Petitmoni

Petitmoni (プッチモニ), also known as Pucchi Moni, was the second official subgroup of J-pop idol group Morning Musume. They sang fast-paced, upbeat songs.

History
Founded November 1999, the group's first generation of members consisted of three Morning Musume members: Kei Yasuda, Sayaka Ichii, and Maki Goto. Shortly after their formation, the group released their first single, "Chokotto Love", which sold more than 1 million copies.

After the release of the first single, on May 21, 2000, Sayaka Ichii graduated from both Morning Musume and Petitmoni. In order to fill the third member's position, their producer Tsunku placed Hitomi Yoshizawa into the group, forming the second generation. Petitmoni went on to three more singles, with their only album, Zenbu! Petitmoni, released in August 2002. The album was a collection of all their singles and B-side tracks, along with three extra tracks.

Goto graduated from both Morning Musume and Petitmoni in 2002. Shortly thereafter, Yasuda's graduation was announced for 2003. This sparked yet another formation change, in which Ayaka Kimura (of Coconuts Musume) and Makoto Ogawa were added. Yoshizawa became the new leader, but the new lineup never released a single; only a song entitled Wow Wow Wow and a remake of Chokotto Love, which were included on later Pucchi Best compilation CDs.

As of 2003, the group has been on indefinite hiatus. With Ogawa going on hiatus to study English abroad and Yoshizawa's recent graduation from Morning Musume in May 2007 to begin a solo career within Hello! Project, there is no immediate sign of their return.

The newest Hello!Project Album to be released on July 15th, Chanpuru 1~Happy Marriage Song Cover Shuu, has a track by Petitmoni. Whether this is a one time thing, or the possible rebirth of the group, is unknown at the moment.[1]

It was announced that the 3 new members of Pucchi Moni would be Nakajima Saki , Hagiwara Mai & Mano Erina.


Members

First generation
Kei Yasuda
Sayaka Ichii
Maki Goto

Second generation
Kei Yasuda (Leader)
Maki Goto
Hitomi Yoshizawa

Third generation
Hitomi Yoshizawa (Leader)
Makoto Ogawa
Ayaka Kimura (from Coconuts Musume)

Revival (PetitmoniV)
Saki Nakajima (from C-ute)(leader)
Mai Hagiwara (from C-ute)
Erina Mano (Hello! Project soloist)