Takahashi Ai

Takahashi Ai (2021)

Takahashi Ai (高橋愛) is a Japanese pop singer and actress managed by UP-FRONT CREATE. She was previously a member of Hello! Project as a fifth generation member and leader of Morning Musume.

Profile

• Birth/Stage Name: Takahashi Ai (高橋愛)
• Legal Name: Abe Ai (阿部愛)
• Nicknames: Ai-chan (あいちゃん), Lovely (ラブリー), Takitty (タキティ), Tetteketee (テッテケテー)
• Birthdate: September 14, 1986 (1986-09-14)
• Birthplace: Sakai, Fukui, Japan
• Blood Type: A
• Height: 153 cm
• Hobbies: Watching movies, watching plays
• Specialties: Making sweets
• Motto: Dream (I always want to live with a dream)
• Favorite food: Sauce katsuon, rice omelette
• Favorite words: Yes, we can
• Favorite colors: Red, pink
• Hello! Project Groups:
  • Morning Musume (2001–2011)
  • Happy 7 (2002)
  • Minimoni (2003–2004)
  • Morning Musume Sakuragumi (2003–2004)
  • 7AIR (2003)
  • H.P. All Stars (2004)
  • Hello! Project Akagumi (2005)
  • Elegies (2005)
  • Wonderful Hearts (2006–2009)
  • High-King (2008; 2009–2011)
  • Muten Musume (2010)
• Other Groups:
  • Pocky Girls (2002)
  • Metro Rabbits H.P. (2006–2011)
  • Ganbarou Nippon Ai wa Katsu Singers (2011)
  • UP-FRONT GROUP Telework Gasshou (2020)

History

Takahashi Ai was selected from Love Audition 21 to join Morning Musume as a fifth generation member on August 26, 2001, along with Konno Asami, Ogawa Makoto, and Niigaki Risa. Tsunku credited her exceptional singing ability as one of the reasons for choosing her. She debuted on the single "Mr. Moonlight ~Ai no Big Band~," and she first appeared on the fourth studio album 4th Ikimasshoi!.

Early on, Takahashi's strong Fukui accent frequently drew comments from television interviewers and other Hello! Project members. She has gradually grown out of it since she moved to Tokyo and took up professional voice training, but she still occasionally slips into it when she is nervous or surprised. It was even the subject of her verse in Morning Musume's 23rd single, "Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari".

In September 2002, the fifth generation members were placed into the Morning Musume subgroups, so Takahashi was added to the Minimoni roster, and her addition was somehow explained in the movie, Minimoni ja Movie: Okashi na Daibouken!. Takahashi actually filled the spot left open by the graduation of then-leader Yaguchi Mari, and the second generation Minimoni went on to release seven singles and one album before being put on an indefinite hiatus.

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

Although Takahashi had received a big push to the center since the release of "Do it! Now", it wasn't until the release of "Roman ~MY DEAR BOY~" that Takahashi began to be prominently featured on songs. She was a co-lead vocal on "THE Manpower!!!" and was the lead vocalist for "Osaka Koi no Uta", and since then, Takahashi has been a lead vocalist on the majority of Morning Musume's most recent singles. She even went on to sing with Tsunku on his solo album, TAKE 1, covering a re-arranged version of his duet with Hamasaki Ayumi, "Love ~since 1999~".

In 2006, she became a member of the kickball team Metro Rabbits H.P. and was named the new team captain. Takahashi played the lead role of Sapphire in Morning Musume's stage musical that year, Ribbon no Kishi: The Musical. Also during the same year, Takahashi released her first solo single "Yume Kara Samete" as an online-only audio purchase.

After the graduation of Yoshizawa Hitomi on May 6, 2007, Fujimoto Miki became Morning Musume's new leader and Takahashi would support her as sub-leader. However on June 1, 2007, UFA made a sudden announcement that Fujimoto Miki had "resigned" from Morning Musume for reasons similiar to Yaguchi Mari's sudden resignation from the group in 2005. Takahashi was named the new leader with Niigaki Risa as her sub-leader.

On the December 20, 2010, it was announced on Niigaki Risa's radio show that Risa's and Ai's shows would finish by the new year. A new radio show will take its place in the new year hosted by Ai and fellow 5th generation member Niigaki Risa.

On January 9, 2011, it was announced at the Hello! Project 2011 WINTER ~Kangei Shinsen Matsuri~ concert tour that Takahashi Ai would be gradating from Morning Musume and Hello! Project at the end of the group's fall tour. Takahashi's engagement and upcoming marriage to comedian Abe Koji was announced on December 21, 2013, with the wedding date set for Valentines Day in February 2014.

Discography

Other Albums

• [2022.04.27] Laugh and Peace (ラフ・アンド・ピース) (Takahashi Ai, Tanaka Reina, Natsuyaki Miyabi)

Digital Releases

• [2006.07.02] Yume Kara Samete (夢から醒めて)
• [2011.01.27] Koi wo Shichaimashita! (恋をしちゃいました!; I Fell in Love!) (Tanpopo cover)
• [2011.03.02] LOVE Namida Iro (LOVE涙色; LOVE the Color of Tears) (Matsuura Aya cover)
• [2011.03.30] Akai Nikkichou (赤い日記帳; Red Diary) (Akagumi 4 cover)
• [2011.03.30] dearest. (Matsuura Aya cover)
• [2012.05.09] HAPPY! Ippuku Maru (HAPPY!いっぷくまる)
• [2021.06.21] Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun (およげ！たいやきくん) (Takahashi Ai, Tanaka Reina, Natsuyaki Miyabi)

DVDs

• [2003.12.17] Alo Hello! Takahashi Ai DVD
• [2007.04.11] Love Hello! Takahashi Ai DVD
• [2009.06.17] I.
• [2010.06.02] Figure
• [2011.04.20] Ai loves you I love Ai
• [2011.05.31] Real Etude ~Takahashi Family to Niigaki Family DVD 1
• [2011.05.31] Real Etude ~Takahashi Family to Niigaki Family DVD 2
• [2011.05.31] Real Etude ~Takahashi Family to Niigaki Family DVD 3
• [2011.09.21] Love Love Love

Compilations / Other

• [2004.02.18] Tsunku - TAKE 1 (#11 LOVE ~since 1999~ - Tsunku, Takahashi Ai)
• [2006.12.20] Hello! Project - Petit Best 7 (#15 Yume Kara Samete)
• [2009.07.15] Hello! Project - Champloo 1 ~Happy Marriage Song Cover Shuu~ (#8 Cosmos)
• [2011.12.07] Hello! Project - Petit Best 12 (#5 Jishin Motte Yume wo Motte Tobitatsu Kara)
• [2012.05.23] Janet Kay - Idol KAY (#10 LOVE Machine feat. Takahashi Ai)

Publications

Photobooks

• [2002.12.09] Takahashi Ai (高橋愛)
• [2003.12.17] Alo Hello! Takahashi Ai Photobook (アロハロ! 高橋愛写真集)
• [2004.05.27] Wataame (わたあめ)
• [2005.06.25] Aigokoro (愛ごころ)
• [2006.01.27] 19
• [2006.10.27] ai
• [2007.03.14] Love Hello! Takahashi Ai in Phuket (ラブハロ!高橋愛inプーケット)
• [2007.10.26] Mizu (水)
• [2008.05.26] Mou Hitotsu no Ai (もうひとつの愛)
• [2009.05.23] Watashi (私)
• [2010.05.27] Katachi (形)
• [2011.03.28] LOVE NO.10
• [2011.09.14] Ai Ai Ai (愛愛愛)
• [2011.12.26] Takahashi Ai Sotsugyou Kinen Special Morning Musume.Live Photobook ~Concert Tour 2011 Autumn Ai BELIEVE

• [2002.08.16] 5 (Takahashi Ai, Konno Asami, Ogawa Makoto, Niigaki Risa)

Style Books

• [2013.10.18] AI am I.
• [2014.09.13] I have AI.
• [2017.10.13] i love magazine

Works

Filmography

Films

• [2002] Tokkaekko (とっかえっ娘。)
• [2002] Minimoni ja Movie Okashi na Daibouken! (ミニモニ。じゃムービーお菓子な大冒険！)
• [2002] Jam Films (segment 'Hijiki')
• [2011] Keitai Deka The Movie 3: Morning Musume Kyuushutsu Daisakusen! ~ Pandora no Hako no Himitsu~ (ケータイ刑事　THE　MOVIE3　モーニング娘。救出大作戦！～パンドラの箱の秘密)
• [2011] Sharehouse (シェアハウス)
• [2014] Kara-age☆USA (カラアゲ☆USA)

TV Dramas

• [2002] Angel Hearts
• [2002] Kochira Hon Ikegami Sho (こちら本池上署) (as Tamiya Shiho) (1 episode)
• [2002] Mikeneko Holmes no Hanzaigaku Kouza (三毛猫ホームズの犯罪学講座) (as Hamano Kaori)
• [2004] Minimoni de Bremen no Ongakutai (ミニモニ。でブレーメンの音楽隊) (as Kurimura Chiyono) (4 episodes)
• [2006] Tenka Souran ~ Tokugawa Sandai no Inmou (天下騒乱〜徳川三代の陰謀) (as Tokugawa Misako)
• [2006] Doutoku Joshi Tandai Ecoken (道徳女子短大 エコ研)
• [2008] Hitmaker Aku Yu Monogatari (ヒットメーカー 阿久悠物語) (as Mie of Pink Lady)
• [2009] Q.E.D. Shoumei Shuuryou (Q.E.D. 証明終了) (as Mizuhara Kana)
• [2010] Hanbun Esper (半分エスパー) (special guest) (3 episodes)
• [2011] Koi Choco Bitter Sweet Angel (恋チョコ ビターズエンジェル) (as Takagi Ayana)
• [2012] ATARU (アタル) (as Kojima Yuko)
• [2012] Taira no Kiyomori (平清盛)
• [2012] Juhou 2405 Watashi ga Shinu Wake (呪報2405 ワタシが死ぬ理由)
• [2013] Ryuusei☆Vacation (流星☆バケーション)
• [2015] Doyō Wide Gekijō (土曜ワイド劇場)

TV Programs

• [2002–2004] Tintin TOWN! (ティンティンTOWN!)
• [2003] Soreyuke! Gorokkies (それゆけ!ゴロッキーズ) (65 episodes)
• [2004] Futarigoto (二人ゴト) (4 episodes)
• [2004] Majokko Rika-chan no Magical v-u-den (魔女っ娘。梨華ちゃんのマジカル美勇伝)
• [2005] Musume DOKYU! (娘DOKYU!)
• [2013] Soccer Planet (サッカープラネット) (as caster)
• [2019–] CHANT! (チャント!)

Anime

• [2012] Meitantei Conan (名探偵コナン) (as Nanao Futaba)

Voice-over Dubs

• [2010] The Accidental Couple (アクシデント・カップル) (as Han Jisoo)

Commercials

• [2013–] S.T. Corporation (エステー)

Internet

Net Dramas

• [2006] Doutoku Joshi Tandai Ecoken (道徳女子短大エコ研)
• [2006] Ojigi 30 Do (おじぎ30度) (as Kinoshita Karin)

Net Programs

• [2009–2010] Takahashi Ai no Ichigo Ichie (苺いちえ) (FC Limited)
• [2011–] Joshi Chikara Cafe~Aisuikuri~su~ (女子力cafe～あいすくりーす～)

Radio

Regular

• [2003–2011] Young Town Douyoubi (ヤングタウン土曜日) (on Saturdays)
• [2010] FIVE STARS (on Thursdays)

Guest

• [2004–2006] Hello Pro Yanen! (ハロプロやねん!) (6 episodes)
• [2005] TBC FUN Field Mou Let's Mou Dash (TBC FUNふぃーるど・モーレツモーダッシュ) (2 episodes)

Theater

• [2002] Morning Town (モーニング・タウン)
• [2003] Morning Musume Shuen Musical Edokko Chuushingura (モーニング娘。主演ミュージカル 江戸っ娘。忠臣蔵)
• [2004] HELP!! Acchii Chikyuu wo Samasunda. (HELP!!熱っちぃ地球を冷ますんだっ。)
• [2006] Ribbon no Kishi The Musical (リッボンの騎士ザ・ミュージカル) (as Sapphire)
• [2008] Ojigi 30 Do (おじぎ30度) (as Kinoshita Karin)
• [2008] Cinderella The Musical (シンデレラ the ミュージカル) (as Cinderella)
• [2009] Ojigi de Shape Up! (おじぎでシェイプアップ!) (as Kinoshita Karin)
• [2010] Fashionable (ファッショナブル) (as Hasegawa Coco)
• [2010] Watashi no Atama no Naka no Keshigomu (私の頭の中の消しゴム) (as Kaori)
• [2011] "Hamlet" & Tragic? "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" (「ハムレット」＆悲劇？「ローゼンクランツとギルデンスターンは死んだ」) (as Ophelia)
• [2011] Dance of The Vampires (ダンス　オブ　ヴァンパイア) (as Sarah)
• [2012] La Patisserie (ラ・パティスリー) (as Morisawa Kaori)
• [2012] Akage no Anne (赤毛のアン)
• [2012] The Wedding Singer (ウェディング・シンガー)
• [2012] High School Uta Gekidan ☆ Otokogumi (ハイスクール歌劇団☆男組)
• [2012] Joshikousei Chiyo (女子高生チヨ)
• [2013] Moshimo Kokumin ga Shusho o Erandara (もしも国民が首相を選んだら)
• [2013] Watashi no Atama no Naka no Keshigomu 5th letter (朗読劇 私の頭の中の消しゴム 5th letter)
• [2013] Merrily We Roll Along (メリリー・ウィ・ロール・アロン)
• [2014] Tensai Shitsuji Gieves (天才執事ジーヴス)
• [2014] Akage no Anne (赤毛のアン)
• [2015] Gakuya ~Makenki~ (楽屋〜負けん気〜)
• [2017] Bokutachi Karen na Shounen Gasshoudan (僕たち可憐な少年合唱団)

Accolades

• [2011.11.10] 4th Best Shoe Wearer Awards - "Best Shoe Wearer"

Trivia

• Love Audition 21 audition songs:
  • Round 1: "Tsumetai Umi" (Kuraki Mai)
  • Round 2: "Tsumetai Umi" (Kuraki Mai)
• Graduated from Hinode High School, a private academy known for its many celebrity students.
• First child in family and has one sister.
• Trained and highly skilled in classical ballet and singing. Entered a nation-wide competition with her junior high choir.
• On 7 October 1999, she appeared on the "BS Junior Nodo Jiman" singing competition held in Sabaeshi in Fukui and won the Best Stage Award.
• Her black catsuit from Minimoni ja Movie: Okashi na Daibouken! earned her the popular nickname "Takitty" amongst non-Japanese fans.
• The nickname "Tettekete" was given to her by Ishibashi Takaaki on Utaban. It was a play on her staccato, Morse Code-like speech pattern (e.g. "tette-te-tette-ke-kete"). However, she has mostly grown out of that pattern — as well as her Fukui accent — in the years since.
• Her photobook 19 holds the #1 spot in photobook rankings in 2006.
• Has been a huge fan of the Takarazuka Revue since childhood. Wanted to be a Takarasienne but gave up on it due to her short height. She is noted by other members for trying to make them watch videos of Takarazuka productions. Her favorite performer is Mizu Natsuki.
• Has personally acknowledged she is not good at talk/interview portions.
• Like Tsuji Nozomi, she also considers Matsuura Aya as her rival.
• Scored the second-highest in the Mechaike Okajo Taiikusai Test.
• Is close friends with her fellow fifth generation members Konno Asami, Ogawa Makoto, and especially Niigaki Risa.
• She and Niigaki Risa hold several milestones within Morning Musume. They have the longest tenures as members of the group, and they have participated in the most number of Morning Musume singles, with 34 (Only You). Both records were formerly held by Iida Kaori.
  • They are also the first members to have been in the group for at least eight or nine years.
• She is the first member of Morning Musume to reach the age of 24 while still in the group (Nakazawa Yuko was already 24 when the group was formed).
• Has studied English in her spare time for several years. Occasionally writes in English on her blog.

External Links

• Official Blog
• Official Instagram