User:YumeChaser/MM

1997: Pre-debut
The formation of the group started when Tsunku held auditions on Asayan to find a female singer for his band, Sharam Q and selected Michiyo Heike as the winner. However, Heike did not fare well, so Tsunku presented a challenge to the five runner ups: Yuko Nakazawa, Aya Ishiguro, Kaori Iida, Natsumi Abe, and Asuka Fukuda. If they succeeded in selling 50,000 copies of their demo single "Ai no Tane" in five days and he would work with them as their producer. Within four days they accomplished their goal.

1998: Debut and change in line-up
Signed onto Zetima, Morning Musume released their debut single "Morning Coffee" on January 28. The single charted at No. 6 on the Oricon singles chart. With the release their second single "Summer Night Town in May, the roster of the group saw a change. Tsunku added three members to the group Kei Yasuda, Mari Yaguchi, and Sayaka Ichii.