A month and 6 days after Leader’s birthday, it’s Sub-Leader’s turn! That’s right. Today (it’s already Oct 20th in Japan), Morning Musume’s Sub-Leader, Niigaki Risa turns 21! It’s not a milestone over in Japan, but the next time Morning Musume heads to the US, she’ll be able to go out drinking with Ai-chan (and by then Eri as well, I’m sure), if their schedules allow for it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RISA!!! <3

So, similarly to Ai-chan’s birthday post, I’ve got Risa’s 100% Interview, from just shortly after she joined up with Morning Musume. She was such a cutie back then!! (Although, if you went back in time and talked to my 17/18-year old self, I definitely wouldn’t have been squeeing about Mame-chan yet. XD)

Risa’s such a cutie – in 20 years, she’ll still be in Morning Musume. She’d be 33! XD She’s gearing to surpass Momusu’s original leader, who graduated at age 28. Gotta love Risa’s one track mind when it comes to her love for the group.

I find it funny that just like Ai-chan, I have a follow up video for Risa which also covers her favourite food mentioned in the 100% interview, though Risa’s second video clip is nowhere near as recent as Ai-chan’s was. This second clip is Risa’s futarigoto from 2004(? or was it late 2003?) where she makes her favourite food which she mentioned in the first video clip.

I just love watching and listening to Risa. She’s such an interesting character making random noises all the time and having such cute moments of excitement. ^_^ I can never get bored watching Risa. The video cuts off pretty abruptly, and I’m not sure why that is exactly, but I just love how she ends it. LOL Mako-chan. XD

Risa’s grown up from the little 12-year-old who joined Morning Musume. I was listening to one of Aichan’s recent Ichigo Ichie radio shows on the weekend, and she played Popcorn Love, the b-side on Mr. Moonlight. The gokkies all had one line each in their debut b-side, and it made me think how much she’s moved forward since then, what with her duet with Sayumi on Naichau Kamo’s b-side, Yowamushi… Yes, it took 25 singles for her to get truly spotlighted on a b-side, but it’s better than nothing. How do you guys like the improvement?

*Just a warning… The audio files are a lot louder than the video files, so if you don’t want to be startled, I’d suggest lowering the volume if you’re gonna listen to the songs. ^_^*

Risa’s line is at around 0:54. I seriously love Popcorn Love. It’s one of my favourite b-sides in Momusu’s repertoire.

If I need to tell you when Risa’s singing in this one….. JUST STEP AWAY FROM ME, YOU TERRIBLE PERSON!!! … Kidding. XD

Now we need some massive Risa spotlighting in a Morning Musume a-side and I’ll be super happy.

And finally, to help me celebrate Risa’s birthday, Ai-chan and Risa dropped by my house today… Meaning that my first Hello Store USA order arrived in the mail today! ^_^

As you can see, it was filled with only Ai-chan and Risa merchandise, and funnily enough, my second order is once again Ai-chan and Risa filled. To further celebrate Risa’s day, I made the tough decision on which phone strap to stick onto my phone:

I had the Platinum 9 Disco wallpaper on my phone way before ordering these phone straps, so I think it’s totally fitting.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RISA!!! Here’s to many many more happy birthdays to come!! <3