RISA NIIGAKI

新垣里沙

 

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Niigaki Risa, born October 20, 1988) is a fifth generation member of Morning Musume. She joined the group in August 2001 along with fellow fifth generation members Takahashi Ai, Konno Asami, and Ogawa Makoto.

Prior to joining Morning Musume, Niigaki was a finalist out of 1,000 entrants in the "Kiss Girl Audition" to become the new Tomy image girl, held by TV Tokyo's "Oha Star" program. She appeared in a commercial with the other finalist, Hasegawa Ai, for Tomy Karaoke Machine Kiss-site, but ultimately lost out the Grand Prix prize to Hasegawa (ironically, Niigaki later starred in a commercial for the same company as a part of Morning Musume). Additionally, she did some work as a magazine model since spring 2000.

She made her debut appearance on the single "Mr. Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~," and first appeared on the fourth studio album, 4th Ikimasshoi!.

In September 2002, the fifth generation were placed into the Morning Musume subgroups, and Niigaki was added to the Tanpopo roster along with Konno Asami and participated in one single, "BE HAPPY Koi no Yajirobee."

Niigaki was placed in Morning Musume Sakura Gumi in January 2003 and released two singles as a part of the group before it went inactive.

In March 2006, she became a member of the kickball team Metro Rabbits H.P.