Project as a member of the Japan-based girl group Coconuts Musume.
Project in 1999 after being discovered by Makoto [ja], fellow Sharan Q bandmate of Tsunku, with four other girls, forming Coconuts Musume.
She is best known by foreign fans for her "Ayaka no Totsugeki Eikaiwa" (Ayaka's Surprise English Lessons) TV segment, where she would test the English skills of Morning Musume members.
[2][3] The following day, it was revealed that she had signed with Tristone Entertainment, going under the stage name of Ayaka Nagate.
[4] On July 14, 2008, it was announced that she and professional golfer Hideto Tanihara had married.