9nine

9nine, pronounced "nine," is a Japanese idol group formed in 2005 and associated with Sony Music. The group began with an auditioned lineup of nine members: Azusa Matsuzawa (松沢 梓), Miwako Wagatsuma (我妻 三輪子), Rubi Katou (加藤 瑠美), Marie Ashida (芦田 万莉恵), Mai Yoshida (吉田 茉以), Midori Yamaoka (山岡 みどり), Uki Satake (佐武宇綺), Sayaka Nishiwaki (西脇彩華), and Moe Miura (三浦 萌). 9nine made its indie debut with "Sweet Snow" on February 14, 2006, and its major debut with "1st 9" through Victor Entertainment on March 21, 2007. Azusa Matsuzawa and Miwako Wagatsuma left in January 2007, after which Madoka Shimogaki (下垣 真香) and Umika Kawashima (川島 海荷) joined in 2007; Rubi Katou left in December 2007, and Marie Ashida, who served as leader, Mai Yoshida, and Midori Yamaoka left on March 27, 2009. In 2010, 9nine evolved into a smaller, performance-oriented idol pop act. A training camp held on July 27 selected Uki Satake (佐武宇綺), Sayaka Nishiwaki (西脇彩華), Umika Kawashima (川島 海荷), Kanae Yoshii (吉井香奈恵), and Hirona Murata (村田寛奈) for a new "performance girls unit" lineup; Madoka Shimogaki left on August 31, 2010, and Moe Miura also left on August 31, 2010. The group changed labels in 2010, moved to SME Records, and restarted with "Cross Over" on December 1. Umika Kawashima left on July 23, 2016, after which 9nine continued as a four-member group. The group performed overseas in Hong Kong and Taiwan in 2018, then paused group activities after its April 6, 2019 concert at Nakano Sunplaza; on May 20, 2019, Kanae Yoshii's withdrawal from the group and suspension of entertainment activities were announced. Managed by LesPros Entertainment, 9nine built its later identity around stage performance and also recorded anime theme songs including "SHINING☆STAR" for Star Driver, "Shojo Traveler" for Beelzebub, "White Wishes" for Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun, "With You/With Me" for Magi, and "MY ONLY ONE" for Denpa Kyoushi. The group’s official website is 9nine-fan.net.