Aya made her debut in 2000 for the fourth 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. In time she would become one of Hello! Project's biggest acts.
On March 8, 2008, Matsuura—as a secret guest—performed at the opening ceremony of the Fourth Special Olympics Japan Winter National Games, a national event in preparation of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games to be held in Boise, Idaho.[6][7] She performed the song "Kizuna", to be released on May 21, 2008 as her 20th single
It was officially announced on October 19, 2008 that Matsuura would be graduating from Hello! Project along with the rest of Elder Club. Before her graduation, Matsuura released her fifth studio album, Omoi Afurete, on January 21, and her 21st single, "Chocolate Damashii", was released on February 11 for Valentine's Day
