新垣里沙 (Niigaki Risa) is a Japanese actress and former idol. She is a former fifth generation member and leader of the pop group Morning Musume. under Hello! Project. She was also a member of the group Tanpopo, the Morning Musume. splinter group Morning Musume. Sakura Gumi, the leader of Athena & Robikerottsu, as well a member of the shuffle units Happy 7, 7AIR, ZYX-α and H.P. All Stars. She joined Morning Musume. in 2001 along with Takahashi Ai, Konno Asami and Ogawa Makoto. Niigaki was the sub-leader of Morning Musume. from 2007 to 2011 while Takahashi was leader. After Takahashi graduated, Niigaki Risa inherited her titles as the leader of Morning Musume. and also the leader of Hello! Project. On January 2, 2012, it was announced that Niigaki would graduate at the end of the Morning Musume. Concert Tour 2012 Haru ~Ultra Smart~. She graduated from Morning Musume. and Hello! Project on May 18 at Nippon Budokan alongside Mitsui Aika.