Momoiro Clover Z is an idol group consisting of four members formed on May 17, 2008 under the agency Stardust Promotion, originally named Momoiro Clover and started with various member formations until they finally came up with 6 girls in their major debut. The group is noted for their colour assigned system for each member, super energetic performances, and their attempt to break the cute image of idols.
Basically, this idol group concept is a big Take That! to the idol culture in Japan; they dance like crazy and have some unusual choreography, such as doing handsprings, cartwheels and awesome jumps instead of lighthearted cute dances, wear strange and often ridiculous costumes ranging from Sentai outfits to wrestling masks, shamelessly do some strange routines on TV (the komanechi dance and weird faces among others), and continually do homages to other forms of subculture such as Professional Wrestling, 80's Sketch Comedy, and Toku.
As a result, they've gained attention and gradual popularity because of their uniqueness. Beginning as Street Performers in Yoyogi Park
, they finally got a major debut in 2010 after releasing two indie singles. After their sub-leader's departure in April 2011, the group changed its name to Momoiro Clover Z. Now, their singles have topped the Japanese music charts, they've released three albums, and they have performed in various prestigious music venues in Japan such as Nippon Budokan, Yokohama Arena, Saitama Super Arena, Nissan Stadium, National Olympic Stadium and have also done overseas performances in Germany, France and Malaysia. In 2013, a survey showed that the group currently attracted the highest interest level of all the female idol groups in Japan. The group currently holding the banner for Stardust Idols under the name 3Bjunior (named after their agency section for junior talents), consist of their little sister groups: Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, Team Syachihoko, and Takoyaki Rainbow.
The members can be easily distinguished by their Power Ranger-like colours (Red, Yellow, Pink, and ... Purple?) and their unique 3-minute introduction lines. They are as follows:
- Kanako Momota, The Cinderella from Tea Plantation, the Red, and, you guessed it, The Leader. Nicknamed for her hailing from Shizuoka, famous for its tea products, and noted for her excessive dimples (her pitfall of love) and wide forehead. One of the original members.
- Shiori Tamai, a.k.a Shiorin, Everyone's Little Sister, the Yellow. She is known for being easily driven to tears anywhere, and as such, gained the nickname Spoiled Crybaby. One of the original members.
- Ayaka Sasaki, a.k.a Ahrin, The Momoclo's Idol, the Pink, She is an idol between the idols themselves, nicknamed such for having the most idol-like personality, trying to be cute, sexy and modest all the time. The youngest member.
- Reni Takagi, the Electric Girl, the Purple, known for her intense dances, as if she was being electrocuted. She is the eldest and one of the original members and initially the leader.
Their ex-members are the following:
- Akari Hayami, the Blue. She was originally the sub-leader nicknamed, Momoclo's Cool Beauty, and was mainly in charge of rap parts. However, she left the group in April 2011.
- Momoka Ariyasu, The Little Giant, the Green, noted for her high voice and being the shortest member. The last member to join the group, coming from a top class dance school. She left the group in January 2018 and returned to showbiz as a solo singer-songwriter a year later.
Their ex-members at the time during pre-debut formation include Miyu Wagawa, Manami Ikura, Tsukina Takai (went on to SKE48 and has since graduated), Sumire Fujishiro, Yumikawa Runa and Kashiwa Yukina (who later joined Nogizaka46, but has since graduated).
They have a character sheet. You can look up their complete discography on the other wiki.
Momoiro Clover Z contains examples of:
- Accidental Idol: Their talent management, Stardust, were famous for their actors and actresses. However, before meeting the girls, they never did any business with idol groups before. The girls were never meant to be idols until they performed in the street as a part of their dance lesson. Upon seeing this, the management thought, "Hey, how about we do this for real?". This also factored into Akari's graduation, as she signed with Stardust to pursue acting, and never intended on having an full-time idol career.
- Alter-Ego Acting: The group has three: UFI (Unfinished Fantastic Idol), with a slightly altered personality and name for each member; Momokuro-Tei Ichimonnote , introduced as the mysterious singers for the ending theme of the anime Joshiraku; and Morifu!, an homage to comedy group Dorifu!.
- Angel Face, Demon Face: The concept of the "Saraba" singles.
- Anime Theme Song: Naturally as a part of Star Child record label specializing in anime music, and participating in Anime Music Festival, Animelo Summer Live.
- Yosuga no Sora: "Pinky Jones"
- Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F': "'Z' no Chikai"
- Dragon Crisis!: "Mirai Bowl"
- Double-J: "Wani to Shampoo"
- Bodacious Space Pirates: "Mouretsu" and "LOST CHILD"
- Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes Season 2: "Mitte Mitte Kochichi"
- Joshiraku: "Nippon Egao Hyakkei"
- Sailor Moon Crystal: "MOON PRIDE" and "Moon Rainbow".
- They also covered Sailor Moon's original theme song "Moonlight Densetsu", Mobile Suit Gundam SEED's "Believe", Haruhi Suzumiya's "Saikyou Pare Parade", and Glass Fleet's "Tsuyoku Tsuyoku".
- Arc Words: "Kohaku no Mukogawa!"note was often heard from the girls during their first "arc" before getting into Kohaku (2008-2012).
- Zenryoku (energetic) and Shuumatsu (weekend) would often pop up in their songs.
- Artifact Title: Their "idols that you can meet right now" thing was named as such because of their ways of interacting with the fans back in their indie days; live performances at local department stores, handshake events and direct advertising. These days, if you wanted to see 'em, you'd have to line up to get concert tickets that'd most likely sell out in a couple of minutes.
- Also, the members used to be students and the group was only active on the weekends, hence "Weekend Heroines". Nowadays they appear on TV and even the morning news almost everyday.
- Ascended Extra: All the girls started out as junior talent in their agency, and although some of them appeared in many commercials and music videos since their childhood, they were nowhere near as popular as Stardust's actors and actresses. Now, they're probably more popular than their seniors.
- Momoka joined Stardust in 2009 and was placed in a lesser known idol group named Power Age before officially joining Momoclo.
- As Herself: A number of real Olympic medalists cameoed in the "BLAST!" MV as the girls' opponents and coaches.
- Author Appeal: Their manager, Akira "kwkm" Kawakami, is a big Professional Wrestling fan, which influenced their aesthetics.
- Big Ol' Eyebrows: The signature look and Charm Point of Akari.
- Book Ends: "Ano Sora" is their first recorded song, and is performed in nearly all of their big concerts and final live concerts tour as part of the encore.
- Their first performance is on the streets of Yoyogi Park. Guess what the final spot of their very first national wide live tour was.
- Braids, Beads and Buckskins: The concept for "Pinky Jones" and featured as the "Chapa Chapa" tribe in the music video.
- Bread, Eggs, Milk, Squick: In "Z Densetsu":Reni: "I love you"Momoka: "Truly love you"Ahrin: "Believe in us"Shiorin: "I'M HUNGRY!"
- And Reni's famous shout in "Mouretsu":
Kanako: "Do you hate me?"Momoka: "Is my voice doesn't reach to you?"Shiorin: "But this love..."Ahrin: "I'll give it to you"Reni: "WAO!!" - Butt-Monkey: Despite being the leader, Kanako is constantly bullied by the other members due to her idiocy.
- Call-Back / Continuity Nod: Done on the B-Side of their "Rodou Sanka" single, "Santa-San". Near the end of song, they change the lyrics in the refrain into the lyrics to "Koko Natsu", another B-Side single, due to the similarity in the chorus melodies, notably in the refrains. In the Music Videos, they've even burst in with the "Koko Natsu" outfits, recording style and settings.
- The lyrics to "Z Densetsu" is a nod to their introductory line. The dance in Momoka's part also references a move that she often randomly does. They even reference Akari's departure with the narrator's announcement of "BLUE!" and the group answering with a confused "ah?".
- The refrains of Akari graduation's song are taken from their first major debut single, so damn sad, especially when you know the previously energetic lyrics also
worked in such way. - Their overture is a medley remix of "Kaitou Shojo", "Koko Natsu", "Z Densetsu" and "Wani to Shampoo", the another version of encore overture in Otoko Matsuri is a remix of "Z Densetsu" and "Mouretsu".
- You can hear the tune of "Koko Natsu", "Kaitou Shojo", and "Datte Ahrin Nanda Mon" in "Momoclo no Nippon Manzai!"
- "Datte Ahrin Nanda Mon" also incorporated in Ahrin's solo part in "Morifu Dayo!".
- The arrangement of "Jimusho ni Motto Osaretai" seems to be recycled from "Dekomayu". Momoka even mentioned it in the song, "isn't this song seems like Dekomayu?"
- Narration in Z Densetsu mentioned the title as "the fourth chapter" and Mouretsu is titled as "7th Symphony", both referencing their single number counts.
- All the songs mentioned above were written and composed by Hyadain. Also, one of his music video features various
cameo props from their music videos. The man must really love his job. - "Ano Sora" lyrics can be seen in the school plaque in "Otome Senso" music video.
- The planet that turned into a candy eaten by Kanako in the end of "BIRTH BIRTH" music video reappears in "GOUNN" music video, Word of God confirmed that the two videos exist in the same continuity.
- The stage decoration in Momoiro Christmas 2012 is a reminiscent of 2010's Momoiro Christmas, or their very first live concert.
- Calling Your Attacks: In a fighting scene at Summer Dive 2011 live. They went from (relatively) standard stuff like, "Good Day Punch!", and "Cheerful Feeling Kick!!" to more ridiculous-sounding stuff like, "I'm Hungry Cutter!!", and "My Dimples Are Pitfall of Loveeee dive!!".
- Catchphrase: "We are the Idols that you can meet right now, the weekend heroines, Momoiro Clover Z!" note
- "Ahrin da yo!"
- Chewing the Scenery: "AKAKU AKAKU HIKARU ANTARESU NO YOU NIIII!!!" . Actually, the rest of "Mouretsu" leads one to believe that the members would rather shout their lines than sing them. And then there's Reni's random yelling.
- "YABAAAAI!"
- Christmas Songs: "Santa-San". Their limited singles for Momoiro Christmas ("Kimiyuki", "Shiroi Kaze" and "Bokura no Century") also counts.
- Colour-Coded for Your Convenience: Their premise. Somehow, they ended up becoming accustomed to this in their normal lives.
- Comic-Book Adaptation: They have a 4-panel manga titled Momo Pro Z. Instead of being about idols, it's all about Professional Wrestling.
- Cool Mask: Just look at all of the promotional material for 5th Dimension.
- Cover Version: See Anime Theme Song above. They also did m.o.v.e's "Words of the Mind", Harajuku Launcher's "Kibun wa Super Girl", RAMJET PULLEY's "Hello Goodbye", and "Daisuki!", a single by Power Age (Momoka's former group). They're also quite popular for covering some of 70 - 80s ballad and folk songs.
- Cross-Cast Role: In "Mirai Bowl" music video, where Akarin played a dandy guy named Danny, his rival leader played by Ahrin, and his henchmen Spare, Gutter, and ...the henchman played by Shiori, Momoka and Reni, respectively, leaving only Kanako to act as a girl named Sandy, the love interest for both Danny and Leader.
- Cute Clumsy Girl: Momoka is the clumsiest out of all the girls. She even got the highest score in cuteness on one variety show just for being barely able to stand up after a long sit.
- Cute Little Fangs: Kanako, Momoka, and Akari.
- Cute Mute: Momoka in every TV appearance and stage during her voice treatment in the early 2013.
- Darker and Edgier: Their first theatrical movie, Shirome, is a horror movie. Also, in the 2010 movie Shuumin Police, they briefly appear as Delinquents carrying a rake, whip, baseball bat, pipe and pickaxe!
- The "Kimi to Sekai" Music Video.
- In 2014 they switched record labels (yet still under the same roof), going from the cutesy anime based Star Child to the thematically dark EVIL LINE records. Considering they were already going down this path since 5th Dimension, they could be far more darker.
- The Noisia remix of Lost Child takes this wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy up to eleven.
- Dubstep: Believe it or not, yeah; both "BIRTH BIRTH" and "NEO STARGATE" have elements of this, with the latter even throwing some Jump Up Drum N Bass in the mix. note
- Early-Installment Weirdness: Inverted in this case; they were normal girls during the pre-major single times, with normal outfits, dances, lyrics and songs just like yet another idol group.
- Epic Instrumental Opener: "Overture".
- Even the Girls Want Her: The girls have quite a large female fanbase. They've even held an annual women-only concert called Onna Matsurinote . In the 2012 concert in Budokan, they managed to garner an audience of freaking 10,000 women.
- Fangirl: They're fangirls of another idol group, S/mileage of Hello! Project.
- Fanservice: The "Kaitou Shojo" Music video for those with outfit fetishes. Otherwise averted, as Stardust Productions has a modesty clause for their idol acts (no gravure, no bikini shoots, no dyed hair or excessive makeup etc.).
- Fashionable Asymmetry: Because of their weird costume preferences, many of them fall into this category. Their debut costume◊ is the primary example.
- Flashback: 2012's live Momoiro Christmas opening VTR showed a documentary of them during the previous 5 years, including a part where they talked about reaching Kohaku together and Akari's resignation. Cue the tears.
- Forehead of Doom: Kanako's pride.
- Game Changer: The inclusion of Momoka (a real dancer) to the group was said by Akari to be the reason why their dances have become crazier.
- Genki Girl: ALL OF THEM!
- Girlish Pigtails: Shiori often had these before her haircut in the Battle and Romance era.
- Girl Group: Naturally, but they're not just your average idol group.
- Gratuitous English: Akari's introduction: "My smile will change the world. You decide my future. Can't stop". What?
- Heavy Sleeper: Reni. Even playing a loud electric guitar right between her ears can't wake her up.
- Henshin Hero: The lyrics in "Kaitou Shojo" say they are, and their dance even has them strike a henshin pose. However, it took about a year for them to transform into costumed heroines in "Z Densetsu".
- Homage: Lots.
- Some to Super Sentai. The single "Z Densetsu" aims for this; they wear henshin belts and Scarf Of Ass Kicking, strike Super Sentai Stances, have the yellow one as a Big Curry Eater (which she actually is), and there's also a scene parodying cyborg brainwashing trends in old tokusatsu shows.
- Their "Ze!!" is the Catchphrase of Ichiro Mizuki, the singer of Mazinger Z opening and narrator of "Z Densetsu".
- Every single of their big live concerts are announced and narrated in a fashion similar to Professional Wrestling matches and even done by the actual match narrators. Their manager is a big fan of pro wrestling; their nicknames, such as Electric Girl and Little Giant, are common practices in wrestler names. The most blatant of these homages is in their first album title, Battle and Romance, named after a Japanese wrestling promotion, "Wrestling And Romance" (WAR).
- The "Chai Maxx" pose is an homage to professional wrestler Keiji Mutoh's signature pose. Some dance parts were also inspired by Alistair Overeem's moves. Also, Reni is shown dressed as Danpei, the coach from Tomorrow's Joe in this mixed martial arts themed Music Video.
- The music video of "Ikuze! Kaitou Shoujou" shows the girls fighting an obvious Expy of a Kamen Rider Mook, Shocker Combatant.
- "Morifu!" is an homage to an 80’s comedy group called Drift ("Dorifu" in Japan). Some dance parts in this song and "Chai Maxx" also borrowed from them.
- The "Otome Sensou" outfits? YES!! THAT'S Mobile Suit Gundam ZAKU II!! Although Word of God has stated that the costume was based on wrestling duo The Road Warriors, it more resembles Zaku, especially that pipe thingy.
- The bear-themed device suit that shoots gas worn by Kanako in "Z Densetsu" is named Bearda, an homage to the suit often worn by WCW wrestler Vader ("Bearda" and "Vader" sound same in Japanese).
- The Momobro trading cards released in 2012 is an homage to showa era idol, a number of poses and costumes also based on several '80s idol singer single or album covers.
- The song "Kuroi Shuumatsu" is a homage to Black Sabbath, which is the English translation of the title. Reni even copied Tony Iommi’s coughing from the beginning of "Sweet Leaf" song, not to mention the line "cabbra sadabra" (a Shout-Out to their song) and Ahrin's "All aboard! Ha ha ha ha ha ha haaaa!".
- To 2001: A Space Odyssey. Just watch the "Mouretsu" music videos. The three random letters muttered in "LOST CHILD" also resemble HAL 9000's screen codes in the film.
- Several of their music videos, "Mirai Bowl" to West Side Story, "D no Junjou" to Kamen no Ninja Akakage, "Otome Sensou" to Dead Poets Society. Making homages is pretty much this group's selling point; to list them all would probably require a separate page.
- Male singer group Kishidan, being fans of the group, made a single song entirely as an homage to them.
- Hurricane of Puns: In "Wani to Shampoo". Also a trademark in many Hyadain songs, such as "Mirai Bowl".
- "I Am" Song: "Z Densetsu Owarinaki Kakumei".
- I Have Many Names: Momoiro Clover, Momoiro Clover Z, Momokuro, Momoclo, MomokuroZ, MCZ, Momokuro-chan.
- Important Haircut: Invoked by Shiorin when promoting Battle and Romance.Shiorin: "If this album isn't number one, I'll cut my hair!".
- It turned out that the album only reached #2, and she did indeed get that haircut.
- Lady of War: Literally, "Otome Sensou".
- Let's Duet: Their duet song, Kanako and Akari, Kanako and Shiori, Reni and Momoka and all of them are Call And Response Songs.
- They have done several collaborative performances with other artists, such as Tokyo Girls' Style, miwa and Carly Rae Jepsen. No seriously.note
- They also had a collaboration with KISS of all bands. No, really.
- They have done several collaborative performances with other artists, such as Tokyo Girls' Style, miwa and Carly Rae Jepsen. No seriously
- Lettered Sequel: The "Z" in their name was added after the lineup change by their staff because they thought it was a cool idea. It also serves as a homage to the 70's anime Mazinger Z, so hey. Their single after the name change also spams the "Z" line throughout the song.
- List Song: "Momoclo no Nippon Manzai!" lists all 47 prefectures in Japan along with each region specialty. Of course, the Kansai dialect is also played with in this song.
- Lucky Charms Title: "Koko Natsu" and "Mitte Mitte Kocchihi" are both stylized with stars in their names.
- Lyrical Cold Open: "GOUNN" opens with a solo from Kanako. "Orange Note" starts off with the members singing together cutely. In live shows, the line is often sung by the audience.
- Make a Wish: Their only dream back in their days as street performers was to appear in the Japanese New Year Eve music show, Kohaku, and in 2012, they finally got it.
- And shortly after that they already defined their next goal: to perform in Japan's biggest stadium, the National Olympic Stadium.
- Mascot: Kanako created a sort of peach-like mascot for the group called Momo-tan.
- Meaningful Rename: They renamed the group by adding Z right after Akari's graduation concert. This is explained as "Z" being a form of revolution for the group, and they will never be same without her.
- Mentor: Kawakami, as their manager, is portrayed as one. He often literally pushes their backs before shows.
- Yumi-Sensei, as she is the only choreographer for their songs since their debut.
- Hyadain can be counted as one as well.
- Merchandise-Driven: "Wee-Tee-Wee-Tee" was made to promote Furby toys, the title itself is derived from furby language that means "Sing, Sing".
- "Momoiro Taiko Dodon Ga Bushi" to Taiko no Tatsujin.
- Music for Courage: "Rodo Sanka", as mentioned above, is dedicated to labor workers. "PUSH!" and "DNA Rhapsody" as well.
- My Beloved Smother: Doubling as Stage Mom, Ahrin's mama is described everywhere else as this. Ahrin even has a whole solo song about her.
- Mythology Gag: What comes after "Hashire!"note ? "Motto Hashire!"note by Ebichu and "Mou Chotto Hashire!"note by Team Syachihoko. The three also have Shout-Out songs with Stardust in the titles, "Stardust Serenade", "Stardust Light" and "Stardust Bowling".
- New Sound Album: 5th Dimension is packed with pretty different and more experimental tracks than their previous happy upbeat songs. Hyadain even tweeted about it, saying it wasn't interesting but it will sell out anyway.
- Ninja Pirate Zombie Robot: Yes, ninja◊, pirate◊, zombie◊, robot◊...and native indian, sailor, boxer, wrestler, angel, demon, Pokemon, deity, DRUNK OLD MAN!
- Ominous Latin Chanting: More like Ominous Japanese chanting in "Mouretsu" and "NEO STARGATE".
- "OPEN THE GATE, OPEN YOUR SOUL"
- One of the Kids: Shiorin, at least by her own account.
- One-Steve Limit: Averted, it's interesting that the group named Momoiro Clover has members named Momota and Momoka, it doesn't work well in Japanese, though.
- Pie in the Face: Done in the "Mirai E Susume" and "Santa-San" music videos.
- Phantom Thief: "Kaitou Shojo" is all about this. They're not interested in those sparkling diamonds, though. All they want is to steal your heart.
- Pirate Girl: The members dressed as space pirate girls in their single "Mouretsu".
- Playground Song: "Mite Mite Kocchichi". The lyrics are even written entirely in Kana.
- Portmanteau Couple Name: There are official duet unit groups called MomoTamai (Kanako and Shiorin) and DekoMayu (Kanako and Akarin). There are also fan ships, such as AyaKanako, AhriNyasu, MomoTakagi, and so on, equal to combinations of 2 people out of 6.
- Pun-Based Title: Hoo boy, here comes Hyadain, "Mirai Bowl" to Mirrorball, "Koko Natsu" is a pun on Coconuts and its literal translation "Here's Summer", "Santa San" is all about Fun with Palindromes, "Nippon Banzai!" can be read as either banzai! or manzai and Beta in UFI's "Beta is the Best!" can mean cliche or better.
- They pulled off a nice combination of this and Bilingual Bonus in their 2013 Haru no Ichidaiji concert titled Hoshi wo Tsugu Momo -Peach for the Stars-. Hoshi wo Tsugu Momo is a parody of a manga adaptation of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam titled Hoshi wo Tsugu Mono, which translates to reach for the stars.
- Puni Plush: Ayaka.
- Race Against the Clock: Momokuno 60-Minutes is a series of their special live concert program where they had to perform requested songs in 60 minutes. The live will often end abruptly even while a song is being performed.
- Ragtag Bunch of Misfits: Their alter-ego, UFI, consists of a girl who only cares about food (Tamachan), an overly carefree American girl (Catherine), a girl who always falls in love (Saayan), a girl who loves partying and drinking (Gorina), a mysterious, shy and quiet girl who doesn't even sing (Miss X), and the only sane girl (Momorin).
- Rated M for Manly: The main theme for their men-only annual concert Otoko Matsurinote . In the 2012 concert, they feature masters from Kyokushin karate and wrestlers from All Japan Pro Wrestling. The art for DVD cover was even done by the artist who drew Fist of the North Star. Can't get much more manly than that.
- Rearrange the Song: Several of their popular songs were rearranged in 2019 and called the "ZZ Version", to exhibit their growth and their four-person formation following Momoka's departure.
- Red Oni, Blue Oni: Kanako and Akarin are best friends outside of their career, to the extent that they have their own combination nickname, Dekomayu. Also serves as Tomboy and Girly Girl.
- Repeat After Me: Ahrin does this in every live performance with "Hai Hai Hai" before the song "Konouta".
- Re-release the Song: Their first major debut, "Kaitou Shojo", got a 2012 special rerelease.
- Other examples can be found on the album Battle and Romance. They re-recorded "Kaitou Shojo", "Mirai Bowl", and "Pinky Jones", this time without Akarin's voice.
- The album Iriguchi no nai Denguchi compiles their indie songs.
- Rule of Symbolism: "GOUNN" is loaded with this. It's like they're trying to give another homage, this time to Buddhism. The title itself means Skandha, the five aspects of human beings, and the outfits are a clear reference to Buddhist deities with those background halos and Mandala, the lyrics are about the love journey beyond eternity, and throw Buddhism terminologies elsewhere such as impermanence (anicca), negative emotions (kleshas), Karma, cause and effect (hetu-phala), reincarnation, synchronicity and various lores including heaven, honey, water lily, Kalakala, Shambhala, Amanojaku, and, of course, palms.
- Running Gag: Reni's weird face, komanechi poses and "Go ahead" gag.
- School Uniforms are the New Black/Kimono Is Traditional: Their original concept and pre-major debut outfits were a mix of kimonos and school skirts, without any colour differences for each members.
- Seasonal Baggage: Their annual live concerts: Momoclo Haru no Ichidaijinote in the spring, Summer Dive in the... uh...summer, Momoclo Aki no Ni Dai Matsuri note in autumn and Momoiro Christmas in winter.
- A possible nod to "Kaito Shoujo" lyrics: "Spring, summer, autumn, winter, always non-stop."
- Sequel Song: "BIRTH BIRTH" is one to "DNA Rhapsody".
- Also, the music video of "BIRTH BIRTH" is a sequel to "NEO STARGATE".
- Shout-Out: Their catchphrase, "We are the idols that you can meet RIGHT NOW!" is a parody of AKB48's promotional concept, "Idols that you can meet".
- The lyrics in "Mouretsu" also a variation of this. The line "Even if I turn into the dust of stardust" is a shout out to their agency's name and their position as an idol unit that were overshadowed (or left in the "dust") by their seniors as actors and actresses (the "star").
- Also, in "Mouretsu", the line "The child of star will continue to protect you" is a shout to their record label, Starchild.
- "Otome Sensou" mentions Duke Ellington and John Dillinger.
- "Pinky Jones", being the ending theme for the anime Yosuga no Sora, contains the lyrics "yosuga wo tayori ni shite saa".
- "Kuroi Shuumatsu, Come on, Lydeen!"
- Signature Move: Kanako's awesome back-bending jump (called Ebizori Jump) in "Kaitou Shojo".
- Silly Love Songs: As is the standard formula for idol songs. Even though they’re famous for many hilarious songs, they can’t escape this. "Hashire!" is one of the earliest examples, and "Mouretsu" is a love song, IN SPACE!.
- Singer Name Drop: Becomes a Stealth Pun in "Pinky Jones"; as a Japanese name can have multiple meanings, they make their names a part of the lyrics.
- A bit of a variation in "Mirai Bowl" and "Mouretsu", as the member color drop.
- Played straight in "Kaitou Shojo", "Z Densetsu", "Momoclo no Nippon Manzai", "Morifu", and their No Fourth Wall solo and duet songs.
- Singing Voice Dissonance: Momoka. She's even noted by the others as the one with the husky voice.
- Song Style Shift: "Mirai Bowl" is a prominent example of how crazy their music is. The song starts out with synthy Swing, then suddenly becomes something akin to Eurobeat in the chorus.
- Soundtrack Dissonance: Need a theme song for horror movie Shirome? Why not "Koko Natsu"?
- Space Opera: Almost all of the tracks on 5th Dimension. It's sort of a Concept Album based around the trope in this regard. To wit, we have: "NEO STARGATE", "BIRTH BIRTH", "Mouretsu" note , "Tsuki to Gingami Hikousen"note , Soratobu! Ozashiki Ressha''note , "Kasou Dystopia"note , and "Joukyu Monogatari -Carpe Diem-"note .
- There's also "MILKY WAY", "Stardust Serenade" and "LOST CHILD".
- Special Guest: The major theme of their Momoclo All Stars concert in the annual Haru no Ichidaiji tour. Interestingly enough, the guests aren't people that you'd expect to appear in a teen idol live concert such as professional wrestlers or 80's folk song singers.
- Spiritual Successor: Invoked by Stardust with Team Syachihoko and Takoyaki Rainbow. Both were both created with the goal of replicating the same success that Momoclo achieved, albeit in different cities (Nagoya and Osaka respectively). In fact, both groups debuted with the same initial color scheme and had a membernote leave shortly after just like their big sister group. Recently, Stardust tried this trope again with Batten Shoujo Tai, based in Fukuoka, and Tokimeki Sendenbu, who like Momoclo were originally meant to be a temp unit.
- The group is actually one to their agency's early attempt to make an idol group, Harajuku Launchers (a.k.a Angel Eyes). These days, Angel Eyes has become the name of their official fan club.
- Spoken Word in Music: The narration in "Z Densetsu" and "Ozashiki Ressha", the mid portion of "LOST CHILD", and the whole conversation between Kanako and Shiorin in "Single Bed".
- Surprisingly Gentle Song: "Kimiyuki", "Kimi no Ato" and "Shiroi Kaze". Of course, this trope is common with idols and idol groups.
- Surreal Music Video: Space Pirates on bicycles, glowing eyes, AND KAMEHAMEHAS!
- Talkative Loon: All of them.
- That Russian Squat Dance: "Wee-Tee-Wee-Tee".
- That Syncing Feeling: They have the reputation for mostly not using pre-recorded vocals despite their intense choreography, which is rather uncommon for idol groups.
- Title 1: Momoiro Christmas 2012 vol.1 and Haru no Ichidaiji 2013 vol.1.
- Title Theme Tune: "Z Densetsu", as a nod to 80's anime and tokusatsu series theme songs. "WE ARE MOMOIRO CLOVEEEER! ZEEEEEEEEEEE!"
- Train Song: "Ozasshiki Ressha".
- Translated Cover Version: "Ikuze! Kaitou Shoujo", covered and translated into English by GILLE.
- Troperrific: If you've read down this far and this still isn't apparent, we don't know what to tell you.
- Unflinching Walk: Otome Sensou music video!
- Unreplaced Departed: After both Akari and Momoka left.
- V-Formation Team Shot: As a 5-person superhero parody group, much of their choreography was like this. The pose featured prominently in "Z Densetsu". With Momoka gone, they have started using a 4-point diamond formation instead.
- Variety Show: Momoclo Chan, their main Long Runner variety show, Bessatsunote Momoclo Chan, kind of Recap Episode of past Momoclo Chan with extra footage, Momo-ken, documentary of various company visits, and Momokuro-Dan, a random 2-minute mini show.
- What Happened to the Mouse?: Besides Akari, who is now a high profile fashion model and actress, and Momoka, who is an independent artist, many of their ex-members have never returned to the entertainment industry.
- Word Salad Title: "Wani to Shampoo" which means Crocodile and Shampoo in English. Good luck trying to figure out what that means. The lyrics are also pretty much word salad. This is all justified, however, as the song is about the stress and panic of doing homework on the day it's due.
- Why Did It Have to Be a Mystery Box?: Momoka is afraid of the mystery box game.
- Wrestler in All of Us: They appeared in an actual match as Keiji Mutoh's ally, dubbed the Great Clover Z.
- Xtreme Kool Letterz: The first kanji of "Otome Senso", Otsu from Otome, is fashioned with the letter "Z", because both are similar, leading foreign fans to think it is titled "Z Otome Senso".
- You Are Not Alone: This is what makes "DNA Rhapsody" very popular. Also in "CONTRADICTION", "Z Densetsu" and "Stardust Serenade".
- Younger Than They Look: Ahrin is the tallest and bustiest out of all the members, yet she is the youngest of the group.
- Zombie Apocalypse: They starred in a reality TV special about a zombie apocalypse in an elementary school, where they had to save the kids by ... engaging in a ramen eating competition with the boss zombie.
"Well then, we are the Idols that you can meet right now, the weekend heroines, Momoiro Clover... Z! Thank you! Bye-bye!"note
