Idoling!!! is a Japanese female idol group created by Fuji TV in October 2006. From the start, the group has had a self-titled variety show where they handle various tasks to work towards becoming full-fledged idols. Idoling!!! started as a nine-member group, but on April 7, 2008, nine new members joined the group, doubling the number of members to 18. On May 29, 2008, it was announced that one of the second generation members, Kobayashi Maia would leave the group due to difficulty balancing her entertainment career with her schoolwork. On January 18, 2009, Koizumi Rumi graduated due to ongoing health problems. Soon after, it was announced that Kato Sayaka (#1), Eto Maria (#4), Takiguchi Mira (#5) and Michelle Miki (#18) would be graduating from Idoling as of March 2009. Shortly after the departure of the aforementioned members, three new members were added to commemorate the official Third Generation of Idoling!!!: Tachibana Yurika (#19), Okawa Ai (#20) and Idoling!!!’s youngest member yet, Hashimoto Kaede (#21). As of October 1, 2009, Idoling!!! has opened up auditions for its fourth generation (to debut in Spring 2010). On March 6, 2010, Idoling!!! new member was announced. Kurata Ruka (#22), Ito Yuuna (#23), Nomoto Manami (#24), Goto Kaoru (#25), and Ojima Chika(#26) are Idoling!!! new member. According to report, the number of applicants are about 5000 people.