Biography
Who is Momo?
Early life and beginnings
Momo Hirai was born in Kyōtanabe, Japan. She started learning to dance when she was three years old, practicing alongside her older sister, Hana. This early interest in movement influenced her future career path. She gained her first exposure to the South Korean music scene by appearing in a music video for the artist Lexy in 2008. She also participated in the talent television program Superstar K in 2011.
In 2012, JYP Entertainment staff discovered an online video featuring Momo and her sister dancing. The company invited both siblings to audition. While only she was successful, this opportunity prompted her to relocate to South Korea in April 2012. Before finding fame, she gained experience as a trainee and appeared in various music videos. There were initial plans for her to debut in a Japanese girl group during 2012, but JYP Entertainment postponed this project due to political tensions between South Korea and Japan.
Rise to fame with Twice
In 2015, the artist joined the reality competition series Sixteen, which was organized by JYP Entertainment and Mnet. Although the judges eliminated her during the show, Park Jin-young later selected her to rejoin the final lineup. Her performance abilities ultimately secured her spot in the upcoming group. She officially debuted as a member of the girl group Twice in October 2015.
Their first extended play was titled The Story Begins, featuring the lead single Like Ooh-Ahh. This release marked the beginning of her professional career as a K-pop idol. She is widely recognized among fans as the group's best dancer and often carries the nickname Dance Machine because of her physical fitness and sharp body movements.
Recent projects and MiSaMo
In early 2023, JYP Entertainment announced the formation of a sub-unit called MiSaMo. This trio includes Momo alongside her bandmates Sana and Mina. They officially launched their activities in Japan on July 26, 2023, with an extended play titled Masterpiece. Before the full release, the members shared a track called Bouquet in January 2023. This song served as part of the soundtrack for a drama series on TV Asahi called Liaison: Kodomo no Kokoro Shinryōjo. This project allowed her to show her talents in a smaller ensemble setting beyond the full group lively.
Fashion and endorsements
Beyond music, she has established herself as a recognizable figure in the fashion and beauty industries. In 2022, she became the brand muse for the cosmetic company Wonjungyo, which is supervised by Twice's makeup artist. Later that year, the Japanese sports brand Onitsuka Tiger announced her as their brand ambassador. Her commercial work continued in 2023 when she appeared as a model for the news application SmartNews.
During that same year, the Italian fashion house Miu Miu selected her to serve as their Japanese ambassador. In May 2025, she took on a new role as a brand ambassador for the perfume label AMAFFI. These partnerships highlight her significant influence in both the Japanese and international markets, where she is frequently noted as one of the most popular non-Korean stars in the industry.
Birthday and age
Momo was born on November 9, 1996, which makes Momo 29 years old today. That birthday falls under the Scorpio sign. Momo shares the date with 17 other famous people.
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