Mari Yaguchi to Straw Hat (矢口真里とストローハット)

Mari Yaguchi to Straw Hat is associated with Mari Yaguchi, the former Morning Musume member whose profile rose quickly within Japanese entertainment. Early in her idol career, she was widely recognized as the group's “short one,” yet her personality and stage presence helped make her one of the most memorable members. Her best-known catchphrase, “Sexy Beam!”, came from the hit single “Koi no Dance Site” and became part of her public image. After her sudden resignation from Morning Musume in April 2005, she moved into Japanese variety shows, where her quick wit and easy on-screen presence kept her visible to a wide audience. She hosted and appeared on numerous programs, showing a different side of her career beyond idol activities and reinforcing her reputation as a versatile entertainer. Her post-Morning Musume work also included collaborations with Berryz Kobo, including the song “Nigiyaka na Fuyu,” along with acting roles in dramas such as “Sento no Musume” and “Gyarusa.” In 2007, she broadened her range again by performing in the Broadway musical Damn Yankees, adding stage work to a résumé that already spanned music, television, and drama. In 2009, after a successful run with Hello! Project, she returned to music with her debut single, “Seishun Boku/Seishun Ore,” following a four-year hiatus. That release marked a notable new chapter in her career and highlighted the resilience of an artist who remained active across Japanese pop, variety television, and live performance.