JAPANESE SINGER /MODEL MAI SHIRAISHI BORN 1992 AUGUST 20

JAPANESE SINGER /MODEL MAI SHIRAISHI BORN 1992 AUGUST 20

Mai Shiraishi (白石 麻衣 Shiraishi Mai?, born August 20, 1992 in Gunma) is a singer and model who is a member of the Japanese idol girl group Nogizaka46.[1][2].

Mai Shiraishi
Background information
Also known as	Maiyan
Born	August 20, 1992 (age 23)
Origin	Gunma, Japan
Genres	J-pop
Occupation(s)	Singer and model
Years active	2011-present
Associated acts	Nogizaka46

Career[edit]

After graduating from High School, Shiraishi pursue her studies in a music college since she desired to be a singer. Later on, one of her teacher suggest her to audition for Nogizaka46.[3]

Her idol career started when she was accepted to be one of the 1st Generation member in AKB48 Official Rival Group, Nogizaka46, on 21 August 2011. She was chosen as one of the members in Nogizaka46 to release their debut song "Guruguru Curtain" on 22 February 2012. When Nogizaka46 release their 2nd single "Oide Shampoo", she was chosen again to be in the senbatsu. Her career as a model started as she participated in Autumn/Winter 2012 Girls Award with her fellow Nogizaka46 member, Nanase Nishino.[4]

Her name became more well known as she appeared in a midnight show Count Down TV Special! Toshikoshi Premier Live 2012-2013 (1 January 2013)[5] and a midnight horse racing show Uma Zuki! (16 March 2013)[6] 

which is viewed by the minimum age of 20 years.

 In Japan broadcast channel, Fuji Television, Shiraishi is chosen to be the MC of the horse racing show Uma Zuki! since 5 January 2013[6] and a presenter in midnight variety show, Bachi Bachi Elekiteru since 16 April 2013.[7]

She became the youngest model for women's fashion magazine Ray issued by Shufonotomo since 23 March 2013.[8] Shiraishi really loves the fashion world and has stated that she once dreamt to become a model during her high school years.

Shiraishi was chosen for the first time to assume the center position in Nogizaka46 for their sixth single "Girl's Rule" which was released on 3 July 2013.[9] The single sold 452,310 copies which is a huge increase by 140,000 copies compared to their fifth single.[10]

On December 17, Shiraishi held a release event for her 1st photo book 'Seijun na Otona Shiraishi Mai' (A Pure Adult). Shiraishi is the 1st member from Nogizaka46 to release a solo photo book. 

"I'm happy to be the first one," she expressed.[11] She also released her 2nd Photobook "MAI STYLE" , which was released on the 23rd January 2015 as the first photobook was highly perceived.[12]