in 2000, three young girls formed a group together in their hometown of Hiroshima. They were Ayaka Nishiwaki (A~chan), Yuka Kashino (Kashiyuka), and Kawashima Yuuka (Kawayuka). Because all three members had the Japanese character for fragrance in their names (?), they named the group Perfume. However, before the group could even debut, Kawashima decided to pull out of the project and pursue her studies.[citation needed] Perfume decided to continue on as a duo but Nishiwaki's mother commented on the lack of power that a two-member group has.[citation needed] Nishiwaki set out to find a replacement, and Ayano Omoto (Nocchi) joined as the third member. The three girls attended the Actors School in Hiroshima (as part of the inaugural class of 1999) so although it was awkward for Nocchi and Kashiyuka at first (they had never met before being introduced by A~chan), they soon became a tight-knit group. In 2001, Perfume debuted in Hiroshima with the single "Omajinai Perori". They followed up the release with "Kareshi Boshkchk". Both singles were only sold in Hiroshima under Momiji Label. Around this time they also met Mikiko, a choreographer who would go on to coordinate all of the group's dances from this point forward.
(source:wikipedia)