Niigaki, Risa

Personal Information

Risa Niigaki, born on October 20, 1988, in Kagoshima, Japan, and raised in Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a former seiyuu and entertainer best known as a fifth-generation member of Morning Musume. She served as the group's sub-leader from June 2, 2007, until September 30, 2011, before becoming the official leader following the graduation of Takahashi Ai. Niigaki graduated from the group on May 18, 2012, passing the leadership role to Sayumi Michishige. Her career within the Hello! Project ecosystem spanned from 2001 to 2012, featuring participation in various units and collaborations. In addition to her primary tenure with Morning Musume, she was a member of the commemorative Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai in 2007 and the unit Athena & Robikerottsu from 2007 to 2008. Her subgroup activities included Tanpopo in 2002 and Morning Musume Sakura Gumi between 2003 and 2004. She also performed in concert units such as Hello! Project Akagumi in 2005 and Wonderful Hearts starting in 2006. Niigaki was active in several shuffle units, including Happy 7 in 2002, 7AIR in 2003, and H.P. All Stars in 2004. Beyond these, she participated in POCKY GIRLS in 2002 and Metro Rabbits H.P. from 2006 onward. Her personal interests include nail art and walking, while her favorite food is monjayaki and she dislikes fried meat. Her favorite colors are green, light blue, pink, white, and yellow, and she favors sunflowers and the winter season. Known for her specialty "Mayuge beam/wave," she often humorously mentions she is in the middle of practicing her robot dance. Her favorite saying is, "Never let go, no matter what, and keep trying!"

Seiyuu / Dub

Athena