Niigaki, Risa

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–)