Makoto Ogawa (小川 麻琴, born October 29, 1987 in Kashiwazaki, Niigata, Japan) is a Japanese pop singer and actress best known as a former member of Morning Musume. She joined the group in August of 2001 along with fellow fifth generation members Ai Takahashi, Risa Niigaki, and Asami Konno.
Before joining Morning Musume, Makoto Ogawa was enrolled at an entertainment school Apple Little Performers (ALP) in Niigata, where she was one of the top students. She even made her CD debut on a cheer song for the J2 soccer team, Albirex Niigata. She has also been a model for magazines and campaign, such as one for automobile safety for the elderly. Tsunku—producer and lyricist of Hello! Project—also commented that she was selected to join the group because she displayed great dancing skills and shined during the audition process.
Ogawa graduated from Morning Musume on August 27, 2006 at the final performance of Hello! Project's musical rendition of Ribbon no Kishi. She left Morning Musume to study languages abroad, with the intent to return to Hello! Project.
Also known as Mako, Makocchan
Born October 29, 1987 (age 20)
Origin Kashiwazaki, Niigata, Japan
Origin Tokyo, Honshū, Japan
Genre(s) Japanese pop
Occupation(s) Singer, actress
Years active 2001–2006
