is a Japanese actress, model, television personality, singer, and voice actress. In 2005, she became the only seventh generation member of the Japanese idol girl group Morning Musume, a part of Hello! Project. While Kusumi was in Morning Musume, she provided the voice for Kirari Tsukishima, the main character of the anime series Kirarin Revolution, and portrayed her in real life on Oha Suta. In addition, she was featured in several musical releases affiliated with the series, including both solo releases under the name and group releases for the units Kira Pika and Milky Way. After leaving Morning Musume in 2009, Kusumi pursued modeling, discussing her career changes in her 2011 autobiography, 17-sai no Tenshoku. After making her runway debut in 2011, she modeled exclusively for magazines CanCam and Steady, while also making regular appearances on variety shows. At the same time, Kusumi continued to perform at music events and took part in Dream Morning Musume. Kusumi also ventured into acting, appearing in shows such as Woman Prisoner 7 and Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon. Early life Koharu Kusumi was born in Ojimaya, Washima Village in Niigata Prefecture, and grew up in a rural neighborhood. Her family consisted of her parents, an older sister, and an older brother. Around the middle of elementary school, Kusumi became interested in modeling from reading magazines like CanCam. Prior to joining Morning Musume, Kusumi was the captain of her school's volleyball team. Career 2005-2009: Morning Musume, Kirarin Revolution In 2005, after seeing an audition call for new members for the Japanese idol group Morning Musume in a magazine, Kusumi considered applying after noticing she was eligible based on the minimum age requirements to participate. With her sister's help, Kusumi auditioned in secret with the song "As a Person" by Tomomi Kahara. She sang "Furusato" during the final audition and was selected for the group as the only seventh generation member, a feat which earned her the nickname "Miracle" from producer Tsunku. Kusumi debuted on the single "Iroppoi Jirettai" and was one of the founding members of Hello! Project's kickball team, Metro Rabbits H.P., in 2006. In April 2006, Kusumi was cast as the voice actress for Kirari Tsukishima, the main character in the anime Kirarin Revolution and also released music under the character's name. Kusumi also made crossover television and concert appearances as Kirari on Haromoni@ and Oha Suta, leading her to become closely associated