an "ace." This was the first time an audition had ended with no new members.

In November, Morning Musume released "Namida ga Tomaranai Houkago". Following this single, Morning Musume EARLY SINGLE BOX was released.

Their sixth studio album, named Ai no Dai 6kan, hit stores in December. This was Kago Ai, Tsuji Nozomi, Iida Kaori, Yaguchi Mari, and Ishikawa Rika's last credited studio album.

2005 Edit

On January 30, Iida Kaori graduated to pursue a solo career, with Yaguchi Mari taking on the leadership role. Yoshizawa Hitomi was made the sub-leader. Iida's last single was "THE Manpower!!".

In February, Tsunku started another audition for Morning Musume's seventh generation. This audition resulted with one new member, Kusumi Koharu.

On April 27, the group's 26th single, "Osaka Koi no Uta," was released. This single was YaguchiMari's and Ishikawa Rika's last.

In July, Morning Musume released "Iroppoi Jirettai," Kusumi Koharu's first single with the group. The single was considered to be the biggest hit of the year—selling around 20,000 more copies than any single they released in the past year.

2006 Edit

On January 16, it was announced that Morning Musume had won a Kanagawa Image Up Award in recognition of Hello! Project's support of an anti-pollution campaign.

On April 28, it was announced by Tsunku, from his official website, that fifth generation members Konno Asami and Ogawa Makoto would be graduating. Their last single was "Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii Jan".

Tsunku also announced the audition for the eighth generation, called Morning Musume Happy 8ki Audition. On December 10's Hello! Morning, it was announced that the newest member was