Hello! Database: Natsumi Abe

Natsumi is one of the original members of Morning Musume. Early on she was the lead vocalist in most singles. This was true especially until Maki Goto joined, after which Natsumi's role was lessened somewhat, although she remained one of the lead vocalists until her graduation.

Natsumi even had some solo songs even before her graduation. There were of course some fanclub CDs where others had solos as well, but in addition to that the Morning Musume single Furusato had all of its main vocals sung by Natsumi and other members were only backing her up. Then there was Otoko Tomodachi on Morning Musume's album 4th Ikimasshoi, which was sung solely by Natsumi.

She has had lead roles outside singing as well, since she has often been the lead character in many Morning Musume plays and skits. While she has acted in other productions as well, her role has been smaller, though.

Being from the first Generation, it is somewhat surprising that Natsumi hasn't been in any of the subgroups. Then again, she has been the leader of all shuffle groups she has been in, which pretty much balances the records. She was also the leader of Sakura Gumi until she graduated in the January of 2004.

Her first solo single, was released in August of 2003, was quite soon afterwards followed by her first solo album. Since her graduation she has been the regular Hello! Morning host.

Due to a plagiarism incident Natsumi was put on hiatus from all official events and such (except for some pre-recorded shows) in early December of 2004. The hiatus lasted until February 7th 2005, when she was present on some entertainment news shows. She has since then started performing again, and has had concerts among other things.

The hiatus caused her to miss the Kaori Iida graduation concert on the 30th of January '05.

The hiatus caused delays with her planned releases, but she is about to release a new single, as well as her second album in near future.