It's been revealed that former Morning Musume member Niigaki Risa's contract with agency J.P ROOM has been terminated.

J.P ROOM announced on their official website, "Our managing contract with Niigaki Risa has expired on July 31, 2020." They continued, "Since 2001, when she passed the audition and became a member of Morning Musume, she has been active for about 20 years with Upfront Group. However, after numerous discussions in regards to her future, we came to the conclusion to terminate her managing contract with our company."

Niigaki also updated her blog stating, "As of July 31, 2020, I, Niigaki Risa, have left J.P ROOM." She explained, "During my 20 years in showbiz, I joined Morning Musume, a group I love so much, and spent 10 years doing my best. Then after going solo, I spent 10 years doing my best as an actress. Reaching my thirties while doing my best in showbiz, I started thinking about myself and my life." 

As she thought about things, Niigaki wanted to delve into her challenges herself. She commented, "I thought about it carefully for several years. When my determination became solid, I shared it with the people from my agency, and this is the conclusion. For 20 years, since I was 12 years old, when I didn't know left from right, the people from the agency have always listened to me kindly, and supported me so that I could move towards the best path. I am only grateful for the past 20 years."

She continued to express, "To Tsunku-san, who allowed me to encounter the wonderful group called Morning Musume. To all members that I worked together with. Thank you very much for all of the experience and memories!!"

Then to her fans, she said, "To my fans that supported me these past 20 years. Thank you always. Because of you guys, I was able to make it this far." 

Source & Image: Oricon