Biography
Who is Risa Niigaki?
Early life and career beginnings
Risa Niigaki was born in Yokohama, Japan, and moved to the city when she was six years old. Before joining the music industry, she participated in the Kiss Girl Audition and finished as the runner-up. This opportunity allowed her to appear in a television commercial for a Tomy karaoke machine alongside the winner, Ai Hasegawa.
In 2001, she successfully auditioned for the popular J-pop group Morning Musume. Producer Tsunku selected her for the fifth generation because of her impressive performance during the final studio recording session. She debuted on the group's 13th single, Mr. Moonlight (Ai no Big Band), which was a well-known achievement as she was one of the few members to lead on her debut track.
Morning Musume and musical achievements
During her time in Morning Musume, Risa became one of the most enduring figures in the group's history. She participated in various shuffle units throughout the years, including Happy 7 and Tanpopo. She also performed in the Morning Musume Tanjō 10nen Kinentai unit, created to celebrate the group's 10th anniversary, and released the single Bokura ga Ikiru My Asia in 2007.
Following a reshuffling of leadership in 2007, she became the sub-leader of the group after Ai Takahashi assumed the lead role. By January 2009, she and Takahashi set a record for the longest-serving members in the history of the collective. She eventually took over as leader of the group in 2011 after Takahashi graduated. Her tenure as a member concluded on May 18, 2012, when she graduated at the Nippon Budokan, making her the fourth member to leave the group at that specific venue.
Acting and stage work
Beyond her musical contributions, Risa Niigaki established a career as a stage actress and television personality. She appeared in the 2002 drama Angel Hearts and the 2008 production Hitmaker Aku Yū Monogatari, where she portrayed Kei from the 1970s idol duo Pink Lady.
Her stage work included a performance in a production of Cinderella alongside the Takarazuka Revue, where she played the Prince. Also, she provided voice work for the character Athena in the animated series Robby & Kerobby. She also participated in the unit Athena & Robikerottsu. Her filmography includes roles in movies such as Tokkaekko and Koinu Dan no Monogatari. These diverse roles showed her versatility as a performer across different media formats in Japan.
Personal life and family
Risa Niigaki has experienced several significant life milestones regarding her personal relationships and family. In 2013, she starred in the stage play Absolute Boyfriend, where she met actor Yoshikazu Kotani. The two began dating and eventually married on July 11, 2016. However, they announced their divorce on January 6, 2018, noting that they had grown apart.
In June 2022, she announced her remarriage to YouTube cinematographer Yasutake Yamaguchi. The couple later shared the news that they were expecting their first child in May 2026. She gave birth to a baby boy on July 18, 2026. She continues to share aspects of her life and career through her YouTube channel and other social media platforms.
Birthday and age
Risa Niigaki was born on October 20, 1988, which makes Risa 38 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. Risa shares the date with 28 other famous people.
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