Hello! Database: Mari Yaguchi

Mari became a member of Morning Musume as a part of the second generation and since both Sayaka and Kei have graduated, she is the only remaining member of that generation. And now that Kaori graduated as well in 2005, Mari became the most senior member of Morning Musume and as such its leader. In April 14th, 2005, Mari decided to resign from Morning Musume, but not through a traditional graduation ceremony, but instead straight away. As far as I know, she is still a part of Hello! Project, but whether or not she will be a solo singer, is still unknown. It is certain, however, that the TV show Yaguchi Hitori continues as before.

It is probably safe to say that Mari has been one of the most active and versatile members of Morning Musume. While she hasn't really had major parts in most of Morning Musume's singles, she was a member of the first subgroup Tanpopo until the subgroups were shuffled, she was the inventor, founder and long-time leader of another subgroup, Mini Moni and since Natsumi Abe graduated from Morning Musume, Mari became the leader of Sakura Gumi. She was also the leader of H!P kids subgroup ZYX (not active at the moment). Additionally, she was one of the members of the group Romans.

Early on in the group Mari was often percieved as being "the short one" as she didn't stand out a lot, but by the time 4th generation joined she had dyed her hair blonde, and had become one of the most active (and loudest) members of the group.

In Morning Musume's singles Mari isn't usually one of the lead vocalists, but splitting of MM to Sakura Gumi and Otome Gumi really helped the situation for her and she was usually very visible in Sakura Gumi's singles.