- published: 15 Oct 2010
- views: 15211
Risako Sugaya (菅谷 梨沙子, Sugaya Risako?, born April 4, 1994 in Kanagawa, Japan) is a Japanese pop singer, idol, and member of the musical group Berryz Kobo.
In 2002, Sugaya successfully passed the Hello! Project Kids Audition. Her debut within the Hello! Project world came with the premiere of the first Minimoni feature film, as part of 4Kids, a shuffles group formed exclusively for the movie.
In 2003, Sugaya starred in the movie Hotaru no Hoshi (蛍の星), as Hikari, a fragile elementary school student who, with the help of her caring teacher, has a chance to be momentarily reunited with her deceased mother and overcome her emotional problems. She also starred in the drama, Shonan Kawarayane Monogatari.
That year also marked her first appearance on Kōhaku Uta Gassen, as one of Aya Matsuura's backup dancers, during the 54th edition of the renowned NHK New Year program.
In early 2004, Sugaya became part of the newly formed group Berryz Kobo. Since joining the group, she has also participated in the band's weekly radio show Berryz Kobo Kiritsu! Rei! Chakuseki!.