There was one, Goto Maki who could have done it - but she left in 2002, but lord knows if there'll ever be another. It's kinda like The Beatles without John or Paul; Queen without Freddie Mercury; N.W.A. without Ice Cube; Looney Toons without Mel Blanc; someone could always fill in for the lead, but it's just not the same. You only have imitators. It's like Ringo carrying on The Beatles with hits like "Octopus' Garden" ... it just ain't the same as "Revolution" or "Let it Be."

With Tsuji Nozomi and Ai Kago's departure on the horizon, it's pretty much the beginning of the end for Morning Musume. Ishikawa Rika and Yoshizawa Hitomi are getting older and branching out to future mediums. The future generation of girls suck. If getting rid of your most popular members is the only way to enhance the current members then what the fuck. Look at SMAP. Over a decade plus with practically the same line up (only one guy left I think).

Despite her stepping aside for other members (Tanaka and Takahashi most notably) for a chance in the spotlight, the talk of her being over the hill are grossly inaccurate. Through events, concerts, and the like - there continues to be one image that has been synonymous with Morning Musume and that is Natsumi Abe. Other songs she has given up the spotlight - "I WISH" most notably - so that others can sing. There is always her distinct voice that fans eagerly await to hear. Only morons who think the last two singles Nacchi was left out was the definition of her being out of touch - think again. Her debut single has outsold Ayaya's. Her future is definitely positive.