Risa Niigaki

Niigaki Risa (新垣里沙) is a fifth generation member and the former leader of Morning Musume. (Became leader after Takahashi Ai graduated. Sub-Leader June 2 2007 - September 30, 2011). She graduated on May 18 2012 and passed on her leadership to Sayumi Michishige.

Name: Niigaki Risa (新垣里沙)

Nicknames: Gaki-san, Omame-chan, Niinii, MC Gaki, Gakinkomame (given by Fujimoto Miki)

Birthdate: October 20, 1988

Birthplace: Kagoshima, Japan (raised in Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture)

Blood type: B

Height: 154.4 cm (5'0.8")

Hobby: Nail-art, walking

Favorite food: Monjayaki

Disliked food: Fried meat

Favorite saying: "Never let go, no matter what, and keep trying!"

Favorite color: Green, light blue, pink, white, yellow

Favorite flowers: Sunflowers

Favorite season: Winter

Specialty: Mayuge beam/wave, "I'm in the middle of practicing my robot dance... (laugh)"

Hello! Project Groups:

Morning Musume (2001–2012)

Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai (2007)

Athena & Robikerottsu (2007–2008)

Subgroups:

Tanpopo (2002)

Morning Musume Sakura Gumi (2003–2004)

Concert Units:

Hello! Project Akagumi (2005)

Wonderful Hearts (2006–)

Shuffle Units:

2002: Happy 7

2003: 7AIR

2004: H.P. All Stars

Other:

POCKY GIRLS (2002)

Metro Rabbits H.P. (2006–)