From local TV to K-pop leader: The evolution of Hitomi Honda
In short: Before becoming a prominent figure in the South Korean music scene, Hitomi Honda was a child performer in her hometown. Her journey from a regional Japanese idol to an international cross-cultural star illustrates the complex mechanics of modern entertainment and the shift toward globalized pop culture.
Hitomi Honda's career began in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, where she appeared on a local program called Kodomojikan while still in elementary school. By 2014, at just 12 years old, she joined the Japanese girl group AKB48 as a representative of her home prefecture. This early start established a foundation in traditional idol culture before she transitioned into more competitive and international formats.
A major turning point occurred in 2018 when Honda participated in Produce 48, a reality survival show that formed the Korean-Japanese project group Iz*One. After placing 9th on the show, she debuted with 'La Vie en Rose' in October 2018. This move required her to navigate two distinct entertainment industries simultaneously. To balance these roles, she took a planned 2.5-year hiatus from AKB48 starting in late 2018, eventually concluding her Iz*One contract in April 2021.
Following her time with Iz*One, Honda returned to AKB48 and secured high-profile positions, including serving as the A-side lead singer and choreographic center for the group's 59th single in February 2022. She eventually graduated from AKB48 in early 2024 after a career spanning over a decade. Her latest chapter began in September 2024 when she joined the South Korean girl group Say My Name, where she was appointed to head the seven-member lineup.
Her trajectory highlights how modern idols can leverage regional popularity into international careers. By moving between Japanese and South Korean markets, Honda has navigated different management structures—including Vernalossom, DH, and Mama & Son—while diversifying her portfolio into cosmetics with her brand NOTONE and acting roles in television dramas.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Hitomi Honda
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