Member of Morning Musume (a very popular Japanese group) since May
2000. She joined with Rika Ishikawa, Ai Kago and Nozomi Tsuji, thus
forming what is called the 4th generation of the group. She was only 15
when she debuted.
Also member of Pucchi Moni, replacing Sayaka Ichii, and later of
Morning Musume Sakura Gumi.
Is considered as the most boyish among the group, even if this was
mostly because of her role in the music video for "Mr Moonlight", in
which she portrayed a man. She is now trying to improve her feminine
image.