Morning Musume's longest lasting line-up.

In August 2010, an audition for ninth generation members began. This was the group's first audition in four years, since the 8th generation audition in 2006.

In 2010, their 44th single, "Onna to Otoko no Lullaby Game", was released on November 17. This was the last single to feature Kamei Eri, Junjun and Linlin.

On December 15, 2010, the graduation of Kamei Eri, Junjun, and Linlin was held. It was the biggest graduation in Morning Musume's history. With this the group was reduced to 5 members, the smallest line-up since 1998.

2011 Edit

On January 2, four 9th generation members were revealed to be Fukumura Mizuki, Ikuta Erina, Sayashi Riho and Suzuki Kanon at the Hello! Project 2011 Winter ~Kangei Shinsen Matsuri~ A gana Live concert.[25][26] The ninthgeneration's debut single was "Maji Desu ka Ska!". The single was going to be released on March 23, but due to the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, it was released on April 6.

On January 9, an announcement was made that leader Takahashi Ai would be graduating from Morning Musume and Hello! Project at the end of the group's fall 2011 concert tour on September 30.

In June, Morning Musume released their 46th single "Only you".

On August 26, 5th generation members Takahashi Ai and Niigaki Risa celebrated 10 years in the group, becoming the first two members to reach this milestone.

Morning Musume released their 47th single, "Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa wo Honki de Negatterun da yo!", and Takahashi's last, on September 14.

On September 29, the 10th generation members and winners of