新垣里沙 (Niigaki Risa) is a Japanese actress and former idol. She is a former fifth generation member and leader of the pop group Morning Musume. under Hello! Project. She was also a member of the group Tanpopo, the Morning Musume. splinter group Morning Musume. Sakura Gumi, the leader of Athena & Robikerottsu, as well a member of the shuffle units Happy 7, 7AIR, ZYX-α and H.P. All Stars. She joined Morning Musume. in 2001 along with Takahashi Ai, Konno Asami and Ogawa Makoto. Niigaki was the sub-leader of Morning Musume. from 2007 to 2011 wh…