Aya Matsuura (松浦 亜弥, Matsuura Aya, born June 25, 1986 in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan) is a J-pop artist and actress within Hello! Project. Aya auditioned in 2000 for the 4th Morning Musume & Heike Michiyo Protegee Audition, and was selected along with Sheki-Dol to become a part of what was later known as Hello! Project. It is a common misconception that Aya originally auditioned to be a part of Morning Musume, which she didn't. After being chosen from that audition, Aya Matsuura began her solo career. Read more on Last.fm