 5 Years, 2 Months, 17 Days
10th Ikuta Erina November 30, 2023 - Present 0 Years, 3 Months, 18 Days
Oda Sakura November 30, 2023 - Present 0 Years, 3 Months, 18 Days
  • The sub-leader position was established on April 16, 2001, when Iida Kaori became the second leader.
  • The sub-leader position was vacant from October 1, 2011 to May 21, 2013, until Tanaka Reina graduated and assigned Fukumura Mizuki and Iikubo Haruna as the new sub-leaders.

Member Colors[]

Each Morning Musume member has her own color for outfits and merchandise to distinguish between each member. The members were assigned an official image color starting from their spring 2005 tour onwards. Over time, as each member leaves the group, current or new members have the opportunity to change their current color to a different one which is available. No member has the exact same color, but some might have colors that look fairly similar to another member's.

Color Member Former Owner
Red Penlight Red
ItalianRed Penlight Italian Red
PureRed Penlight Pure Red
Yumigeta Ako
(2023-Present)
Fujimoto Miki (2005-2007), Kusumi Koharu (2007-2009), Sayashi Riho (2011-2015), Kaga Kaede (2016-2022)
Orange Penlight Orange Haga Akane
(2019-Present)
Kamei Eri (2005-2010), Kudo Haruka (2011-2017)
LightOrange Penlight Light Orange Not in use Haga Akane (2015-2019)
GoldenYellow Penlight Golden Yellow Yokoyama Reina
(2016-Present)
Daisy Penlight Honey / Daisy
Yellow Penlight Yellow
Okamura Homare
(2019-Present)
Takahashi Ai (2005-2011), Iikubo Haruna (2012-2018)
LightYellow Penlight Lemon Not in use Michishige Sayumi (2005-2006)
YellowGreen Penlight Yellow-Green Ikuta Erina
(2012-Present)
Niigaki Risa (2005-2012)
Green Penlight Green
BrightGreen Penlight Bright Green
Yamazaki Mei
(2019-Present)
Suzuki Kanon (2011-2016)
EmeraldGreen Penlight Emerald Green
MintGreen Penlight Mint Green
Inoue Haruka
(2023-Present)
Linlin (2007-2010), Sato Masaki (2011-2021)
SeaBlue Penlight Sea Blue
LightBlue Penlight Light Blue
Kitagawa Rio
(2019-Present)
Tanaka Reina (2005-2013), Ogata Haruna (2015-2018)
RoyalBlue Penlight Royal Blue
Blue Penlight Blue
Ishida Ayumi
(2011-Present)
Ogawa Makoto (2005-2006), Junjun (2007-2010)
Purple Penlight Purple Nonaka Miki
(2015-Present)
Yoshizawa Hitomi (2005-2007), Ikuta Erina (2011-2012)
LightPurple Penlight Light Purple
Lavender Penlight Lavender
Oda Sakura
(2012-Present)
Yaguchi Mari (2005), Mitsui Aika (2006-2012)
HotPink Penlight Hot Pink Not in use Ishikawa Rika (2005), Fukumura Mizuki (2011-2023)
Pink Penlight Pink Makino Maria
(2019-Present)
Konno Asami (2005-2006), Michishige Sayumi (2006-2014)
LightPink Penlight Light Pink Not in use Makino Maria (2015-2019)
LightGrey Penlight Grey Not in use Kusumi Koharu (2005-2007)
White Penlight White Not in use Morito Chisaki (2017-2022)
Chocolate Penlight Chocolate Not in use Iikubo Haruna (2011-2012)
MilkTea Penlight Milk Tea Sakurai Rio
(2022-Present)

Tenures[]

All names in BOLD are current members.

Name Join Date Departure Date Tenure
Ikuta Erina January 2, 2011 Present 13 Years, 2 Months, 17 Days
Fukumura Mizuki January 2, 2011 November 29, 2023 12 Years, 10 Months, 27 Days
Ishida Ayumi September 29, 2011 Present 12 Years, 5 Months, 19 Days
Michishige Sayumi January 19, 2003 November 26, 2014 11 Years, 10 Months, 7 Days
Oda Sakura September 14, 2012 Present 11 Years, 6 Months, 5 Days
Niigaki Risa August 26, 2001 May 18, 2012 10 Years, 8 Months, 22 Days
Tanaka Reina January 19, 2003 May 21, 2013 10 Years, 4 Months, 2 Days
Sato Masaki September 29, 2011 December 13, 2021 10 Years, 2 Months, 14 Days
Takahashi Ai August 26, 2001 September 30, 2011 10 Years, 1 Month, 4 Days
Nonaka Miki, Makino Maria, and Haga Akane September 30, 2014 Present 9 Years, 5 Months, 18 Days
Kamei Eri January 19, 2003 December 15, 2010 7 Years, 10 Months, 26 Days
Iida Kaori September 7, 1997 January 30, 2005 7 Years, 4 Months, 23 Days
Yokoyama Reina December 12, 2016 Present 7 Years, 3 Months, 7 Days
Iikubo Haruna September 29, 2011 December 16, 2018 7 Years, 2 Months, 17 Days
Yoshizawa Hitomi April 16, 2000 May 6, 2007 7 Years, 0 Months, 20 Days
Yaguchi Mari May 3, 1998 April 14, 2005 6 Years, 11 Months, 11 Days
Abe Natsumi September 7, 1997 January 25, 2004 6 Years, 4 Months, 18 Days
Kudo Haruka September 29, 2011 December 11, 2017 6 Years, 2 Months, 12 Days
Kaga Kaede December 12, 2016 December 10, 2022 5 Years, 11 Months, 28 Days
Mitsui Aika December 10, 2006 May 18, 2012 5 Years, 5 Months, 8 Days
Suzuki Kanon January 2, 2011 May 31, 2016 5 Years, 4 Months, 29 Days
Ishikawa Rika April 16, 2000 May 7, 2005 5 Years, 0 Months, 21 Days
Yasuda Kei May 3, 1998 May 5, 2003 5 Years, 0 Months, 2 Days
Ogawa Makoto August 26, 2001 August 27, 2006 5 Years, 0 Months, 1 Day
Sayashi Riho January 2, 2011 December 31, 2015 4 Years, 11 Months, 29 Days
Morito Chisaki June 26, 2017 June 20, 2022 4 Years, 11 Months, 25 Days
Konno Asami August 26, 2001 July 23, 2006 4 Years, 10 Months, 27 Days
Kitagawa Rio, Okamura Homare, and Yamazaki Mei June 22, 2019 Present 4 Years, 8 Months, 26 Days
Kusumi Koharu May 1, 2005 December 6, 2009 4 Years, 7 Months, 5 Days
Fujimoto Miki January 7, 2003 June 1, 2007 4 Years, 4 Months, 25 Days
Tsuji Nozomi and Kago Ai April 16, 2000 August 1, 2004 4 Years, 3 Months, 16 Days
Junjun and Linlin March 15, 2007 December 15, 2010 3 Years, 9 Months, 0 Days
Ogata Haruna September 30, 2014 June 20, 2018 3 Years, 8 Months, 21 Days
Nakazawa Yuko September 7, 1997 April 15, 2001 3 Years, 7 Months, 8 Days
Goto Maki August 22, 1999 September 23, 2002 3 Years, 1 Month, 1 Day
Ishiguro Aya September 7, 1997 January 7, 2000 2 Years, 4 Months, 0 Days
Ichii Sayaka May 3, 1998 May 21, 2000 2 Years, 0 Months, 18 Days
Sakurai Rio June 29, 2022 Present 1 Year, 8 Months, 19 Days
Fukuda Asuka September 7, 1997 April 18, 1999 1 Year, 7 Months, 11 Days
Inoue Haruka and Yumigeta Ako May 23, 2023 Present 0 Years, 9 Months, 25 Days

Mentors[]

Beginning with 3rd generation, when a new member joins Morning Musume, a senior member is sometimes assigned to be their mentor.[1] The mentor system was dropped after the 7th generation,[2] but was officially brought back for the 12th generation.

  • 5th Generation
  • 6th Generation
  • 8th Generation
  • 9th Generation
    • Mitsui Aika → mentor to all 9th generation members[10]
  • 10th Generation
    • Mitsui Aika → mentor to all 10th generation members
  • 12th Generation
  • Members Single Count[]

    Gen Member Debut Single Last Single Single Count
    1st Generation (1997) Nakazawa Yuko Ai no Tane Ren'ai Revolution 21 12 Singles
    Ishiguro Aya LOVE Machine 8 Singles
    Iida Kaori THE Manpower!!! 26 Singles
    Abe Natsumi Ai Araba IT'S ALL RIGHT 22 Singles
    Fukuda Asuka Memory Seishun no Hikari 5 Singles
    2nd Generation (1998) Yasuda Kei Summer Night Town AS FOR ONE DAY 17 Singles
    Yaguchi Mari Osaka Koi no Uta 25 Singles
    Ichii Sayaka Happy Summer Wedding 8 Singles
    3rd Generation (1999) Goto Maki LOVE Machine Do it! Now 9 Singles
    4th Generation (2000) Ishikawa Rika Happy Summer Wedding Osaka Koi no Uta 18 Singles
    Yoshizawa Hitomi Kanashimi Twilight 25 Singles
    Tsuji Nozomi Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari 15 Singles
    Kago Ai
    5th Generation (2001) Takahashi Ai Mr.Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~ Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa wo Honki de Negatterun da yo! 35 Singles
    Konno Asami Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii jan 18 Singles
    Ogawa Makoto
    Niigaki Risa Ren'ai Hunter 37 Singles
    6th Generation (2003) Fujimoto Miki Shabondama Kanashimi Twilight 15 Singles
    Kamei Eri Onna to Otoko no Lullaby Game 26 Singles
    Michishige Sayumi TIKI BUN / Shabadaba Doo~ / Mikaeri Bijin 39 Singles
    Tanaka Reina Brainstorming / Kimi Sae Ireba Nani mo Iranai 35 Singles
    7th Generation (2005) Kusumi Koharu Iroppoi Jirettai Kimagure Princess 15 Singles
    8th Generation (2006/2007) Mitsui Aika Egao YES Nude Ren'ai Hunter 18 Singles
    Junjun Onna ni Sachi Are Onna to Otoko no Lullaby Game 11 Singles
    Linlin
    9th Generation (2011) Fukumura Mizuki Maji Desu ka Ska! Suggoi FEVER! / Wake-up Call ~Mezameru Toki~ / Neverending Shine 31 Singles
    Ikuta Erina Present 31 Singles
    Sayashi Riho Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only 16 Singles
    Suzuki Kanon Utakata Saturday Night! / The Vision / Tokyo to Iu Katasumi 17 Singles
    10th Generation (2011) Iikubo Haruna Pyocopyoco Ultra Furari Ginza / Jiyuu na Kuni Dakara 21 Singles
    Ishida Ayumi Present 28 Singles
    Sato Masaki Teenage Solution / Yoshi Yoshi Shite Hoshii no / Beat no Wakusei 24 Singles [N7]
    Kudo Haruka Gosenfu no Tasuki 18 Singles
    11th Generation (2012) Oda Sakura Help me!! Present 24 Singles
    12th Generation (2014) Ogata Haruna Seishun Kozou wa Naiteiru / Yuugure wa Ameagari / Ima Koko Kara Are you Happy? / A gonna 10 Singles
    Nonaka Miki Present 18 Singles
    Makino Maria
    Haga Akane
    13th Generation (2016) Kaga Kaede BRAND NEW MORNING / Jealousy Jealousy Swing Swing Paradise / Happy birthday to Me! 12 Singles
    Yokoyama Reina Present 13 Singles
    14th Generation (2017) Morito Chisaki Jama Shinai de Here We Go! / Dokyuu no Go Sign / Wakain da shi! Chu Chu Chu Bokura no Mirai / Dai・Jinsei Never Been Better! 10 Singles
    15th Generation (2019) Kitagawa Rio KOKORO&KARADA / LOVEpedia / Ningen Kankei No way way Present 6 Singles
    Okamura Homare
    Yamazaki Mei
    16th Generation (2022) Sakurai Rio Swing Swing Paradise / Happy birthday to Me! 2 Singles
    17th Generation (2023) Inoue Haruka Suggoi FEVER! / Wake-up Call ~Mezameru Toki~ / Neverending Shine 1 Single
    Yumigeta Ako

    Members Album Count[]

    Gen Member Debut Album Last Credited Album Album Count
    1st Generation (1997) Nakazawa Yuko First Time Best! Morning Musume 1 4 Albums
    Ishiguro Aya Second Morning 2 Albums
    Iida Kaori Ai no Dai 6kan 8 Albums
    Abe Natsumi No.5 7 Albums
    Fukuda Asuka First Time 1 Album
    2nd Generation (1998) Yasuda Kei No.5 7 Albums
    Yaguchi Mari Ai no Dai 6kan 8 Albums
    Ichii Sayaka 3rd -LOVE Paradise- 3 Albums
    3rd Generation (1999) Goto Maki 3rd -LOVE Paradise- 4th "Ikimasshoi!"
    4th Generation (2000) Ishikawa Rika Best! Morning Musume 1 Ai no Dai 6kan 5 Albums
    Yoshizawa Hitomi SEXY 8 BEAT 8 Albums
    Tsuji Nozomi Best! Morning Musume 2 4 Albums
    Kago Ai
    5th Generation (2001) Takahashi Ai 4th "Ikimasshoi!" 12, Smart 14 Albums
    Konno Asami Rainbow 7 5 Albums
    Ogawa Makoto
    Niigaki Risa 12, Smart 14 Albums
    6th Generation (2003) Fujimoto Miki Best! Morning Musume 2 SEXY 8 BEAT 5 Albums
    Kamei Eri Fantasy! Juuichi 11 Albums
    Michishige Sayumi 14shou ~The message~ 17 Albums
    Tanaka Reina ⑬ Colorful Character 13 Albums
    7th Generation (2005) Kusumi Koharu Rainbow 7 Platinum 9 DISC 6 Albums
    8th Generation (2006/2007) Mitsui Aika SEXY 8 BEAT 12, Smart 8 Albums
    Junjun Morning Musume ALL SINGLES COMPLETE ~10th ANNIVERSARY~ Fantasy! Juuichi 7 Albums
    Linlin
    9th Generation (2011) Fukumura Mizuki 12, Smart Morning Musume Best Selection ~The 25 Shuunen~ 10 Albums
    Ikuta Erina Present 10 Albums
    Sayashi Riho 14shou ~The message~ 6 Albums
    Suzuki Kanon
    10th Generation (2011) Iikubo Haruna 13 Colorful Character ⑮ Thank you, too
    Ishida Ayumi Present 9 Albums
    Sato Masaki 16th ~That's J-POP~ 8 Albums
    Kudo Haruka ⑮ Thank you, too 6 Albums
    11th Generation (2012) Oda Sakura The Best! ~Updated Morning Musume~ Present 8 Albums
    12th Generation (2014) Ogata Haruna ⑮ Thank you, too ⑮ Thank you, too 1 Album
    Nonaka Miki Present 4 Albums
    Makino Maria
    Haga Akane
    13th Generation (2016) Kaga Kaede 16th ~That's J-POP~ 3 Albums
    Yokoyama Reina Present 4 Albums
    14th Generation (2017) Morito Chisaki 16th ~That's J-POP~ 3 Albums
    15th Generation (2019) Kitagawa Rio 16th ~That's J-POP~ Present 2 Albums
    Okamura Homare
    Yamazaki Mei
    16th Generation (2022) Sakurai Rio Morning Musume Best Selection ~The 25 Shuunen~ 1 Album
    17th Generation (2023) Inoue Haruka
    Yumigeta Ako

    Members Line-Ups[]

    Date Member(s) Total Members Age Average Singles Released with Line-up Albums Released with Line-up
    September 14, 1997
    (Formation)
    Group formation. Founding members include Nakazawa Yuko, Ishiguro Aya, Iida Kaori, Abe Natsumi, and Fukuda Asuka. 5 17.4-17.6 Ai no Tane, Morning Coffee None
    May 3, 1998 Yasuda Kei, Yaguchi Mari, and Ichii Sayaka join as the 2nd generation. 8 16.75-17.75 Summer Night Town, Daite HOLD ON ME!, Memory Seishun no Hikari First Time
    April 18, 1999 Fukuda Asuka graduates. 7 18.29-18.86 Manatsu no Kousen, Furusato Second Morning
    August 22, 1999 Goto Maki joins as the 3rd generation. 8 18.13-18.5 LOVE Machine None
    January 7, 2000 Ishiguro Aya graduates. 7 18.14-18.29 Koi no Dance Site 3rd -LOVE Paradise-
    April 16, 2000 Ishikawa Rika, Yoshizawa Hitomi, Tsuji Nozomi, and Kago Ai join as the 4th generation. 11 16.55 Happy Summer Wedding None
    May 21, 2000 Ichii Sayaka graduates. 10 16.60-17.6 I WISH, Ren'ai Revolution 21 Best! Morning Musume 1
    April 15, 2001 Nakazawa Yuko graduates. 9 16.56-16.9 The☆Peace! None
    August 26, 2001 Takahashi Ai, Konno Asami, Ogawa Makoto, and Niigaki Risa join as the 5th generation. 13 15.77-16.85 Mr.Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~, Souda! We're ALIVE, Do it! Now 4th "Ikimasshoi!"
    September 23, 2002 Goto Maki graduates. 12 16.92-17.17 Koko ni Iruzee! None
    January 19, 2003 Fujimoto Miki[N1], Kamei Eri, Michishige Sayumi, and Tanaka Reina join as the 6th generation. 16 16.5-16.75 Morning Musume no Hyokkori Hyoutanjima[N2], AS FOR ONE DAY[N2]
    May 5, 2003 Yasuda Kei graduates. 15 16.4-17.2 Shabondama, Go Girl ~Koi no Victory~, Ai Araba IT'S ALL RIGHT
    January 25, 2004 Abe Natsumi graduates. 14 16.86-17.2 Roman ~MY DEAR BOY~, Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari Best! Morning Musume 2
    August 1, 2004 Tsuji Nozomi and Kago Ai graduate. 12 17.42-18.08 Namida ga Tomaranai Houkago, THE Manpower!!! Ai no Dai 6kan
    January 30, 2005 Iida Kaori graduates. 11 17.64-17.82 None None
    April 14, 2005 Yaguchi Mari leaves. 10 17.4 Osaka Koi no Uta[N3]
    May 1, 2005 Kusumi Koharu joins as the 7th generation. 11 16.91 None
    May 7, 2005 Ishikawa Rika graduates. 10 16.7-17.9 Iroppoi Jirettai, Chokkan 2 ~Nogashita Sakana wa Ookiizo!~, SEXY BOY ~Soyokaze ni Yorisotte~, Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii jan Rainbow 7
    July 23, 2006 Konno Asami graduates. 9 17.78 None None
    August 27, 2006 Ogawa Makoto graduates. 8 17.75-18.13 Aruiteru 7.5 Fuyu Fuyu Morning Musume Mini!
    December 10, 2006 Mitsui Aika joins as the 8th generation. 9 17.56-17.89 Egao YES Nude SEXY 8 BEAT
    March 15, 2007 Junjun and Linlin join as 8th generation exchange students. 11 17.82-17.9 Kanashimi Twilight[N4] None
    May 6, 2007 Yoshizawa Hitomi graduates. 10 17.5 None
    June 1, 2007 Fujimoto Miki leaves. 9 17-19.56 Onna ni Sachi Are, Mikan, Resonant Blue, Pepper Keibu, Naichau Kamo, Shouganai Yume Oibito, Nanchatte Ren'ai, Kimagure Princess Morning Musume ALL SINGLES COMPLETE ~10th ANNIVERSARY~, COVER YOU, Platinum 9 DISC, Morning Musume Zen Single Coupling Collection
    December 6, 2009 Kusumi Koharu graduates. 8 19.88-20.88 Onna ga Medatte Naze Ikenai, Seishun Collection, Onna to Otoko no Lullaby Game ⑩ MY ME, Fantasy! Juuichi
    December 15, 2010 Kamei Eri, Junjun, and Linlin graduate. 5 21 None None
    January 2, 2011 Fukumura Mizuki, Ikuta Erina, Sayashi Riho and Suzuki Kanon join as the 9th generation. 9 17.33-18 Maji Desu ka Ska!, Only you, Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa wo Honki de Negatterun da yo! 12, Smart
    September 29, 2011 Iikubo Haruna, Ishida Ayumi, Sato Masaki and Kudo Haruka join as the 10th generation. 13 16.54 None None
    September 30, 2011 Takahashi Ai graduates. 12 15.83-16.3 Pyocopyoco Ultra, Ren'ai Hunter
    May 18, 2012 Niigaki Risa and Mitsui Aika graduate. 10 15.6-16 One•Two•Three / The Matenrou Show ⑬ Colorful Character
    September 14, 2012 Oda Sakura joins as the 11th generation. 11 15.73-16.36 Wakuteka Take a chance[N5], Help me!!, Brainstorming / Kimi Sae Ireba Nani mo Iranai None
    May 21, 2013 Tanaka Reina graduates. 10 15.7-17.1 Wagamama Ki no Mama Ai no Joke / Ai no Gundan, Egao no Kimi wa Taiyou sa / Kimi no Kawari wa Iyashinai / What is LOVE?, Toki wo Koe Sora wo Koe / Password is 0 The Best! ~Updated Morning Musume~, Morning Musume '14 Coupling Collection 2
    September 30, 2014 Ogata Haruna, Nonaka Miki, Makino Maria and Haga Akane join as the 12th generation. 14 16.07-16.36 TIKI BUN / Shabadaba Doo~ / Mikaeri Bijin[N6] One・Two・Three to Zero[N6], 14shou ~The message~[N6]
    November 26, 2014 Michishige Sayumi graduates. 13 15.69-16.69 Seishun Kozou ga Naiteiru / Yuugure wa Ameagari / Ima Koko Kara, Oh my wish! / Sukatto My Heart / Imasugu Tobikomu Yuuki, Tsumetai Kaze to Kataomoi / ENDLESS SKY / One and Only None
    December 31, 2015 Sayashi Riho graduates. 12 16.66-17.17 Utakata Saturday Night! / The Vision / Tokyo to Iu Katasumi
    May 31, 2016 Suzuki Kanon graduates. 11 17.18-17.64 Sexy Cat no Enzetsu / Mukidashi de Mukiatte / Sou ja nai
    December 12, 2016 Kaga Kaede and Yokoyama Reina join as the 13th generation. 13 17.38-17.92 BRAND NEW MORNING / Jealousy Jealousy
    June 26, 2017 Morito Chisaki joins as the 14th generation. 14 17.86-18.29 Jama Shinai de Here We Go! / Dokyuu no Go Sign / Wakain da shi!, Gosenfu no Tasuki ⑮ Thank you, too
    December 11, 2017 Kudo Haruka graduates. 13 18.31-18.92 Hana ga Saku Taiyou Abite, Are you Happy? / A gonna None
    June 20, 2018 Ogata Haruna graduates. 12 18.92-19.3 Furari Ginza / Jiyuu na Kuni Dakara
    December 16, 2018 Iikubo Haruna graduates. 11 18.91-19.55 Jinsei Blues / Seishun Night Best! Morning Musume 20th Anniversary
    June 22, 2019 Kitagawa Rio, Okamura Homare and Yamazaki Mei join as the 15th generation. 14 18.36-20.71 KOKORO&KARADA / LOVEpedia / Ningen Kankei No way way, Junjou Evidence / Gyuusaretai Dake na no ni, Teenage Solution / Yoshi Yoshi Shite Hoshii no / Beat no Wakusei 16th ~That's J-POP~
    December 13, 2021 Sato Masaki graduates. 13 20.62-21.23 Chu Chu Chu Bokura no Mirai / Dai・Jinsei Never Been Better! None
    June 20, 2022 Morito Chisaki graduates. 12 21.17-21.25 None
    June 29, 2022 Sakurai Rio joins as the 16th generation. 13 20.85-21.23
    December 10, 2022 Kaga Kaede graduates. 12 21.08-21.67 Swing Swing Paradise / Happy birthday to Me![N8]
    May 23, 2023 Inoue Haruka and Yumigeta Ako join as the 17th generation. 14 20.79-21.21 Suggoi FEVER! / Wake-up Call ~Mezameru Toki~ / Neverending Shine Morning Musume Best Selection ~The 25 Shuunen~
    November 29, 2023 Fukumura Mizuki graduates. 13 20.77-TBA TBA TBA

    Timeline[]

    Trivia[]

    Records
    • Every member of Morning Musume has been in at least one single that ranked #1 on the Oricon weekly single chart.
    • As of March 27, 2019, Fukumura Mizuki is the longest serving leader at 9 Years, 0 Months, 2 Days. She beat Takahashi Ai's previous record of 4 Years, 3 Months, 28 Days.
    • As of June 2020, Ikuta Erina is the longest-serving sub-leader at 9 Years, 0 Months, 2 Days. She beat Iikubo Haruna's previous record of 5 Years, 6 Months, 25 Days.
    • Kudo Haruka is the youngest person to ever join Morning Musume at the age of 11 years and 11 months, and auditioning at age 11. She beat Kago Ai's 11-year record which was set at the age of 12.
    • Fukumura Mizuki holds the record for being the youngest sub-leader and youngest leader the group has ever had.
    • Iida Kaori holds the record for being the fastest member to earn the leadership role with 3 years and 7 months.
    • Ikuta Erina holds the record for the longest tenure before achieving the leadership position with 12 years and 10 months. The previous record was Niigaki Risa with 10 years and 1 month.
    • Oda Sakura holds the record for the longest tenure before achieving the sub-leader position with 11 years and 2 months. The previous record was Ishida Ayumi with 7 years and 3 months.
    • From June 1, 2007 to December 6, 2009, there were no graduations or new members until Kusumi Koharu graduated. This marks Morning Musume's most stable line-up, with a record of eight singles released before there were any line-up changes (See Platinum Era for more information).
    • As of September 2016, the 10th generation became the longest lasting full generation, and continued as a full generation through December 2017 for a total of 6 Years, 2 Months, 12 Days. The previous record belonged to the 9th generation where they lasted as a full generation for a total of 4 Years, 11 Months, 29 Days.
      • As of September 2017, the 10th generation is the first generation in which all the members have reached 6 years in the group.
    • As of April 2017, the 11th generation (Oda Sakura) is the longest lasting one-member generation at 11 Years, 6 Months, 5 Days. The previous record belonged to 7th generation member Kusumi Koharu who was in the group for 4 Years, 7 Months, 5 Days.
    • From joining to debuting on a single, the 3rd generation (Goto Maki) is the fastest to debut with a total of 0 Years, 0 Months, 18 Days.
    • From joining to debuting on a single, the 15th generation has taken the longest to debut with a total of 0 Years, 7 Months, 0 Days.
    • As of December 2022, 18 of the 47 past and present members have been in the group for 6 years, making 1/3 of the group meet this milestone.
    • From September 30, 2020 to December 13, 2021, there were 8 members in the group that had been active for at least 6 years. This made it the first ever line-up to ever have that many members in the group who have been active for 6 years.
      • The previous record was in the September 2017 to December 2017 line-up, which had Fukumura Mizuki, Ikuta Erina, Iikubo Haruna, Ishida Ayumi, Sato Masaki and Kudo Haruka in the group for 6+ years at that point.
    • From September 29, 2021 to December 13, 2021, there were 4 members in the group that had been active for at least 10 years. This made it the first ever line-up to ever have that many members in the group who have been active for 10 years.
    • The 1st to 14th generations all had debuted in the Heisei Era (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017), while the 15th and onwards will debut in the Reiwa Era (2019-).
    • Fukumura Mizuki is the leader with the most generation debuts with 6 generations. (12th-17th)
    • Fujimoto Miki is the only leader to have not participated in a Morning Musume single during her time as leader (she had resigned before she could participate in one as leader).
    • Fukumura Mizuki has had the most graduations during her time as leader, with a total of 9 members graduating; Sayashi Riho in 2015, Suzuki Kanon in 2016, Kudo Haruka in 2017, Ogata Haruna in mid-2018, Iikubo Haruna in late 2018, Sato Masaki in 2021, Morito Chisaki in mid-2022, Kaga Kaede in late 2022 and finally herself in 2023.
    • Yaguchi Mari and Fujimoto Miki are tied with being the leader with the least amount of graduations during their times as leaders with 0 graduations.
    • As of 2023, no members have graduated in the months of February, March or October.


    Notes on Generations
    • The 11th generation is the first generation to have the members all be born after the group's formation.
    • Morning Musume received eight new members in 2011 (the 9th generation and 10th generation with 4 members each), making it the only year when two generations were added.
    • Every generation from 8th to 13th had at least one former Hello Pro Kenshuusei.
      • The 11th and 13th generations are entirely composed of Hello Pro Kenshuusei.
    • The 3rd, 7th, 8th and 14th generations are the only generations to have no member be a leader or sub-leader of the group before they all graduated.
    • To date, the 6th and 8th generations are the only generations to have members joining on two separate dates; the 6th generation with a 13 day difference, and the 8th generation with a 3 month difference (from December 2006 to March 2007).
    • The 7th, 12th, and 13th generations are the only generations to hold more than one audition.
    • The 3rd, 4th, 14th and 16th generations are the only ones to have their debut single also be a graduation single.
    • The 12th, 14th, 15th and 17th generations are currently the only generations in the group to have debuted with a triple A-side single.
    • The 9th, 11th, 13th and 14th generations are the only generations that match the member count on debut (9 members with 9th generation, 11 with 11th, 13 with 13th, and 14 with the 14th).
    • The 14th generation is the only generation in which there was no audition to join the group.
    • The 14th generation marks the first time in the history of the group to have 6 generations in the group at the same time (9th-14th).
    • The 15th generation marks the first time in the history of the group to have 7 generations in the group at the same time (9th-15th).
    • The 17th generation marks the first time in the history of the group to have 8 generations in the group at the same time (9th-13th, 15th-17th).
    • The 3rd, 7th, 8th and 14th generations (not counting active generations) are the only ones in which none of the members were in the group for more than 6 years.
    • The 1st generation had the most members to come from the same Prefecture with a total of 3 out of 5 members. Those members are Ishiguro Aya, Iida Kaori and Abe Natsumi who were all born in Hokkaido, Japan.
    • 7th and 8th Generation were the only two generations in which none of the singles they participated in sold over 100,000 copies.


    Other Trivia
    • 2008 and 2020 were the only years in which there were no line-up changes.
    • 2002, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020 and 2021 are the only years in which no new members were added.
    • 2008, 2019, and 2020 are the only years in which no members had graduated or left.
    • Sayashi Riho and Suzuki Kanon are the first members to have been born after the group's formation in 1997 (both were born in 1998), whereas Makino Maria and Haga Akane (born in 2001 and 2002 respectively) are the first members to join the group that were born in the 21st century.
    • Iida Kaori and Abe Natsumi are members that have the nearest date of birth, with a difference of 2 days.
    • 1st generation member Fukuda Asuka is the only former member that had never participated in any type of unit or sub-group during her time in Hello! Project.
    • 8th generation members Junjun and Linlin are the only members to graduate before a new generation has joined the group.
    • The most common age for members to join are at 12 and 13 years of age, with each having 9 members of those ages joining the group.
    • The most common age for members to graduate or leave is at 22 years of age, with 8 members graduating at that age.
    • Nakazawa Yuko, Yoshizawa Hitomi, and Fukumura Mizuki are the only leaders whose order match their generation (Nakazawa as the first leader, Yoshizawa as the fourth leader, and Fukumura as the ninth leader).
    • Yaguchi Mari and Takahashi Ai are the only sub-leaders whose order match their generation (Yaguchi was the second sub-leader and Takahashi was the fifth sub-leader).
    • Yasuda Kei and Iikubo Haruna are the only sub-leaders to have graduated that did not become the group's leader.
    • Iikubo Haruna and Ishida Ayumi are the only sub-leaders to have gone through two different leadership reigns. Iikubo with Michishige Sayumi (2013-2014) and Fukumura Mizuki (2014-2018) and Ishida with Fukumura Mizuki (2018-2023) and Ikuta Erina (2023-).
    • Iida Kaori, Abe Natsumi, Yasuda Kei, Yaguchi Mari, Fukumura Mizuki, Ikuta Erina, Ishida Ayumi and Oda Sakura are the only members to have participated in nine singles that ranked #1 on the Oricon weekly single chart.
    • Out of the 32 graduated members and 2 resigned members only Ishiguro Aya, Yasuda Kei, Ichii Sayaka, Tanaka Reina, Sayashi Riho, Ogata Haruna and Kaga Kaede are the only members to have their graduating single rank #1 on the Oricon weekly charts.
    • The year 1999 has the most member births out of any year with 6 members being born that year, in order it is: Ogata Haruna (February 15), Oda Sakura (March 12), Sato Masaki (May 7), Nonaka Miki (October 7), Kudo Haruka (October 27), and Kaga Kaede (November 30).
      • Coincidentally they all are blood type A.
    • 6th generation member Fujimoto Miki and 14th generation member Morito Chisaki are the only two members who have had other activities within Hello! Project (as a soloist and Country Girls member, respectively) before joining Morning Musume.
    • As of May 2023, the most member births in one month are February and May with 6 member births each. The members that were born in February are: Makino Maria (February 2, 2001), Kago Ai (February 7, 1988), Ogata Haruna (February 15, 1999), Morito Chisaki (February 19, 2000), Yokoyama Reina (February 22, 2001), and Fujimoto Miki (February 26, 1985). The members that were born in May are: Inoue Haruka (May 6, 2006), Konno Asami (May 7, 1987), Sato Masaki (May 7, 1999), Okamura Homare (May 9, 2005), Ishiguro Aya (May 12, 1978) and Sayashi Riho (May 28, 1998).
    • As of December 2018, Fukumura Mizuki has had the most sub-leaders during her time as leader with a total of three: Iikubo Haruna (2014-2018), Ikuta Erina (2014-2023), and Ishida Ayumi (2018-)


    Notes[]

    1. ^ While the 6th generation joined the group on January 19, 2003, Fujimoto Miki was officially announced as the first 6th generation member on January 7, 2003.
    2. ^ ^ Both singles do not include the 6th generation, but they were already members at time of release.
    3. ^ Although Yaguchi Mari suddenly resigned 16 days before the release, she was still featured in the single.
    4. ^ The single does not include Junjun and Linlin, but both were already members at the time of the release.
    5. ^ The single originally did not include Oda Sakura, but she was already a member during the time of the release. "Wakuteka Take a chance (Oda Sakura Ver.)" was released DVD track 2 for the limited C edition for "Help me!!".
    6. ^ ^ ^ Three releases including a single and 2 albums do not include the 12th generation, but they were already members at the time of the three releases.
    7. ^ Sato Masaki was not able to be featured in the 63rd single, "BRAND NEW MORNING / Jealousy Jealousy," due to her recovering from an injury during its production period.[11]
    8. ^ While Kaga Kaede was set to graduate 11 days before the release, she was still featured in the single.

    References[]

    1. 1.0 1.1 Ongaku Senshi MUSIC FIGHT. Nippon TV. 2008-04-18.
    2. 2.0 2.1 "道重が久住小春教育でストレス、溜め込みすぎてまゆ毛抜いていた。" (in Japanese). Narinari. 2014-11-17.
    3. "元モー娘。メンバー、吉澤ひとみの婚約祝福 “元教育係”矢口真里「嬉しい」" (in Japanese). ORICON NEWS. 2015-09-05.
    4. "「加護ちゃん」を元の位置に戻したい 加護亜依がアイドルに再挑戦する理由" (in Japanese). excite News. 2016-01-25.
    5. 5.0 5.1 "譜久村聖リーダーの新生モーニング娘。が4月15日シングルリリースを発表" (in Japanese). BARKS. 2015-02-15.
    6. "モー娘。工藤遥、新メンバーのキャラかぶりにダメ出し" (in Japanese). ORICON NEWS. 2017-03-07.
    7. Ishida Ayumi. "幸せだ~!石田亜佑美" (in Japanese). Morning Musume Tenki Gumi Official Blog. 2019-09-22.
    8. "モーニング娘。'23【イベントレポート】17期がパフォーマンスに初参加し、25周年を記念したベストセレクションALをアピール!「この14人の“最初で最後のアルバム”になっているので、たくさんの方に届けられたら」" *in Japanese). Pop 'n' Roll. 2023-08-23.
    9. "新旧の枠を超えたモーニング娘。の絆 <Yahoo!ライブトーク>出演" (in Japanese). BARKS. 2007-11-15.
    10. "モーニング娘。'16鈴木香音卒業インタビュー" (in Japanese). Billboard JAPAN. 2016-05-11.
    11. "モーニング娘。'17 NEWシングルリリースのお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2017-01-26.
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