Ayaka Kimura ~ Stage Name: Ayaka Nagate
(PKA:  Ayaka, Coconuts Musume Ayaka)
~ D.O.B: 30th October 1981
~ Ayaka was born in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. In her earlier school days she attended the Canadian Academy International School in Kobe. When she was 14 her parents separated. She lived with her mum, and together they moved to Hawaii. There she continued her education at the Mid-Pacific Institute, graduating to the University of Hawaii. During this time in Hawaii, Ayaka worked as a part-time waitress in the Coco Ichibanya curry house in the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

In 1998 Ayaka and her friend, Mika Todd, formed a singing group, with their other friends April Barbaran, Chelsea Ching, and Danielle Delaunay also as members. The group them started performing at a small restaurant in Waikiki. Ex-Sharan Q drummer Makoto, former bandmate of Tsunku, saw the group performing in the restaurant, and convinced Tsunku to sign them into the Hello! Project. So, in 1999, the group went to Japan and became 'Coconuts Musume'.

In 2001 Ayaka began her "Ayaka's Surprise English Lesson"s, which have become a worldwide hit, thanks to the internet. These were sections in the daily Hello! Project show "Bishoujo Kyouiku" where Ayaka caught or lured in a Morning Musume member to give them an English Lesson. Unfortunately Bishoujo Kyouiku ended in late 2002, and so the English Lessons had to too.

Because of attending the Canadian International School and living in Hawaii, Ayaka is fluent in English. Her hobbies are playing the piano, violin and golf.

On the 30th April 2008 a sudden announcement of Ayaka's graduation from the Hello! Project was posted online. She decided to leave in order to pursue her dream of becoming an actress.