She joined the group in August 2001 along with fellow fifth generation members Ai Takahashi, Risa Niigaki, and Asami Konno.
Before joining the Japanese female idol group Morning Musume, Makoto Ogawa was enrolled at an entertainment school named Apple Little Performers (ALP) in Niigata.
She made her CD debut on a cheer song for the J2 soccer team, Albirex Niigata.
Project—also commented that she was selected to join the group because she displayed great dancing skills and shined during the audition process.
Ogawa joined in Morning Musume on August 26, 2001 with Ai Takahashi, Asami Konno and Risa Niigaki She also starred later in the TV drama Aijo Ippon!.