Sakura Miyawaki: From J-Pop Idol to Global K-Pop Star (2025 Story)

Sakura Miyawaki stands as one of the few artists who successfully bridged the gap between Japan's idol industry and Korea's competitive K-pop scene. Born on March 19, 1998, in Kagoshima City, Japan, she began her remarkable journey in July 2011 when she joined HKT48 as a trainee. Following six years of training, her career took a significant turn when she participated in the reality competition show Produce 48, where she finished in second place with an impressive 316,105 votes.

Furthermore, this achievement secured her position in the project group IZONE, which officially debuted on October 29, 2018, with their mini-album COLORIZ. Eventually, after IZONE's disbandment in 2021, Sakura continued her evolution in the K-pop industry by debuting with LE SSERAFIM on May 2, 2022. Throughout her career, she has not only been a member of multiple successful groups including HKT48, AKB48, IZONE, and now LE SSERAFIM, but has also expanded her influence as a brand ambassador for companies like Flower Knows. This article explores her extraordinary journey from a J-pop idol to a global K-pop sensation.

Early Life and Artistic Roots

The artistic journey of Sakura Miyawaki began long before her idol career took flight. Born in the southern Japanese city of Kagoshima, her earliest musical influences came from an unexpected place—her mother's love for classical performances.

Musical influences from her mother

Sakura's passion for performing arts was ignited at a tender age through her mother's appreciation for music. As a child, she spent countless hours listening to opera with her mother, developing an ear for musical expression. This maternal influence proved pivotal in shaping her artistic sensibilities. The defining moment in Sakura's early artistic development came after her mother took her to see "The Phantom of the Opera" musical—an experience that sparked her dream of becoming a singer.

Consequently, her mother enrolled her in a musical class, recognizing her daughter's budding talent and interest. Starting from her third year of elementary school, Sakura attended a musical school in downtown Kagoshima, immersing herself in the fundamentals of performance. Despite growing up in financially challenging circumstances, her artistic education remained a priority.

First stage role as Young Nala in The Lion King

By the age of 10, Sakura's dedication to musical theater began yielding results. In 2008, she achieved a significant milestone after successfully auditioning for the Shiki Theatre Company, a prestigious theatrical production company in Japan. Her talent earned her the role of Young Nala in their production of Disney's "The Lion King".

This role marked her official debut as a musical actress and provided valuable stage experience. During performances in Fukuoka, she sang "I Just Can't Wait To Be King," a song that remained close to her heart years later. Indeed, her connection to this musical ran deep—in later interviews, she revealed she could sing all the songs from the production and became emotional watching scenes that reminded her of her childhood performances.

The themes of "The Lion King" resonated strongly with Sakura. She expressed particular admiration for Simba's character, noting how she found it "really cool that he tried his best to fulfill his obligation despite all his worries". Similarly, she maintained a special connection to Nala, the character she portrayed, often exclaiming "Cool!" whenever Nala appeared on screen during later viewings.

Training in New York's Broadway Experience

In September 2010, Sakura's artistic development took another significant leap forward. At just 12 years old, she traveled to New York City to participate in "The Broadway Experience". This intensive one-week program provided specialized training under the guidance of professional Broadway musical actors and choreographers.

Throughout this program, she received comprehensive instruction in singing, dancing, and acting fundamentals. This rare opportunity exposed her to world-class performance techniques and broadened her artistic perspective beyond Japan. The experience provided valuable skills that would later prove beneficial throughout her entertainment career.

Shortly after returning from New York, Sakura continued refining her craft at the Maria Musical Academy in her hometown of Kagoshima. These formative experiences laid a strong foundation for her subsequent career in the entertainment industry, equipping her with performance skills that would distinguish her from peers who lacked formal theatrical training.

Joining HKT48: The Start of an Idol Journey

In 2011, following her theatrical training, Sakura Miyawaki made a career-defining decision that would set her on the path to stardom. After returning from New York, she turned her attention to Japan's flourishing idol industry, marking the beginning of her remarkable journey.

Auditioning and debut as a trainee

After discovering her passion for performing, Sakura auditioned for HKT48, a sister group of the mega-popular AKB48. In July 2011, she officially joined as a first-generation "kenkyuusei" (trainee). This achievement came at just 13 years of age, showcasing her early determination to pursue entertainment as a career path.

Her first official appearance as an HKT48 member occurred on October 23, 2011, at a national handshake event promoting the song "Flying Get". This milestone marked her introduction to fans and the beginning of her public idol career. Subsequently, Sakura made her theater debut on November 26, 2011, performing in a revival of SKE48 Team S stage "Te wo Tsunaginagara", where she demonstrated the performance skills developed through her theatrical background.

Throughout her trainee period, Sakura worked diligently to improve her singing, dancing, and stage presence. While the trainee phase was challenging, her previous stage experience undoubtedly helped her adapt to the demanding schedule of performances and public appearances.

Promotion to Team H and Team KIV

Sakura's dedication paid off on March 4, 2012, when she was officially promoted to full member status of HKT48's Team H, alongside 15 other trainees. This promotion represented a significant step in her idol career, granting her more visibility and performance opportunities.

Her career trajectory took another turn in January 2014. On January 11, during the first day of HKT48's Kyushu 7 Prefecture Tour in Oita, it was announced that Sakura would transfer to the newly formed Team KIV. This move marked another progression in her HKT48 journey.

Additionally, at AKB48's Group Grand Reformation Festival in February 2014, Sakura received dual honors: she was promoted to vice-captain of Team KIV while simultaneously being given a concurrent position in AKB48's Team A. This dual role between HKT48 and AKB48 signified management's recognition of her growing popularity and talent, allowing her to gain exposure in both groups simultaneously.

First center positions and early popularity

Sakura's rise within the 48 Group ecosystem was remarkably swift. In 2012, she became the first HKT48 member to rank in the AKB48 general election, receiving 6,635 votes and placing 47th. This accomplishment highlighted her growing fanbase, especially considering the competitive nature of these elections.

Her popularity continued to climb steadily. In October 2012, she landed her first A-side participation on AKB48's 28th single "Uza". The following year, she appeared on the A-side for AKB48's 31st single "Sayonara Crawl" after placing 26th overall in the 2013 general election with 25,760 votes, demonstrating her rapidly expanding support.

That same year marked Sakura's first A-side participation with her home group HKT48, appearing prominently in their debut single "Suki! Suki! Skip!" and follow-up "Melon Juice". These appearances cemented her position as one of HKT48's leading members.

By 2014, Sakura's star had risen dramatically. She participated in that year's AKB48 general election and secured 11th place with 45,538 votes, earning a position on the A-side for "Kokoro no Placard." Her most significant achievement came later that year when management selected her to share center position with Mayu Watanabe for AKB48's 38th single "Kiboteki Refrain", becoming the first HKT48 member to achieve center position on an AKB48 A-side single.

Throughout this period, Sakura consistently ranked among the most popular members of the 48 Group, eventually becoming part of the coveted "Kami 7" (top 7 members) for four consecutive years, solidifying her status as one of J-pop's brightest idol stars.

AKB48 Years: Rising Through the Ranks

Sakura Miyawaki's career reached new heights as she expanded beyond her HKT48 roots into the flagship group AKB48, establishing herself as a prominent figure in Japan's idol industry.

Concurrent position in Team A

At AKB48's Group Grand Reformation Festival on February 24, 2014, Sakura received a concurrent position in AKB48's Team A. This strategic dual membership allowed her to promote simultaneously with both HKT48 and AKB48, significantly boosting her national exposure. Throughout this period, she maintained her responsibilities in HKT48 while taking on additional performances, handshake events, and media appearances with AKB48.

Notably, her concurrent position lasted nearly four years, from February 2014 until December 8, 2017, when it was canceled during the AKB48 12th Anniversary Shuffle. This extended dual membership period reflected management's recognition of her value to both groups and her growing popularity among fans nationwide.

General election rankings and center roles

Sakura's rise through AKB48's annual General Election rankings illustrates her remarkable trajectory in the Japanese idol industry. Starting at 47th place in the 4th Senbatsu Election, she steadily climbed the ranks:

26th in the 5th election (Undergirls)
11th in the 6th election (first entry into Senbatsu)
7th in the 7th election (entering the elite "Kami 7")
6th in the 8th election (maintaining her Kami 7 status)
4th in the 9th election (continuing in Kami 7)
3rd in the 10th election (2018 World Senbatsu)

Her consistent presence in the coveted Kami 7 (top seven members) for four consecutive years cemented her status as one of the 48 Group's most beloved idols. In the 2014 rock-paper-scissors tournament, although Sakura lost in the third round, management selected her to share center position with tournament winner Mayu Watanabe for AKB48's 38th single "Kiboteki Refrain". This achievement made her the first HKT48 member chosen to center an AKB48 A-side, a remarkable distinction given the highly competitive nature of the 48 Group ecosystem.

First photobook and acting debut

On July 8, 2015, Sakura released her first solo photobook, appropriately titled "Sakura". The publication proved immensely popular, selling 34,097 copies in its first week alone and ranking third among all 48 Group photobooks released that year. Its initial printing of 60,000 copies required an additional 10,000 copies after quickly selling out.

The photobook featured images shot in three significant locations: Kagoshima (her childhood home), Fukuoka (where she began her idol career), and Tokyo (where she pursued acting). Alongside fashion and swimwear photoshoots, the book included personal essays detailing her childhood memories, her mother's support, and her aspirations as an actress.

Concurrent with her idol activities, Sakura embarked on an acting career in 2015, starring in the popular AKB48 drama "Majisuka Gakuen 4" alongside Haruka Shimazaki. She continued this role in "Majisuka Gakuen 5" later that year. In a notable connection to her roots, her character in the series was named "Sakura" and hailed from her home prefecture of Kagoshima.

Produce 48 and the Birth of Sakura IZ*ONE

In 2018, at the height of her J-pop popularity, Sakura Miyawaki took an unprecedented risk by entering the Korean survival show Produce 48, a high-stakes collaboration between Mnet's Produce 101 series and Japan's AKB48 system.

Why she joined Produce 48

After establishing herself as a top-tier idol in Japan's 48 Group, Sakura sought new challenges in the Korean entertainment industry. The concept for Produce 48 was first revealed at the 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan, creating a unique opportunity for Japanese idols to enter the K-pop market. Initially, many fans speculated the show would pit 48 Korean trainees against 48 Japanese trainees, however, Mnet clarified this format would not be used.

On April 22, 2018, Sakura's commitment to the project became evident when she was selected as one of the center positions for the show's theme song "Nekkoya (Pick Me)". This prominent role in the promotional material highlighted her importance to the program even before its official airing in June. Her participation generated immediate buzz, with Sakura attracting over five Korean fan sites within days of her announcement.

Performance highlights and final ranking

Throughout the program, Sakura demonstrated her adaptability by embracing Korean-style performance standards. In one notable interview, she reflected on the differences between Japanese and Korean idol cultures, stating: "In Korea, high quality is required". This recognition of different standards pushed her to elevate her performances across the show's episodes.

The final episode aired on August 31, 2018, with live voting determining the 12 members who would form the project group. In a testament to her popularity, Sakura secured second place with 316,105 votes, earning her a coveted spot in the final lineup. Moreover, the finale revealed the group's official name—IZ*ONE (아이즈원)—as announced by host Lee Seung-gi.

Debut with IZ*ONE and international exposure

Following the show's conclusion, Sakura began a hiatus from HKT48 on October 29, 2018, to focus fully on her new group. IZONE officially debuted that same day with their first mini-album "COLORIZ". Under the terms of their contract, the group was established to promote for two and a half years, providing Sakura with significant exposure in the Korean market.

During this period, Sakura functioned as IZONE's sub-vocalist, sub-rapper, and visual. The group's popularity expanded rapidly, with performances like "Secret Story of the Swan" showcasing her improved dancing abilities. Furthermore, her experience with IZONE represented more than just career advancement—it marked a cultural transition as she adapted to new performance standards, language, and entertainment practices.

Throughout her time in IZONE, Sakura continued to push herself, improving her skills and captivating fans with her stage presence. The group's success helped redefine what it takes to become a successful K-pop star, as IZONE broke records and saw their popularity explode internationally. This period marked a crucial stepping stone in Sakura's evolution from a J-pop idol to a globally recognized K-pop performer.

Graduation and Transition to K-Pop

After IZ*ONE's disbandment in April 2021, Sakura Miyawaki faced a pivotal career decision. Rather than returning fully to her Japanese idol roots, she chose a path that would completely transform her artistic journey.

Leaving HKT48 and AKB48

Once IZ*ONE's contract expired, speculation about Sakura's future intensified. On May 15, 2021, she officially confirmed her departure from HKT48, ending a decade-long chapter that began when she joined as a first-generation trainee in 2011. This announcement came through a preview of her interview with the July issue of Vivi magazine, shocking fans who had anticipated her return to Japanese idol activities. Throughout her career with HKT48, Sakura had risen from trainee to become one of the group's most prominent figures, making her graduation a significant moment in J-pop idol history.

Graduation concert and farewell song

On June 19, 2021, Sakura held her graduation concert titled "HKT48 Miyawaki Sakura Graduation Concert Bouquet" at Marine Messe Fukuoka. The carefully curated setlist featured 30 performances spanning her entire career, allowing her to bid farewell to the fans who had supported her journey from the beginning. Former graduated members, including Kodama Haruka and Sashihara Rino, joined her on stage for this emotional milestone.

For this occasion, HKT48 released a special graduation song titled "Omoide ni Suru no wa Mada Hayasugiru" (思い出にするにはまだ早すぎる; "It's Too Early to Turn it Into a Memory Yet"). The accompanying music video showed Sakura revisiting meaningful locations in Hakata, such as Nakagawa-dori, Fukuhaku Deaibashi, and Fukuoka PayPay Dome. The song was digitally released at midnight following her graduation concert, marking the end of her HKT48 journey with her final performance occurring on June 27.

Rumors and confirmation of Source Music contract

Even prior to her graduation, rumors circulated that Sakura would join HYBE Entertainment (formerly BigHit Entertainment), the company behind global sensation BTS. These speculations intensified as fans noted her apparent desire for new challenges beyond the 48 Group system.

Finally, on March 14, 2022, Source Music officially announced that Sakura had signed an exclusive contract with the agency. The company confirmed she would debut in their upcoming girl group—the first collaboration between Source Music and HYBE Labels. Sakura herself acknowledged this new chapter on Instagram, writing in both Korean and Japanese: "This time, I've moved to Source Music under HYBE". This announcement confirmed she would be joining former IZ*ONE teammate Kim Chaewon in the new venture, which would eventually become LE SSERAFIM.

LE SSERAFIM Era: Sakura as a K-Pop Star

March 2022 marked the beginning of a pivotal chapter for Sakura Miyawaki as she undertook her third official debut—this time with Source Music's new girl group LE SSERAFIM. Unlike her previous groups, Sakura expressed that this would likely be "my last debut and my last group," highlighting her determination to excel in this new endeavor.

Debut with Fearless

On April 4, 2022, Sakura was officially introduced as the first member of LE SSERAFIM. Thereafter, the six-member group (including former IZ*ONE teammate Kim Chaewon) made their highly anticipated debut on May 2 with their first mini-album Fearless. The debut EP comprised five tracks, including the title track of the same name. Remarkably, pre-orders for Fearless exceeded 380,000 copies, with the album selling more than 175,000 copies on its release day alone—breaking the record for a girl group debut previously set by Kep1er.

The group's concept centered around being "fearless," which Sakura personally connected with, stating, "I think being fearless means admitting to your flaws. I have them, too. I struggle at times; there are times when I cry; I get depressed sometimes, too".

Role in the group and public image

As the eldest and most experienced member of LE SSERAFIM, Sakura naturally embraced a mentorship role. "I used to have an individualistic side... but now I'm more interested in looking after the other members than myself," she revealed. This nurturing side became evident when she defended her teammates regarding weight management issues and through her caring interactions with children on variety shows.

Sakura's public image underwent a striking transformation in LE SSERAFIM. Her Instagram aesthetic shifted from predominantly pastel pink and blue to a more sophisticated black and white palette. This visual evolution reflected LE SSERAFIM's cool, girl-crush concept—a dramatic departure from her previous cute image.

Creative contributions and songwriting

Beyond performing, Sakura has actively participated in creating LE SSERAFIM's music. She contributed as both lyricist and composer for "Good Parts (when the quality is bad but I am)" from their 2022 ANTIFRAGILE album. She continued her creative involvement with "FEARNOT (Between you, me and the lamppost)" on their 2023 UNFORGIVEN release.

Furthermore, Sakura expanded her artistic contributions to the group's 2024 releases, co-writing "Swan Song" for the EASY album and lyrics for the title track "CRAZY" from their August 2024 album. Her songwriting often incorporates personal themes, reflecting her growth and experiences throughout her extensive career.

Beyond Music: Business, Endorsements, and Media

Beyond her remarkable singing career, Sakura Miyawaki has built an impressive portfolio of business ventures and media appearances, establishing herself as a multifaceted entertainment figure.

Launching CRAN by Molak

In September 2021, Sakura expanded her career horizons by launching her own cosmetics brand—CRAN BY MOLAK. This business venture represented a natural progression from her earlier partnership with Japanese health and beauty company PIA Corporation, where she had served as the first face and image model for their colored lens brand MOLAK since 2019.

Far from being merely a celebrity figurehead, Sakura took an active role in product development. Japanese media reported that she personally oversaw all aspects of product and packaging production, meticulously attending to every detail. Her inaugural product—the Bloom Jelly Tint lip tint—came in three colors: Pure Coral, Pink Petal, and Noir Rose, priced at ¥2,500 yen (approximately $23 USD). The brand's success was immediate, with 50,000 products reportedly sold within just one week of release. Nonetheless, CRAN by Molak ceased operations on November 30, 2022.

Brand ambassador roles: Kérastase, Flower Knows, Lily Brown

Alongside her own brand, Sakura has represented numerous prestigious companies. In May 2021, she became the face of French luxury haircare brand Kérastase, specifically representing their "Blond Absolu" line in Japan. That same year, she expanded her portfolio as the Asian brand ambassador for Chinese cosmetics brand Flower Knows.

In 2022, she added fashion to her endorsement repertoire by becoming the main model for Japanese clothing brand Lily Brown, collaborating on seasonal collections. Throughout her career, Sakura has maintained an impressive array of partnerships, including Louis Vuitton (2022) and Primera (2023), which named her their global ambassador.

Hosting, acting, and variety show appearances

Outside of music and endorsements, Sakura has maintained an active presence in entertainment media. On November 7, 2022, she launched her own variety web show titled "Fearless Kkura," with the first episode airing on November 23, 2022. The program features Sakura taking on various challenges to demonstrate her "fearless" nature.

From 2017 to 2021, she hosted the Japanese radio show "Tonight Under the Sakura Tree" on Bay FM. Her television appearances include competing on "Produce 48" (2018), appearing as a cast member on "Everyone's Kitchen" (2018-2019), and serving as a guest panelist on "King of Mask Singer" (2020). These diverse media activities have helped Sakura maintain visibility beyond her musical performances, cementing her status as a comprehensive entertainment personality.

Controversies and Public Perception

Throughout her career spanning multiple countries, Sakura Miyawaki has encountered various challenges that come with celebrity status. From public speculation about her appearance to addressing serious privacy concerns, she has navigated the complexities of fame with remarkable poise.

Discussions around plastic surgery rumors

Sakura faced intense scrutiny after photos from a Louis Vuitton event in Japan circulated online. Korean netizens engaged in heated debates about whether she had undergone cosmetic procedures, with some claiming her "tall, sharp nose and plump lips" appeared different. Others criticized that she looked older than other celebrities her age.

In defense, many fans pointed out it was simply "a bad camera angle" and shared other photos from the same event where she looked normal. These debates weren't new—first emerging when she debuted with IZ*ONE, as netizens noted differences in her appearance compared to Produce 48. Nevertheless, as of May 2024, no credible evidence confirms Sakura has undergone plastic surgery.

Handling of deepfake and privacy issues

As celebrities' privacy concerns have shifted toward AI threats, deepfakes have become a particular danger. In South Korea, ranked as the top country for illegal distribution of pornographic content, many K-pop idols have fallen victim to deepfake technology. This technology digitally replaces one person's face with another's, often in explicit contexts.

In response, South Korea passed legislation in September 2024 strengthening penalties for deepfake images, with prison sentences up to 7 years. Meanwhile, Japan has yet to implement specific laws against deepfakes, leaving celebrities vulnerable to such violations.

Balancing fame with personal identity

Beyond facing external challenges, Sakura has shown willingness to express personal viewpoints on sensitive topics. In February 2017, after watching "Close-Knit," a film about a transgender character, she wrote, "Love between men, love between women, it's fine that they exist".

She even considered her own potential feelings, noting "there's a possibility for me to fall in love with a woman too". In accordance with her beliefs, Sakura maintains that idols aren't just performers but role models who can normalize important conversations.

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FAQS

Fans frequently ask questions about Sakura Miyawaki's personal life and career. Here are some insights into the K-pop star's preferences and philosophies.

What is Sakura's motto in LE SSERAFIM? Her official motto is "Fearless of Stereotypes", which aligns with her desire to break conventional boundaries. Interestingly, during Produce 48, her motto was "I want people around the world to get to know me and change my life," accompanied by her catchphrase "Cherry Blossom Girl, Happy Ending!"

What are her hobbies beyond music? In essence, Sakura is an avid gamer and anime enthusiast. She has a dedicated gaming YouTube channel and participated in the ISAC 2020 eSports championship where she placed second in PUBG Mobile. Fundamentally, she enjoys anime like Oshi no Ko, Chainsaw Man, and Spy X Family.

What is Sakura's life philosophy? "The fact that nothing lasts forever makes every single moment that much more precious and sublime". Actually, she compares success to "trying to set fire to a river," emphasizing persistence: "it's the person who keeps trying to start a fire who eventually gets the timing right".

What is her personality type? Her MBTI type is INTP, often called "the thinker," reflecting her analytical nature.