Otomegumi was originally announced in January 2003, when producer Tsunku decided to split Morning Musume into two groups.

[2] Kaori Iida, the oldest of the girls and a founding member of Morning Musume, was chosen to be leader.

[3] The girls' first tour, "Morning Musume Otomegumi Hatsukōen: Otome Chick" began on November 24.

During the remainder of the decade all members but Sayumi Michishige and Reina Tanaka graduated from Morning Musume.

The group remained in hiatus until February 2009, when all seven original members reformed for a performance of their debut single at the Elder Club's graduation concert.