Mai Shiraishi

is a Japanese singer, model, YouTuber and actress who is a former member of the Japanese idol girl group Nogizaka46. Career After graduating from high school, Shiraishi attended music college as she desired to be a singer. Later on, one of her teachers persuaded her to audition for Nogizaka46. Shiraishi's singing career started when she was accepted as one of the first generation members of AKB48's official rival group, Nogizaka46, on 21 August 2011. She was chosen as one of the members performing on the group's debut single "Guruguru Curtain" on 22 February 2012. When Nogizaka46 released their second single "Oide Shampoo", she was once again chosen to perform. Her career as a model started when she participated in Girls Award 2012 Autumn/Winter alongside former Nogizaka46 bandmate Nanase Nishino. Shiraishi achieved further popularity when she appeared on the 1 January 2013 episode of Count Down TV and the 16 March 2013 episode of Uma Zuki!. Shiraishi has been a permanent presenter on the latter since the 5 January 2013 episode and Bachi Bachi Elekiteru since the 16 April 2013 episode.