List of female Japanese K-pop idols who are taking over the industry

Sana of TWICE is the most popular female Japanese K-pop idol in the world. She leads global fan rankings, with nearly 3,000 votes on Ranker's community poll. Since TWICE debuted in 2015, Japan has given K-pop some of its most recognisable names, from seasoned 3rd-gen stars to the freshest 5th-gen talents. Here are 10 female Japanese K-pop idols who have made, and are still making, the biggest impact on the industry.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

• Sana (TWICE) tops Ranker's global vote with nearly 3,000 fan votes, making her the most popular Japanese female K-pop idol worldwide.
• Miyawaki Sakura (LE SSERAFIM) received 39.71% of votes in Japan's Danmee fan poll — the highest share of any idol surveyed.
• TWICE features three Japanese members, Sana, Momo, and Mina (affectionately known as the "J-Trinity"), making them one of the most famous Japanese lines in K-pop history.
• Japanese female idols span three generations of K-pop, from TWICE's debut in 2015 to ILLIT and BABYMONSTER's debuts in 2024.
• Rising 5th-gen stars Iroha (ILLIT) and ASA (BABYMONSTER) are among the newest wave of Japanese K-pop talent.

How this list was ranked

Rankings reflect a combination of sources: Ranker's global fan community vote, Japan-specific fan polls reported by Danmee magazine via IBTimes, the comprehensive Japanese K-pop idol roster at kprofiles.com, and overall cultural impact and group recognition. Data was cross-checked across multiple industry and fan sources.

Summary of the 10 most famous female Japanese K-pop idols

Rank	Name	Group	Hometown	Debut
1	Sana	TWICE	Osaka	2015
2	Momo	TWICE	Kyoto	2015
3	Sakura	LE SSERAFIM	Kagoshima	2022
4	Mina	TWICE	San Antonio, USA (Raised in Nishinomiya, Japan)	2015
5	Kazuha	LE SSERAFIM	Kochi, Japan (Raised in Osaka)	2022
6	Giselle	aespa	Tokyo (raised)	2020
7	Rei	IVE	Nagoya	2021
8	Hikaru	Kep1er	Fukuoka	2022
9	Ruka	BABYMONSTER	Okayama	2024
10	Iroha	ILLIT	Tokyo	2024

10. Iroha (ILLIT) — born 2008, youngest Japanese idol in a major K-pop group

• Full name: Iroha
• Group: ILLIT
• Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
• Born: 4 February 2008
• Debut: 25 March 2024

Iroha is ILLIT's maknae (youngest member) and one of K-pop's youngest active Japanese idols. Born on 4 February 2008 in Tokyo, she became part of the 5th-generation wave that debuted in 2024.

She secured her place in ILLIT through HYBE's 2023 survival show R U Next?. ILLIT debuted on 25 March 2024 with the EP Super Real Me under Belift Lab. Lead single "Magnetic" became a viral sensation, topping South Korean charts. Iroha's sharp footwork and clean technical execution set her apart. She is one of two Japanese members in ILLIT, alongside Moka.

9. Ruka (BABYMONSTER) — longest-trained member under YG Entertainment

• Full name: Kawai Ruka
• Group: BABYMONSTER
• Hometown: Okayama, Japan
• Born: 20 March 2002
• Debut: 2024

Ruka is BABYMONSTER's main rapper and main dancer, and the group's longest-trained member. Born on 20 March 2002 in Okayama, she spent years at YG Entertainment before her debut.

Before BABYMONSTER, she was a member of the Japanese girl group Shibu3 Project. She debuted with BABYMONSTER in 2024, bringing intense rap delivery and explosive stage energy to the group. Her debut single "BATTER UP" announced her to K-pop audiences worldwide. Ruka's dual command of rap and dance makes her one of the most technically rounded 5th-generation Japanese idols active today.

8. Hikaru (Kep1er) — 7th place on Girls Planet 999

• Full name: Ezaki Hikaru
• Group: Kep1er
• Hometown: Fukuoka, Japan
• Debut: 3 January 2022

Hikaru is a Japanese member of multinational girl group Kep1er, formed through Mnet's 2021 survival show Girls Planet 999. She finished 7th overall on the programme, earning her spot in the nine-member line-up.

Kep1er debuted on 3 January 2022. Hikaru's energetic stage presence and vocal precision quickly built a loyal fanbase. Her standout performance on Girls Planet 999 helped spotlight Japanese talent in K-pop's 4th generation at a time when the generation was just emerging. She remains one of the most recognisable Japanese 4th-gen idols outside of the major legacy groups.

7. Rei (IVE) — rapper in one of K-pop's top 4th-gen groups

• Full name: Naoi Rei
• Group: IVE
• Hometown: Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
• Born: 3 February 2004
• Debut: 1 December 2021

Rei is a Japanese rapper and vocalist in IVE, one of the biggest 4th-generation K-pop girl groups. Born on 3 February 2004 in Nagoya, she auditioned for Starship Entertainment and relocated to Seoul to begin training.

IVE debuted on 1 December 2021 with "Eleven," which broke multiple streaming records in South Korea. Rei brings clean rap delivery and strong visual presence to the group. Her fluency in both Korean and Japanese makes her a key bridge for IVE's strong following in Japan. Her distinctive fashion sense has also earned her recognition in K-pop's style community.

6. Giselle (aespa) — bilingual main rapper and style icon

• Full name: Uchinaga Eri
• Group: aespa
• Raised in: Tokyo, Japan
• Debut: 17 November 2020

Giselle is the Japanese-Korean main rapper and sub-vocalist of aespa, SM Entertainment's powerhouse girl group. Her legal name is Uchinaga Eri. Born in Seoul and raised in Tokyo, she is fluent in Japanese, Korean, and English, a major asset for the group's global and Japanese promotions.

She was officially revealed as an aespa member on 30 October 2020, and the group debuted on 17 November 2020. aespa's concept-driven music and visuals quickly attracted a global audience. Giselle is widely regarded as a fashion trendsetter within K-pop's 4th generation. Her multilingual fluency has enabled aespa to connect directly with their international and Japanese fanbases alike.

5. Kazuha (LE SSERAFIM) — professional ballerina turned K-pop idol

• Full name: Nakamura Kazuha
• Group: LE SSERAFIM
• Hometown: Kochi (raised in Osaka), Japan
• Born: 9 August 2003
• Debut: 2 May 2022

Kazuha is a former professional ballerina who traded the concert hall for K-pop. Born on 9 August 2003 in Kochi City and raised in Osaka, she trained at elite institutions including the Bolshoi Academy in Moscow, the Royal Ballet School in London, and the National Ballet Academy of Amsterdam.

She is one of the first Japanese members of a HYBE Labels girl group. LE SSERAFIM debuted on 2 May 2022 with the EP Fearless. Kazuha's ballet background brings exceptional poise and physical precision to her performances. Her technical command of movement has frequently been praised as a benchmark for stage artistry in K-pop's 4th generation.

4. Mina (TWICE) — elegance icon since K-pop's 3rd generation

• Full name: Myoui Mina
• Group: TWICE
• Hometown: Kobe, Japan
• Born: 24 March 1997
• Debut: 20 October 2015

Mina is a main dancer, sub-vocalist, and one of three Japanese members at the core of TWICE. Born on 24 March 1997 in San Antonio, Texas, she moved to Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan at a young age. She was discovered by a JYP Entertainment talent scout while shopping with her mother in Osaka.

TWICE debuted on 20 October 2015 following the survival show SIXTEEN. Mina is celebrated for her elegant, ballerina-like movement style and her role as one of the group's key visuals. In July 2023, she debuted with TWICE's all-Japanese sub-unit MISAMO alongside Momo and Sana, releasing the mini-album Masterpiece to widespread critical acclaim. In January 2025, she became Japan's ambassador for Fendi, the Italian luxury fashion brand.

3. Sakura (LE SSERAFIM) — Japan's most popular K-pop idol (39.71% of fan votes)

• Full name: Miyawaki Sakura
• Group: LE SSERAFIM
• Hometown: Kagoshima, Japan
• Born: 19 March 1998
• Debut: 2 May 2022 (K-pop debut)

Miyawaki Sakura is the most popular Japanese female K-pop idol within Japan. She received 39.71% of the total votes in Danmee magazine's Japanese fan poll, the highest share of any idol surveyed.

Before joining LE SSERAFIM, she built an enormous fanbase as a member of HKT48 (from 2011) and AKB48 in Japan. She entered Korean idol culture via survival show Produce 48 in 2018, finishing second and joining IZONE. She debuted with LE SSERAFIM on 2 May 2022 with the EP Fearless. The group's 2024 EP Easy* reached number one on South Korean charts and entered the Billboard Hot 100.

2. Momo (TWICE) — K-pop's most celebrated dancer

• Full name: Hirai Momo
• Group: TWICE
• Hometown: Kyoto, Japan
• Born: 9 November 1996
• Debut: 20 October 2015

Momo is widely regarded as one of the greatest dancers in K-pop history. Born on 9 November 1996 in Kyoto, she was discovered by JYP Entertainment after a video of her dancing spread online.

She appeared on TWICE's pre-debut survival show SIXTEEN in 2015. Despite being eliminated initially, she was brought back into the final line-up. TWICE debuted on 20 October 2015 and became one of K-pop's best-selling acts across Asia. Momo's mastery of both synchronised group choreography and freestyle expression has made her a benchmark for K-pop dancing for over a decade. She debuted with sub-unit MISAMO in 2023.

1. Sana (TWICE) — the most popular female Japanese K-pop idol in the world

• Full name: Minatozaki Sana
• Group: TWICE
• Hometown: Osaka, Japan
• Born: 29 December 1996
• Debut: 20 October 2015

Sana is the most popular female Japanese K-pop idol in the world, leading Ranker's global community vote with nearly 3,000 fan votes. Born on 29 December 1996 in Osaka, she was scouted by a JYP Entertainment representative at 14 and relocated to South Korea in 2012 to begin training.

She debuted with TWICE on 20 October 2015 as a vocalist. Her personality, visual appeal, and warm fan interactions have made her one of the most recognisable faces in K-pop globally. Sana frequently ranks among the most searched K-pop idols in multiple Asian markets. In July 2023, she debuted with TWICE's Japanese sub-unit MISAMO alongside Momo and Mina, releasing the critically acclaimed mini-album Masterpiece.

FAQ

Who is the most famous female Japanese idol?

Sana of TWICE is the most famous female Japanese idol globally, topping Ranker's fan community poll. Miyawaki Sakura of LE SSERAFIM leads Japan-specific polls, having won 39.71% of the Danmee magazine survey vote. Both are considered the faces of Japanese representation in K-pop.

Who is the most popular Japanese K-pop idol?

Sana (TWICE) is the most popular Japanese K-pop idol worldwide, based on global fan data. Within Japan, Miyawaki Sakura (LE SSERAFIM) leads fan polls. Both are standout figures from some of K-pop's most commercially successful groups.

Who is the Japanese "it girl" of K-pop's 5th generation?

ASA of BABYMONSTER has gained recognition as a rising 5th-gen Japanese "it girl" among K-pop fans. She is one of the youngest Japanese idols to debut under a major K-pop label and co-wrote the track "Woke Up In Tokyo" for BABYMONSTER's 2024 studio album DRIP.

Which K-pop group has the most Japanese female members?

UNICODE has 5 Japanese members, and tripleS has 4. TWICE is the most famous group with a prominent Japanese lineup, featuring 3 members (Sana, Momo, and Mina).

Are there Japanese female idols in 5th-generation K-pop?

Yes. Iroha and Moka of ILLIT debuted in March 2024 and represent Japan in the current 5th-generation wave. Ruka and ASA of BABYMONSTER are also active 5th-gen Japanese idols, signed under YG Entertainment.

Japanese idols are no longer just expanding K-pop's reach; they are redefining its global sound and style. From trailblazers like TWICE to dynamic 5th-gen rookies, these ten artists prove that talent transcends borders. As K-pop continues to evolve, their influence will only grow stronger. The future of the industry is undeniably international, and these icons are leading the charge.

Are you looking for more information about the members of 3 Doors Down today? Tuko.co.ke shared an informative article about what really happened to them.

3 Doors Down members have never officially announced their retirement, but the band looks quite different today. The band's lineup has undergone significant changes, marked by personal tragedy, member departures, and the addition of new faces.

1. Sana Minatozaki

• Full name: Sana Minatozaki
• Date of birth: 29 December 1996
• Age: 28 (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: 29 December 1996
• Group: Twice

Sana Minatozaki is one of the famous female Japanese K-pop idols who debuted in 2015, joining the K-pop group Twice. Sana developed a passion for singing and was discovered by JYP Entertainment while in middle school.

She trained for three months before joining the group. She has since been a member of Twice, performing and releasing new hits. In November 2024, she was chosen as a brand ambassador for Ralph Lauren Japan.

2. Momo Hirai

• Full name: Momo Hirai
• Date of birth: 9 November 1996
• Age: 29 (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Kyotanabe, Kyoto, Japan
• Group: Twice

Another Japanese member from Twice is Momo Hirai. She began dancing at a very young age alongside her older sister, Hana. She went on to appear in various music videos for Lexy in 2008 as a trainee. She also appeared on the talent show Superstar K in 2011.

Initially, she was meant to debut in a four-member group in Japan in 2012; however, the plan was suspended, and she joined Twice instead. Momo has hosted the Suwon K-pop Super Concert and appeared in TV shows like Hit the Stage, Sixteen, and Real Class – Elementary Kid Teachers.

3. Mina Myoi

• Full name: Mina Myoi
• Date of birth: 24 March 1997
• Age: 28 (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: San Antonio, Texas, United States
• Group: Twice

Mina Myoi is a singer and dancer in Twice and its subgroup MiSaMo. She was born in San Antonio, Texas, but grew up in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo Prefecture. Mina Myoi began learning classical ballet at the age of three and continued for eleven years. After that, she trained at a K-pop dance studio for a year before being discovered by JYP Entertainment.

In October 2015, she made her official debut as a member of Twice with their first extended play, The Story Begins. Since then, Mina has been known as one of Twice's best dancers, alongside Momo, both in South Korea and internationally. In January 2025, she became Japan's ambassador for Fendi, the Italian luxury fashion brand.

4. Sakura Miyawaki

• Full name: Sakura Miyawaki
• Date of birth: 9 March 1998
• Age: 27 (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan
• Group: Le Sserafim

Sakura Miyawaki is one of the current Japanese female K-pop artists in Le Sserafim. She began her music career with HKT48 in 2011 and later joined AKB48 and Iz*One. She held centre positions in singles like Kimi wa Melody and No Way Man.

Sakura began musical training at a young age and played Young Nala in The Lion King at the age of 10. She is a well-rounded performer thanks to her varied acting and singing experience.

5. Kazuha

• Full name: Nakamura Kazuha
• Date of birth: 9 August 2003
• Age: 20 (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, Japan
• Group: Le Sserafim

Kazuha performs in Le Sserafim as a rapper, dancer, and singer. She attended esteemed schools in Japan, Moscow, the UK, and the Netherlands to train as a professional ballerina. Source Music hired Kazuha in December 2021, and she formally joined Le Sserafim in April 2022. Fearless, the group's mini-album, was released on 2 May 2022.

6. Tsuki

• Full name: Tsuki Fukutomi
• Date of birth: 21 September 2002
• Age: 23 (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, Japan
• Group: Billlie

Tsuki is a singer, dancer, lyricist, model, and MC in the girl group Billlie. She previously performed with 7+ME LINK and its sub-unit MAGICOUR. Tsuki Fukutomi moved to Korea around age 14 and participated in JYP's 15th audition.

She also trained under SM Entertainment, where she went by the name Ravi. Her multi-talented skills in music, performance, and hosting have made her a standout in her group.

7. Jurin

• Full name: Asaya Jurin
• Date of birth: 19 June 2002
• Age: 23 (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Chigasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
• Group: XG

Jurin is a rapper, singer, and leader of the girl group XG under XGALX. She will debut as a solo artist on 18 November 2025, with the single PS118. She has also been a professional snowboarder since the age of three.

Jurin grew up in a family of surfers and has one older sister. She trained at AVEX Artist Academy in Tokyo and modelled for magazines like Popteen and ViVi. Jurin also choreographs XG's dance routines and was a member of the dance group Shorty! With Harvey.

8. Chisa

• Full name: Kondou Chisa
• Date of birth: 17 January 2002
• Age: 23 (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Osaka, Japan. S
• Group: XG

Chisa is a singer, actress, and model in XG and its unit XG VOX. She was revealed as the sixth member of XG on 24 February 2022.

Before joining the group, Kondou Chisa worked as an actress and model under Kansai Collection Entertainment. She cites Namie Amuro as her role model and has been praised for her strong vocals and stage presence.

9. Giselle

• Full name: Aeri Uchinaga
• Date of birth: 30 October 2000
• Age: 25 (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
• Group: Aespaf

Another young, talented rapper is Giselle from the girl group Aespa. The Japanese rapper is fluent in both Korean and Japanese, as well as English. Giselle joined Aespa in 2020 under SM Entertainment. She is best known for her rap skills and her multilingual abilities.

Beyond her music career, Giselle is a philanthropist. She donated some money to Yuhengsa. This is a South Korean non-profit organisation that aims to protect and rehabilitate abandoned animals. She has also endorsed various brands.

10. Yuki

• Full name: Mōri Koyuki
• Date of birth: 6 November 2002
• Age: 23 (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan
• Group: Purple Kiss

Yuki fell in love with K-pop while still living in her home town in Japan. This led to her relocating from Japan to South Korea to pursue a career as a K-pop idol. She auditioned for RBW, and on 25 July 2020, it was announced that she would be joining the Purple Kiss group. The group then debuted in 2021 with their first mini album, Into Violet.

In 2023, Yuki was one of the contestants on the upcoming show Queendom Puzzle. She eventually finished in the third place, becoming a member of the project group EL7Z UP. She is a huge fan of legendary American pop star Michael Jackson and popular boy group Pentagon.

FAQs

With the rising curiosity about female K-pop idols from Japan who are taking over the industry, here are some key facts you should know.

Are there any Japanese K-pop idols?

Yes, many Japanese idols have made their mark in K-pop, such as Sana, Momo, and Mina from Twice, as well as Sakura from Le Sserafim. They are celebrated for their talent, visuals, and global influence in the industry.

Is Giselle Korean or Japanese?

Giselle from Aespa is Japanese. She was born in Seoul, South Korea, but grew up in Tokyo, making her fluent in Japanese, Korean, and English.

What is Japanese K-pop called?

Japanese K-pop does not have a specific name but is often seen as a blend of K-pop and J-pop influences. It combines Korea's polished idol system with Japan's.

Wrapping up

Female Japanese K-pop idols are leaving a lasting mark on the K-pop industry. These artists are setting new standards for performance, style, and versatility. Their dedication to training, music, and stage presence has earned them recognition not just in South Korea but around the world.

Are you looking for more information about the members of 3 Doors Down today? Tuko.co.ke shared an informative article about what really happened to them.

3 Doors Down members have never officially announced their retirement, but the band looks quite different today. The band's lineup has undergone significant changes, marked by personal tragedy, member departures, and the addition of new faces.

Proofreading by Masolo Mabonga, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke