Aya Matsuura (Matsuura Aya) born June 25, 1986, is a female Japanese popular music artist and actress who was born in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture.
Aya auditioned in 2000, and became the 4th member selected to be a part of the "little sister" portion of artists that worked alongside Morning Musume, which was later to became known as Hello! Project. Another H!P group, Sheki Dol also came out of the 4th audition. 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. In time she would become one of H!P's biggest acts.