It is time for another post about Morning Musume idols and this one is about Makoto Ogawa, one of my favorite members of the fifth generation. Ogawa got her start in the entertainment business back in August 2001 when she joined Morning Musume for their 5th generation with Risa Niigaki, Ai Takahashi, and Asami Konno. Who is Makoto Ogawa?
Makoto Ogawa Profile
- Known by her nickname of Mako-chan.
- Born in Niigata Prefecture.
- Date of birth is October 29, 1987.
- She works as a singer, actress, and gravure model.
- Stands at 160 centimeters tall.
- Was a member of Morning Musume from 2001-2006.
- She graduated from the group because she wanted to study English. Makoto Ogawa lived in New Zealand from 2006 until 2008.
- As of 2008, she signed to the talent agency J.P. Room.
Makoto’s debut with Morning Musume was in the single called Mr. Moonlight Ai no Big Band. Following that one, she sang in Souda We’re Alive! Prior to her work with Morning Musume, Ogawa was enrolled at an entertainment school called Apple Little Performers in Niigata where she excelled as one of its top students! She sang on a cheer song for the J2 soccer team called Albirex Niigata. Ogawa has been involved in an advertising campaign that tried to bring awareness for auto safety for seniors. She got the attention of producer TSUNKU who mentioned that she was chosen to be a part of Morning Musume due to her excellent dancing skills and the fact that she really shined during the audition process. Known as Ogawa Makoto in Japan, she enjoys taking baths as well. I would love to interview Makoto because I adore her and she can communicate in English! In 2006, Ogawa joined “The Metro Rabbits H.P.” which is the kickball team of Hello! Project. This kickball team had members from both V-u-den and Morning Musume. While Ai Takahashi and Risa Niigaki are very cute and talented, Makoto Ogawa is the one member of the 5th generation that may be overlooked by fans of Morning Musume. She was one of the most beautiful Morning Musume members under the age of 30 when I first began reading about her life and career. At 35, she still remains beautiful, vibrant, and young.
SEE ALSO: Miki Fujimoto (Shoji)
Ogawa Would Retire From the Entertainment Industry In 2015 But Would Return
In an announcement that had left me in a state of shock at the time I heard this news, former Morning Musume member Makoto Ogawa had announced that she would leave her agency J.P. Room at the end of March 2015 and retire from the entertainment industry. This is really something because I was just thinking about her on March 12 of that year and it seems like a long time ago but it really isn’t. Makoto is one of my favorite Morning Musume members along with Sayaka Ichii and Kei Yasuda. Ogawa apologized for the sudden announcement but this is a decision that she was considering for the past few years. She said that she is 27 and only a few years away from 30, that she would like to conclude this chapter of her life and have a fresh start just as a woman. Ogawa said that nothing has been decided after April 2015 but that she would use whatever she has learned and try many different things. A career change is a big possibility for Ogawa. She said that if she ever were to come back to the entertainment industry again, she would like to see people support her again. Ogawa said that since she was able to meet so many people in the past 14 years that have supported and guided her, she considers this a treasure. Ogawa said that she has been filled with happiness all these years and encouraged people to continue supporting her. It was in February 2016 that Ogawa announced that she would be returning to do theatrical performances in April 2016 and thus, her retirement from entertainment work was short and I am so glad that she has returned as an entertainer! I love you Makoto!
Ogawa’s Second Time In the Entertainment Industry
On April 5, 2017 Ogawa would make an appearance in a short movie commercial for SC Foods’ “silky pork” product. Ogawa would release her own version of the song called “Tanoshii Shokutaku” as a digital solo single.