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–)