Abe Natsumi is one of the five original members of Morning Musume. She often took the lead in songs, on occasion singing the entire lead vocal with the other girls acting as backup singers. In 2004, she graduated from the group to pursue a solo career. In 2003, Abe teamed up with Yosumi Keiko, a former member of Rokusenmon, as a so-called "mother and daughter" duo and released a single to prepare her for her solo efforts. To date she has released two albums, one mini album, and ten solo singles. In late 2004 she was temporarily suspended for plagiarism, but as of early 2005, she is once again recording and performing. Abe has participated in many Hello! Project shuffle units and subgroups, the latest being Morning Musume Tanjou 10nen Kinentai. On November 16, 2007, it was announced that Abe would be collaborating with ºC-ute member Yajima Maimi. They released the single 16sai no Koi Nante on January 16, 2008. It was the first Hello! Project single of 2008.