View source for Berryz Kobo

{{Short description|Japanese girl group}}{{Infobox musical artist
| name             = Berryz Kobo
| image            = Berryz Kobo at AnimeNEXT 20120609 15.39.17.jpg
| caption          = Berryz Kobo in 2012. From left to right:<br />Shimizu, Tsugunaga, Tokunaga, Sudo, Natsuyaki, Kumai, and Sugaya.
| landscape        = yes
| native_name      = Berryz工房
| native_name_lang = ja
| alias            =
| origin           = Japan
| genre            = {{flatlist| 
* [[J-pop]]
}}
| years_active     = {{Start date|2004}}–2015 (indefinite hiatus)
| label            = {{flatlist| 
* [[Piccolo Town]]}}
| spinoff_of  = {{flatlist| 
[[Hello! Project|Hello! Project Kids]]}}
| spinoffs  = {{flatlist| 
* [[Buono!]]
* [[List of Shugo Chara! soundtracks|Guardians 4]]}}
| website          = 
| past_members     =
* [[Saki Shimizu]]
* [[Momoko Tsugunaga]]
* [[Chinami Tokunaga]]
* [[Maasa Sudo]]
* [[Miyabi Natsuyaki]]
* [[Yurina Kumai]]
* [[Risako Sugaya]]
* Maiha Ishimura
}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}

{{nihongo|'''Berryz Kobo'''|Berryz工房|Berryz Kōbō|{{literal translation}} "Berryz Workshop"<ref name="Modern Girls on the Go">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-wpwhvJo_bYC&pg=PA126|title=Modern Girls on the Go: Gender, Mobility, and Labor in Japan|author1=Alisa Freedman |author2=Laura Miller |author3=Christine Yano |date=17 April 2013|publisher=[[Stanford University Press]]|isbn=978-0804781145|page=126}}</ref>}} was a [[Japanese idol]] [[girl group]] formed by [[Up-Front Group|Up-Front Promotion]] in 2004 and associated with [[Hello! Project]].<ref name="oriconprofile">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/334219/|title=Berryz Kobo's Oricon profile|publisher=[[Oricon|Oricon, Inc.]]|access-date=8 March 2012|language=ja}}</ref> The group's members consisted of Hello! Project Kids members [[Saki Shimizu]], [[Momoko Tsugunaga]], [[Miyabi Natsuyaki]], [[Chinami Tokunaga]], [[Maasa Sudo]], [[Yurina Kumai]], and [[Risako Sugaya]]; Maiha Ishimura left the group in 2005.

Berryz Kobo debuted with their first single in March of the same year.<ref name="oriconprofile" /> In 2007, Berryz Kobo became the youngest act ever to give a solo concert at [[Saitama Super Arena]].<ref name="oriconprofile" /> In 2008, the group received the Best Asian Newcomer Award at the [[Asia Song Festival]] and a Cable Music Award at the 41st [[Japan Cable Awards]] ceremony.<ref name="oriconprofile" /> As of December 2014, the group had released 36 singles, nine studio albums, one EP and one compilation album. Berryz Kobo's combined CD and DVD sales exceeded one million copies in Japan alone.

== History ==

=== 2002–2003: Hello! Project Kids ===
All of the group's members were initially selected during the audition for [[Hello! Project Kids]] in 2002 and undertook professional training in [[Hello! Project]].

In 2002, [[Maasa Sudo]] and [[Risako Sugaya]] appeared in the [[Minimoni]] movie ''[[Minimoni ja Movie: Okashi na Daibōken!|Okashi na Daibōken!]]'' as members of the group [[4Kids (group)|4Kids]].

In 2003, some Hello! Project Kids' members were placed in bands led by [[Morning Musume]] members. [[Miyabi Natsuyaki]] was selected to be in [[Aa!]], while [[Saki Shimizu]] and [[Momoko Tsugunaga]] were in the group [[ZYX (pop group)|ZYX]]. Both units were short-lived, and their activities stalled with the creation of Berryz Kobo.

=== 2004: Formation and debut ===
The formation of Berryz Kobo was announced at a Hello! Project club event on 14 January 2004. The band was composed of eight members of [[Hello! Project Kids]], who were then known as the "starting line-up". Initially it was planned to rotate all 15 members of [[Hello! Project Kids]] through the group, which would have given Berryz Kobo's members more time for school.<ref name="tsunkunet2004015">{{cite web|url=http://www.tsunku.net/comments.php?@BM@=61 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130112173141/http://www.tsunku.net/comments.php?@BM@=61 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-12 |title=＜『Berryz工房』（ベリーズこうぼう）誕生について＞2004/01/15 |work=[[Tsunku]] |date=15 January 2004 |access-date=8 March 2012 |language=ja }}</ref><ref name="zakzak20040115">{{cite web |url=http://www.zakzak.co.jp/geino/n-2004_01/g2004011504.html |script-title=ja:ハロプロ史上最年少グループ「Berryz工房」誕生 |publisher=ZAKZAK |date=15 January 2004 |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105101647/http://www.zakzak.co.jp/geino/n-2004_01/g2004011504.html |archive-date=5 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Later, however, the idea was dismissed, and the remaining seven [[Hello! Project Kids]] members formed the group [[Cute (Japanese idol group)|Cute]] in 2005.

On 3 March 2004, the new band debuted with the single "[[Anata Nashi de wa Ikite Yukenai]]",<ref name="oriconprofile" /><ref name="oricon20100429">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/2010/berryz0430/index.html|title=Berryz工房『写真満載★タイ・バンコクの初ライブを密着レポート！』-ORICON STYLE ミュージック|publisher=[[Oricon]]|date=29 April 2010|access-date=11 March 2012|language=ja}}</ref> which ranked 18th on the [[Oricon]] Weekly Singles Chart.<ref name="oricon20041110">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/ranking/4971/|title=Berryz工房が6位に初登場！|work=[[Oricon|Oricon, Inc.]]|date=10 November 2004|access-date=8 March 2012|language=ja}}</ref> Two more singles followed in April and May, and on 7 July the group released its first album, titled ''[[1st Chō Berryz]]''.

In addition to their activity as Berryz Kobo, the girls also performed as backup dancers in music videos of the newly created Hello! Project duo [[W (group)|W]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/aug/21/popandrock3|title=Japan's bizarre music industry|author=Chris Champion|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=31 August 2005|access-date=3 May 2010}}</ref>

=== 2005: First top 10 hit and Ishimura's graduation ===
The single "[[special Generation (song)|Special Generation]]" was released on 30 March 2005, and ranked seventh on the [[Oricon]] Weekly Singles Chart.<ref name="oricon20100429" /><ref name="oricon20050405" /><ref name="helloproject20050401" /> It was Berryz Kobo's first single to rank in the top 10, and their first to sell more than 20,000 copies.<ref name="oricon20050405">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/ranking/4754/|title=初のTOP10入り！Berryz工房。|publisher=[[Oricon|Oricon, Inc.]]|date=5 April 2005|access-date=7 March 2012|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="helloproject20050401">{{cite web |url=http://www.helloproject.com/news/050405-1.html |title=Berryz 工房オリコン初登場7位を獲得！！ |publisher=[[Up-Front DC|UP-FRONT DC Co.]], Ltd. |date=1 April 2005 |language=ja |access-date=7 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050410042955/http://www.helloproject.com/news/050405-1.html |archive-date=10 April 2005 }}</ref> At that time, the group's average age was less than 12 years old.

On 11 September 2005, it was announced that Maiha Ishimura would graduate from the group and Hello! Project to focus on her studies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helloproject.com/news/050911-1.html |title=Berryz工房 石村舞波 卒業のお知らせ |publisher=Hello! Project |language=ja |date=11 September 2005 |access-date=23 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923221352/http://www.helloproject.com/news/050911-1.html |archive-date=23 September 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ishimura's graduation took place on 2 October 2005, on the last night of the Berryz Kobo autumn 2005 concert tour.

=== 2006: Jiriri Kiteru ===
The 10th single, "[[Jiriri Kiteru]]," was released on 29 March. It was ranked in sixth place on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart,<ref name="oricon20100429" /> setting a new high for the group.

===2007: Youngest concert at Saitama Super Arena===
In February 2007, Berryz Kobo made news headlines after it was announced that the group would be holding a concert at [[Saitama Super Arena]] on 1 April. The tickets for the two performances (a total of 20,000 seats) sold out almost two months before the premiere, and the group became the youngest act ever to perform a solo concert at the arena.<ref name="oriconprofile" /><ref name="oricon20100429" /> At the time its members' average age was 13.8,<ref name="oricon20100429" /><ref name="oricon20070206">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/ranking/41935/|title=Berryz工房が最年少記録を塗りかえた！|publisher=[[Oricon|Oricon, Inc.]]|date=6 February 2007|access-date=7 March 2012|language=ja}}</ref> with the previous record of 16.3 set by [[Morning Musume]] four years earlier.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.sanspo.com/geino/top/gt200702/gt2007020610.html|title= Sanspo.com Performers News Section|access-date= 6 February 2007|publisher=[[Sankei Sports]]|language= ja|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070207083552/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/top/gt200702/gt2007020610.html|archive-date= 7 February 2007}}</ref>

On 27 June, Berryz released their 14th single "[[Kokuhaku no Funsui Hiroba]]." It ranked fourth on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart,<ref name="oricon20100429" /> becoming their highest-selling single.

=== 2008: Awards and NHK ''Kōhaku Uta Gassen'' ===
On 12 March 2008 the group released "[[Dschinghis Khan (song)#Berryz Kobo version|Dschinghis Khan]]," their first cover song and, as of 2012, their highest- selling single.<ref name="Oricon, Inc">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/334219/ranking/cd_single/|title=Berryz Kobo CD single ranking - Oricon|publisher=[[Oricon|Oricon, Inc.]]|language=ja|access-date=6 March 2012}}</ref>

In October, Berryz Kobo participated at the 2008 [[Asia Song Festival]] in [[South Korea]], representing Japan alongside [[W-inds]] and [[Anna Tsuchiya]]. Berryz won the festival's Best Asian Newcomer Award<ref name="oriconprofile" /><ref name="oricon20100429" /> alongside the [[SM Entertainment]] group [[Shinee]].<ref>http://www.asf.kofice.or.kr/l_eng/01_asf/index03_05.php|dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes</ref>

On 12 December, they performed at [[Sharam Q]]'s 20th anniversary concert at the [[Nippon Budokan]]. The group took part in the 41st {{nihongo|[[Japan Cable Awards]]|日本有線大賞|Nihon Yūsen Taishō}} show at [[Nakano Sun Plaza]] on 17 December, performing "[[Dschinghis Khan (song)#Berryz Kobo version|Dschinghis Khan]]," for which they received a {{nihongo|Cable Music Award|有線音楽賞|Yūsen Ongaku Shō}}, awarded to the most requested song on the Cansystem [[cable radio]] network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ranking.cansystem.info/grandprix/information/?ts=41|script-title=ja:日本有線大賞 第41回 日本有線大賞のお知らせ|publisher=Cansystem Co., Ltd.|language=ja}}</ref> The year ended with the group's debut at the [[58th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen]],<ref name="oricon20100429" /> an annual music show broadcast on 31 December. They performed a number together with [[Morning Musume]] and [[Cute (Japanese idol group)|Cute]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www9.nhk.or.jp/kouhaku/history/history_58.html |script-title=ja:第58回紅白歌合戦 |publisher=NHK |access-date=11 February 2011 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513085923/http://www9.nhk.or.jp/kouhaku/history/history_58.html |archive-date=13 May 2011}}</ref><ref name="natalie20071226">{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/4760|title=モー娘。＋Berryz工房＋°C-uteが着うた限定曲を発表|date=2007-12-26|access-date=11 July 2011|work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=[[Natasha, Inc.]]|language=ja}}</ref>

=== 2009: Influenza and collaboration with Inazuma Eleven ===
In March, Berryz Kobo First Fan Club Tour in Hawaii '09 was held in [[Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]], where the band performed exclusively for the members of the Japanese fan club. It was the group's first overseas fan club tour.<ref name="helloproject20090126">{{cite web|url=http://www.helloproject.com/news/hawaii0901261505.html |title=「Berryz Kobo First Fan Club Tour in Hawaii」 追加募集決定！ |publisher=UP-FRONT DC Co., Ltd. |date=26 January 2009 |language=ja |access-date=2012-03-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204005001/http://www.helloproject.com/news/hawaii0901261505.html |archive-date=4 February 2014 }}</ref>

The 22 March concert in [[Nagoya]] was cancelled just a few days before the date, because two members, [[Miyabi Natsuyaki]] and [[Risako Sugaya]], were suffering from [[influenza]].<ref name="natalie20090320">{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/14596|title=Berryz工房、夏焼＆菅谷がインフルエンザでライブ中止|work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=[[Natasha, Inc.]]|date=20 March 2009|access-date=7 March 2012|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="oricon20090321">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/64365/|title=Berryz工房、インフルエンザのため名古屋公演中止|publisher=[[Oricon|Oricon, Inc.]]|date=21 March 2009|access-date=7 March 2012|language=ja}}</ref>

On 25 April the girls celebrated the group's 100th solo concert in [[Utsunomiya, Tochigi]] during their spring concert tour Sono Subete no Ai ni. 

On 3 June, the group released their 20th single and their first double A-side single, "[[Seishun Bus Guide/Rival]]." "Seishun Bus Guide" was a closing theme for the anime series ''[[Inazuma Eleven]]''.<ref name="natalie20090409">{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/15266|title=Berryz工房、20thシングルは「イナズマイレブン」テーマ曲|work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=[[Natasha, Inc.]]|date=9 April 2009|language=ja|access-date=2012-03-07}}</ref> On 21 June, the group held a mini-concert in [[South Korea]],<ref name="helloproject20090621">{{cite web|url=http://www.helloproject.com/news/0906221820_hello.html |script-title=ja:ハロー!プロジェクト韓国オーディション最終合格者決定！ |publisher=UP-FRONT DC Co., Ltd. |date=22 June 2009 |language=ja |access-date=7 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708202235/http://www.helloproject.com/news/0906221820_hello.html |archive-date=8 July 2013}}</ref> which became their first commercial solo concert outside Japan.

In autumn 2009, the group was again affected by [[influenza]]. On Tuesday, 13 October, fans were notified that [[Momoko Tsugunaga]] was diagnosed with influenza and would be absent from the concert scheduled for Saturday.<ref name="helloproject20091014">{{cite web|url=http://www.helloproject.com/news/0910141930_tsugunaga.html |title=Berryz工房 嗣永桃子に関する大切なお知らせ |work=Hello! Project |publisher=UP-FRONT DC Co., Ltd. |date=14 October 2009 |access-date=9 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510062128/http://www.helloproject.com/news/0910141930_tsugunaga.html |archive-date=10 May 2012 }}</ref><ref name="natalie20091014">{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/22434|title=Berryz工房・嗣永桃子、インフル感染でライブ欠席|work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=[[Natasha, Inc.]]|date=14 October 2009|access-date=9 March 2012}}</ref> The next day, [[Miyabi Natsuyaki]] was reported to be diagnosed as well after having felt sick the previous evening,<ref name="helloproject200910151500">{{cite web|url=http://www.helloproject.com/news/0910151500_berryz.html |title=Berryz工房 夏焼雅 に関する大切なお知らせ（払い戻し方法更新） |work=Hello! Project |publisher=UP-FRONT DC Co., Ltd. |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=9 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308030113/http://www.helloproject.com/news/0910151500_berryz.html |archive-date=8 March 2012 }}</ref><ref name="natalie20091015">{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/22468|title=Berryz工房、嗣永桃子に続き夏焼雅もインフル感染|work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=[[Natasha, Inc.]]|date=15 October 2009|access-date=9 March 2012}}</ref> and it was announced that the Sunday concert had to be cancelled due to [[Maasa Sudo]] and [[Risako Sugaya]] also having influenza.<ref name="helloproject200910152100">{{cite web|url=http://www.helloproject.com/news/0910152100_berryz.html |title=「Berryz工房コンサートツアー2009秋 ～目立ちたいっ!!～」 10月17日（土） Zepp Sendai 公演延期のお知らせ （払い戻し方法更新） |work=Hello! Project |publisher=UP-FRONT DC Co., Ltd. |date=15 September 2009 |access-date=9 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510052444/http://www.helloproject.com/news/0910152100_berryz.html |archive-date=10 May 2012 }}</ref><ref name="natalie20091016">{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/22502|title=Berryz工房、メンバー4人インフル感染で明日の仙台公演中止|work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=[[Natasha, Inc.]]|date=16 October 2009|access-date=9 March 2012}}</ref> The next day, Hello! Project reported that [[Saki Shimizu]] caught influenza, affecting five of the seven members.<ref name="helloproject20091016">{{cite web|url=http://www.helloproject.com/news/0910161345_berryz.html |title=「Berryz工房 清水佐紀による清水佐紀のための○○ 出演者：清水佐紀・菅谷梨沙子」10月18日（日）ハロー!プロジェクトオフィシャルショップダイエー仙台臨時店来店イベント延期のお知らせ |work=Hello! Project |publisher=UP-FRONT DC Co., Ltd. |date=16 October 2009 |access-date=9 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308030301/http://www.helloproject.com/news/0910161345_berryz.html |archive-date=8 March 2012}}</ref>
In the beginning of November, the influenza got to [[Chinami Tokunaga]],<ref name="helloproject20091105">{{cite web|url=http://www.helloproject.com/news/0911051700_berryz.html |title=『Berryz工房 徳永千奈美に関するお知らせ』 |work=Hello! Project |publisher=UP-FRONT DC Co., Ltd. |date=5 November 2009 |access-date=3 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308050823/http://www.helloproject.com/news/0911051700_berryz.html |archive-date=8 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="natalie20091105">{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/23401|title=Berryz工房、徳永千奈美がインフル感染でライブ欠席|work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=[[Natasha, Inc.]]|date=5 November 2009|access-date=9 March 2012}}</ref> followed by [[Yurina Kumai]] a couple of days later;<ref name="natalie20091107">{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/23487|title=Berryz工房、熊井友理奈もインフル感染で公演欠席|work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=[[Natasha, Inc.]]|date=7 November 2009|access-date=9 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="oricon20091108">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/70456/full/|title=新たに2人が感染！Berryz工房、メンバー全員が一度はインフルエンザに|publisher=[[Oricon]]|date=2009-11-08|access-date=2012-03-09}}</ref> causing them to miss the 7 and 8 November concerts.<ref name="oricon20091108" />

=== 2010: More ''Inazuma Eleven'' endings ===
In spring, the group performed in [[Bangkok]], Thailand, for the first time.<ref name="oricon20100329">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/74774/|title=Berryz工房、タイでの初ライブでファンに「トゥース！」|publisher=[[Oricon|Oricon, Inc.]]|date=2010-03-29|access-date=2012-03-07|language=ja}}</ref>

On 3 March, the group released their third double A-side single, "[[Otakebi Boy Wao!/Tomodachi wa Tomodachi Nanda!]]"<ref name="oricon20100429" /><ref name="natalie20100106">{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/26030|title=ベリーズ両A面シングル、雄叫びボーイはイナイレ主題歌|work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=[[Natasha, Inc.]]|date=2010-01-06|access-date=2012-03-12|language=ja}}</ref> The single debuted on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart at number three, making it their highest-ranking single to date. It also stayed in the top 10 for a second week, ranking ninth.

In July they released a new single, "[[Maji Bomber!!]]," which was used as an ending theme for both the anime ''[[Inazuma Eleven]]'' and the game the anime was based upon. Their next single and their final ''Inazuma Eleven'' ending theme, "[[Shining Power]]," was released on 10 November.

=== 2011: Oricon Daily number 1 and first concert in America ===
On 3 March, the anniversary of the group's debut, the group began its seventh-anniversary tour. 

Berryz Kobo's 25th single "[[Heroine ni Narō ka!]]" ("Let's be Heroines") reached number one on the [[Oricon]] Daily Singles Chart for 6 March. The concert that was scheduled for 12 March in [[Sendai]], [[Miyagi Prefecture]], was abruptly canceled due to the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]] which hit the day before. All of the group's members were safe, but the tour had to be stopped. The concerts were either canceled or postponed until the end of March. At the end of March, Berryz Kobo released their seventh album, ''[[7 Berryz Times]]''.<ref name="natalie20110402">{{cite web| url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/47228| title=7周年のBerryz工房、アルバムに続き6月ニューシングル発売| date=2011-04-02| access-date=2012-03-06| work = [[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]| publisher=[[Natasha, Inc.]]| language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/334219/products/music/906714/1/| title=7 Berryz タイムス Berryz工房のプロフィールならオリコン芸能人事典-ORICON STYLE| access-date=2012-03-06| publisher=[[Oricon|Oricon Inc.]]| language=ja}}</ref>

In April, the group performed at [[Sakura-Con]] 2011, an [[anime convention]] in [[Seattle]], Washington, United States. This was the first performance by Berryz Kobo in the United States.<ref name="jame20110502">{{cite web|url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-74940-interview-with-berryz-koubou-at-sakura-con.html|title=Interview with Berryz Koubou at Sakura-Con|date=2011-05-02|publisher=JaME WORLD|access-date=2012-03-07}}</ref> The group participated in events such as autograph sessions,<ref name="animeexpo20110425">{{cite web |url=http://inside.anime-expo.org/music/2011-04/sakura-con-2011-berryz-koubous-resounding-debut-in-america/ |title=Sakura-Con 2011: Berryz Koubou's Resounding Debut in America |date=2011-04-25 |publisher=Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) |access-date=2012-03-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119132344/http://inside.anime-expo.org/music/2011-04/sakura-con-2011-berryz-koubous-resounding-debut-in-america/ |archive-date=2012-01-19 }}</ref> question and answer sessions, and a concert.<ref name="hellostoreusa20110612">{{cite web|url=http://www.hellostoreusa.com/sakura-con-2011-berryz-kobo-information.html |title=Sakura-Con 2011 - Berryz Kobo Information |date=2011-06-12 |publisher=HelloStoreUSA.com |access-date=2012-03-07 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306025459/http://www.hellostoreusa.com/sakura-con-2011-berryz-kobo-information.html |archive-date=2012-03-06 }}</ref> 3,500 people were reported to have attended the concert.<ref name="jame20110521">{{cite web|url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/articles-75062-berryz-koubou-at-sakura-con-2011.html|title=Berryz Koubou at Sakura-Con 2011|date=2011-05-21|publisher=JaME WORLD|access-date=2012-03-07}}</ref>

On 8 June, the group released their 26th single, "[[Ai no Dangan]]".<ref name="natalie20110402" /><ref name="natalie20110511">{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/49207|title=Berryz工房が真っ赤な衣装でセクシーダンス「愛の弾丸」|work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=[[Natasha, Inc.]]|date=2011-05-11|language=ja|access-date=2012-03-06}}</ref>

On 10 August, the group released their 27th single, titled "[[Aa, Yo ga Akeru]]".<ref name="natalie20110810">{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/54630|title=Berryz工房が大人セクシー路線シングル＆PV集リリース|work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=[[Natasha, Inc.]]|date=2011-08-10|language=ja|access-date=2012-03-07}}</ref><ref name="natalie20110813">{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/54730|title=Berryz工房、シングル発売イベントをAXで開催|work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=[[Natasha, Inc.]]|date=2011-08-13|language=ja|access-date=2012-03-07}}</ref>

=== 2012 ===
In 2012, Berryz Kobo's leader [[Saki Shimizu]] announced on her official blog that on 21 March, the new Berryz Kobo single "[[Be Genki! (Naseba Naru)]]" would be released.

The group's eighth album ''[[Ai no Album 8]]'' was released on 22 February.<ref name="natalie20120213">{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/64397|title=Berryz工房、アルバム＆シングルを2カ月連続リリース|date=2012-02-13|work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=[[Natasha, Inc.]]|access-date=2012-03-06|language=ja}}</ref>

On 8–10 June, the group appeared at [[AnimeNEXT]] in [[Somerset, New Jersey]],<ref name="helloproject201111">{{cite web|url=http://www.helloproject.com/event/1111131700_event_berryz.html|title=Berryz工房が「AnimeNEXT 2012 in New Jersey,USA」に出演決定!!|publisher=UP-FRONT DC Co., Ltd.|date=November 2011|language=ja|access-date=2012-03-07}}</ref> their second live performance in USA. On 20 June, the group released its second collaboration CD single with fellow [[Hello! Project Kids]] group [[Cute (Japanese idol group)|Cute]], named "[[Chō Happy Song]]" ("Super Happy Song.") The title tune is an overlay of two previously published songs, Berryz Kobo's "Because Happiness" and Cute's "Shiawase no Tochū" ("On the Road to Happiness") from their 2012 albums, which were composed and produced by [[Tsunku]] intentionally to form a new song when played simultaneously.<ref name="jcast20120416" /><ref name="towerrecords20120511">{{cite web|url=http://tower.jp/article/news/2012/05/11/n11|title=Berryz工房×°C-uteの合体曲"超HAPPY SONG"、新アレンジでCD化|publisher=[[Tower Records (music retailer)|Tower Records]]|date=2012-05-11|access-date=2012-06-04|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="natalie20120428" /> The trick was originally scheduled to be announced at a summer Hello! Project concert, but was uncovered by fans in mid-April.<ref name="jcast20120416">{{cite web|url=http://www.j-cast.com/2012/04/16129108.html|script-title=ja:つんくの才能涸れてなかった？ 楽曲発売2か月で「秘密の仕掛け」判明|publisher=J-CAST|date=2012-04-16|access-date=2012-06-04|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="natalie20120428" /> The song became widely discussed<ref name="towerrecords20120511" /> on the Internet, and the set of three tracks, "Because Happiness", "Shiawase no Tochū", and "Chō Happy Song", was hastily released as a digital download single on 28 April.<ref name="natalie20120428">{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/68617|script-title=ja:ベリキュー話題の合体曲、急遽デジタル配信スタート|date=2012-04-28|access-date=2012-06-04|work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=[[Natasha Inc.]]|language=ja}}</ref>

On 25 July, the group released their 29th single, "[[Cha Cha Sing]],"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helloproject.com/discography/berryz/s_031.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729001004/http://www.helloproject.com/discography/berryz/s_031.html|url-status=dead|title=ハロー！プロジェクト オフィシャルサイト|archive-date=29 July 2012|work=helloproject.com|access-date=30 April 2015}}</ref> a cover song of the popular [[Thailand|Thai]] song "[[Row Mah Sing]]" by artist [[Thongchai McIntyre]]. The single was the group's first to include a solo song, "Momochi! Yurushite-nyan Taisō," which was performed by member [[Momoko Tsugunaga]].

=== 2013 ===
It was announced on 19 May in Tokyo's Hibiya Park that Berryz Kobo would be holding a concert at the [[Nippon Budokan]] arena on 29 November 2013.<ref name="Japanverse">{{cite web|url=http://japanverse.com/2013/05/berryz-kobo-reveal-nippon-budokan-concert-date/|title=Berryz Kobo Reveal Nippon Budokan Concert Date|date=2013-05-19|access-date=2013-05-19|publisher=Japanverse|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629143348/http://japanverse.com/2013/05/berryz-kobo-reveal-nippon-budokan-concert-date/|archive-date=2013-06-29}}</ref>

On 2 October, the group released their 33rd single, "Motto Zutto Issho ni Itakatta," which became their highest selling single (with a reported total of 40,845 copies,) beating [[Dschinghis Khan]]'s 37,096 copies. On 11 November, Berryz Kobo held their special concert at the Nippon Budokan.

=== 2014: Tenth anniversary and indefinite suspension ===
It was announced on 2 August 2014, at the summer Hello! Project concerts that Berryz Kobo would be going on an "indefinite suspension starting Spring 2015".<ref>{{cite web|author=Berryz工房 |url=http://www.helloproject.com/berryzkobo/news/1902/ |title=Berryz工房：ニュース｜ハロー！プロジェクト オフィシャルサイト |publisher=Helloproject.com |access-date=2014-08-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805204109/http://www.helloproject.com/berryzkobo/news/1902/ |archive-date=2014-08-05 }}</ref> The girls decided together that they would like to explore other opportunities. The decision to call this an "indefinite suspension" was made since the girls felt calling this move a "disbandment" would cause Berryz Kobo to disappear or fade away.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ameblo.jp/sudou-maasa-blog/entry-11903581436.html |title=ご報告｜須藤茉麻 Berryz工房オフィシャルブログ Powered by Ameba |publisher=Ameblo.jp |access-date=2014-08-02}}</ref> The group continued its activities until the spring of 2015, when their final appearances and performances would be announced and take place. Tsunku added he would "like to see them chase new dreams" and asked for continued support throughout their remaining time as an active group.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helloproject.com/news/1902/ |title=ニュース詳細｜ハロー！プロジェクト オフィシャルサイト |publisher=Helloproject.com |date=2014-07-29 |access-date=2014-08-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140804093727/http://www.helloproject.com/news/1902/ |archive-date=4 August 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 24 February 2015, Shimizu and Tokunaga announced on their blogs they would remain with the company as advisors, where they would act as the "go-between" for the staff and members. The next day Sugaya announced she would take time off to focus on her personal life. The following day Kumai stated on her blog that she would finish her university degree and would pursue a modeling career.

== Performances outside Japan ==
Berryz Kobo have performed and made appearances outside Japan numerous times.

In 2009 [[Mnet (TV channel)|Mnet]] and [[Up-Front Works]] arranged a Berryz Kobo mini-concert in South Korea on 21 June at [[Yonsei University]] Auditorium, titled Berryz Kobo Mini Live in Korea.<ref name="helloproject20090621" /> This was the group's first concert outside Japan.

In 2010 Berryz Kobo was chosen over [[Morning Musume]] and [[Cute (Japanese idol group)|Cute]] to perform in Thailand. Their concert was held on 27 March at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium, formally known as [[Rajamangala National Stadium]].<ref name="oricon20100329" /> This was the group's second performance outside Japan.

On the last day of the group's Autumn 2010 concert tour, captain [[Saki Shimizu]] announced that they would be performing at the [[anime convention]] [[Sakura-Con]] in [[Seattle]], the United States on 22–24 April 2011.<ref name="helloonline20101219">{{cite web|url=http://www.hello-online.org/index.php?app=helloapp&CODE=article&topic=1202|title=Berryz Kobo at Sakura Con, Seattle, USA April 22nd-24th, 2011|date=2010-12-19|publisher=Hello!Online|access-date=2012-03-07}}</ref> Their American concert debut at Sakura-Con 2011<ref name="jame20110502" /> had an audience of 3,500.<ref name="jame20110521" /> Fans traveled from all over the world, including many parts of the US, Canada, France, Mexico, and Japan to support the group as they celebrated their seventh year together. During the weekend the members appeared at the event's opening and closing ceremonies, participated in a live audience Q&A, held two 60-minute sessions where they signed autographs,<ref name="animeexpo20110425" /> and performed an hour-long concert<ref name="hellostoreusa20110612" /> consisting of 14 songs.<ref name="jame20110521" /> This was the group's third performance outside Japan, and first outside Asia. Berryz Kobo was the third Hello! Project major act to perform outside Asia following [[Morning Musume]] (in [[Los Angeles]], 2009 and [[Paris]], 2010), and [[Erina Mano]] (in Los Angeles, 2010).

On 8–10 June 2012, the group performed at [[AnimeNEXT]], an [[anime convention]] in [[Somerset, New Jersey]], in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2012-06-19/berryz-kobo-performance-at-animenext-2012|title=Berryz Kobo Performance At AnimeNEXT 2012|date=2012-06-19|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=2019-09-22}}</ref>

== Members ==
* [[Saki Shimizu]] - captain
* [[Momoko Tsugunaga]]
* [[Chinami Tokunaga]]
* [[Maasa Sudo]]
* [[Miyabi Natsuyaki]] - sub-captain
* [[Yurina Kumai]]
* [[Risako Sugaya]]

=== Former members ===
* Maiha Ishimura (2004–2005)
===Timeline===
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== Discography ==
{{Main|Berryz Kobo discography}}

; Studio albums
* ''[[1st Chō Berryz]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Dai 2 Seichōki]]'' (2005)
* ''[[3 Natsu Natsu Mini Berryz]]'' (2006)
* ''[[4th Ai no Nanchara Shisū]]'' (2007)
* ''[[5 (Five)]]'' (2008)
* ''[[6th Otakebi Album]]'' (2010)
* ''[[7 Berryz Times]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Ai no Album 8]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Berryz Mansion 9kai]]'' (2013)

; Mini-albums
* ''[[Special! Best Mini ~2.5 Maime no Kare~]]'' (2005)

; Compilation albums
* ''[[Berryz Kobo Special Best Vol. 1]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Berryz Kobo Special Best Vol. 2]]'' (2014)
* {{nihongo|''[[Kanjuku Berryz Kobo The Final Completion Box]]''|完熟Berryz工房 The Final Completion Box}} (2015)

== Bibliography ==
{{Main|Berryz Kobo discography#Bibliography}}

== Concert tours ==
{{Main|Berryz Kobo discography#Concert tours}}
The group had their first concert tour titled "2004 Natsu First Concert Tour: W Standby! Double You & Berryz Kobo!". The tour ran on August 10, 2004, to October 11, 2004, featuring [[Morning Musume]] sub-unit [[W (duo)|W]] which is consisting of [[Nozomi Tsuji]] and [[Ai Kago]]. It was recorded on August 13, 2004, on [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]] and was released on DVD on November 17, 2004.

== Awards ==

=== Asia Song Festival ===
{{awards table}}
|-
| 2008
| Berryz Kobo (group)
| Best Asian Newcomer Award<ref name="oriconprofile" />
| {{won}}
{{end}}

=== Japan Cable Awards ===
The {{nihongo|[[Japan Cable Awards]]|日本有線大賞|Nihon Yūsen Taishō}} are sponsored by the {{nihongo|National Cable Music Broadcasters Association|全国有線音楽放送協会}}.
{{awards table}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2008
| rowspan="2"| "[[Dschinghis Khan (song)#Berryz Kobo version|Dschinghis Khan]]"
| Cable Music Award<ref name="oriconprofile" /><ref name="oricon20100429" />
| {{won}}
|-
| Grand Prix*
| {{nom}}
{{end}}
<nowiki>*</nowiki> awarded to the most requested song of the year on the cable radio

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons and category}}
* {{Youtube|user=berryzchannel|Berryz Kobo}}
* [http://ameblo.jp/shimizu--saki/ Berryz Kobo's leader Saki Shimizu's official Ameblo blog]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924001326/http://ameblo.jp/shimizu--saki |date=24 September 2011 }} {{in lang|ja}}.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101004055828/http://www.helloproject.com/berryzkobo/index.html Berryz Kobo's official Hello! Project profile] {{in lang|ja}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051024180955/http://www.up-front-works.jp/discography/piccolotown/05/list.html Berryz Kobo official discography] {{in lang|ja}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050713015248/http://www.joqr.co.jp/reco/berryz.html Berryz Kobo Kiritsu! Rei! Chakuseki! website] {{in lang|ja}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120128010725/http://www.hotexpress.co.jp/artist/904/ List of reviews: Berryz Kobo] - Hotexpress {{in lang|ja}}

{{Berryz Kobo}}
{{Hello! Project}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Berryz Kobo| ]]
[[Category:2004 establishments in Japan]]
[[Category:Child musical groups]]
[[Category:Hello! Project groups]]
[[Category:Japanese electropop groups]]
[[Category:Japanese girl groups]]
[[Category:Japanese idol groups]]
[[Category:Japanese pop music groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2004]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Tokyo]]