Ai Kago

Ai Kago (加護 亜依, Kago Ai; born February 7, 1988) is a Japanese actress and singer. In 2000, Kago debuted as a 4th-generation member of the idol girl group Morning Musume. During her time in Morning Musume, she was also part of its sub-groups Tanpopo, Mini-Moni, and Morning Musume Sakuragumi, as well as several Hello! Project Shuffle Units. In 2004, Kago departed from Morning Musume and became part of the duo W with Nozomi Tsuji.

In 2006, Kago was suspended from her agency for underage smoking and subsequently dismissed in 2007, forcing her to leave W and Hello! Project. In 2008, she returned to entertainment as an actress, appearing in Kung Fu Chefs (2009), Ju-On: Black Ghost (2009), and Battle of Demons (2009). In 2009, Kago returned to music as well, releasing her debut solo single, "No Hesitation" (2009), followed by her jazz album, Ai Kago Meets Jazz (2010). She also formed her own girl group, Girls Beat!!, in 2013, of which she remained a member until 2016.