C-ute
 | C-ute is a Hello! Project group that originally consisted of the seven Hello! Project Kids that were not placed in Berryz Koubou. On January 2, 2006, Arihara Kanna, a Hello! Project Egg, was added into the group. Throughout the middle of 2006, C-ute appeared in several concerts performing their original songs were were sold as indie singles. On October 31 of that year, Murakami Megumi left the group to focus on school. The group's first major single, Sakura Chirari, was released on February 21, 2007. |
In fall of 2007, C-ute was nominated for and won several awards, including Best Hit Kayousai's "Newcomer Award" (nominated). On November 29, it was announced that C-ute had won the "New Artist Award" at the Nihon Record Taishou (Japan Record Awards) along with three other artists. On December 30, they competed to for the "Best New Artist Award" and won. They are the second Hello! Project act to win the award, the first being Morning Musume in 1998.
The group also performed at the 58th Kouhaku Uta Gassen for the first time, along with Morning Musume and Berryz Koubou. C-ute was the youngest group to perform there with the average age of 14.
In February 2009, Arihara Kanna went on hiatus due to a bunion deformity and would not be able to perform in C-ute-related activites while receiving treatment. She was also absent from the group's 8th and 9th singles, "Bye Bye Bye!" and "Shochuu Omimai Moshiagemasu".
On July 11, 2009, Arihara announced her graduation from C-ute and Hello! Project to return to a normal life. On August 1, 2009, Umeda Erika announced her graduation from C-ute and Hello! Project as well to pursue a career in modeling. She graduated during the group's fall tour on October 25.