However, because of the similarity to "Reina" and the fact that her nickname more closely matched "Lina" anyway, this became her name around the time of their first CD.

During informal footage such as backstage of their concerts, Mina and Nana are referred to by their full names, Minako and Nanako.

Even though the Super Monkey's were over, MAX performed as dancers for Namie Amuro throughout the early stages of her solo career until March 1996.

When the eponymous theme song "Give me a Shake" was released as a single it debuted at #1 garnering the group their first and only #1 hit.

MAX appearing for the first time on Kouhaku Utagassen at the end of 1997 and continued their reign at the top of the music scene throughout 1998.

The girls scored a major hit at the end of the year with their first ballad single entitled, "Issho ni."

For their first single of the new millinneum, the girls decided to take control of their music by writing and producing for the first time.

On the day of the meeting, a three-member MAX came out to a crowded club performing their #1 smash, "Give me a Shake."

A new single and album were scheduled for release the next month along with TV appearances on some of the biggest music shows in the country.

In November, MAX finally made their comeback with the bossa nova influenced single, "Eternal White".

In August, the group performed in the United States for the first time at Texas' AnimeFest held at the Hyatt Hotel in Dallas.

During the hotel tour, the group confirmed a new single entitled "Nirai Kanai" for release in July.

MAX also had a greater input in this single, not only picking the song but also writing the lyrics and even performing a bit of the instrumental.

In an interview with "Barks.co.jp," the group explained that the long wait for the single was due to their search for the perfect song.

However, the song proved to be a runaway hit in Okinawa allowing the group to have several live events on the island.

[4] The group made their last public appearance with Aki at the Japanese premiere of the "Sex and the City" film.

On October 28, a press release was issued announcing the return of original member, Mina, and an official comeback.

Its success led to announcement of six additional shows turning the concert event into a nationwide tour.

[10] The program later revealed that after Aki left the group to pursue a solo career, Nana suggested to the remaining members that they invite Mina to rejoin them.

On May 21, 2011, the group's management announced that Reina was five months pregnant and would take maternity leave immediately.

Music Champ in late July where the remaining members performed for the first time as a three-piece unit.

As part of NHK's BS Premium's programming block catered to women, the network announced the weekly variety show, Hare, Tokidoki Farm!

On the program, the members would hone horticulture and craftsmanship skills with local farmers and guest celebrities.

On April 17, MAX was announced as spokespersons for Sapporo Beer's wheat and lemon line of beverages.

[13] In February 2013, she announced the birth of her second child, a girl, and confirmed that she would be continuing her maternity leave until further notice.

and shortly afterwards, Lina informed fans through her blog that MAX had entered into meetings for a planned single release.