9nine

9nine (pronounced simply "nine") is a Japanese idol group formed of Uki Satake, Sayaka Nishiwaki, and Hirona Murata. Formed in 2005, they are managed by LesPros Entertainment and signed to SME Records. History 2005-10: Origin and debut In September 2005, 9nine was formed of Sayaka Nishiwaki, Uki Satake, Azusa Matsuzawa, Miwako Wagatsuma, Rubi Katō, Marie Ashida, Mai Yoshida, Midori Yamaoka, and Moe Miura. They released their debut single "Sweet Snow" in 2006. 2010-present: Restart and popularity The band changed its music style from typical idol pop to electropop. The group's 2012 single "Shōjo Traveller" became its first to reach the top 10 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart. The self-titled album 9nine, that soon followed, debuted at number 8. On 27 February 2019, it was announced on their official website that the group would be pausing all activities and going on an indefinite hiatus. On 20 May 2019, Kanae Yoshii withdrew from the group and announced retirement from the entertainment industry, leaving only 3 members left in the lineup. On 21 July 2022, Sayaka Nishiwaki announced her withdrawal from the group and from LesPros Entertainment as she transferred to a new agency, but she revealed that she have intention to return to the group in the future. On 7 August 2022, Uki Satake announced that her contract with LesPros expired, but she would remain as a member of the group.