Berryz Kobo was a Japanese idol girl group, formed by Up-Front Promotion in 2004. The group was made up of members from Hello! Project Kids, initially including Saki Shimizu, Momoko Tsugunaga, Miyabi Natsuyaki, Chinami Tokunaga, Maasa Sudo, Yurina Kumai, Risako Sugaya, and Maiha Ishimura. Berryz Kobo made their debut with the single "Anata Nashi de wa Ikite Yukenai" in March 2004, followed shortly by their first album 1st Chō Berryz (2004). In 2005, the group achieved their first Top 10 hit with the single "Special Generation." That year also marked the departure of Maiha Ishimura from the group. By 2006, the group had released their tenth single "Jiriri Kiteru," which peaked at number 6 on the Oricon Singles Chart. In 2008, Berryz Kobo received the Best Asian Newcomer Award at the Asia Song Festival and a Cable Music Award for their single "Dschinghis Khan." In 2010, the group put out the song "Maji Bomber!!" (本気ボンバー！！)," which was used as an ending theme for the anime series Inazuma Eleven. In 2012, they released their eighth studio album Ai No Album 8. Their career continued to flourish with the release of several more singles and albums; however, in 2014, the group announced an indefinite hiatus, with the members expressing a desire to pursue other opportunities.