How a child musical star became a global K-pop sensation
In short: From performing as Young Nala at age ten to dominating South Korean music charts, Sakura Miyawaki’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention. Her path through Japan's idol system to the heights of K-pop reveals the intense discipline required to conquer two of the world's most demanding entertainment industries.
Born in Kagoshima City on March 19, 1998, Miyawaki's career began long before the bright lights of K-pop. She was a child performer, appearing as Young Nala in the Shiki Theatre Company's production of The Lion King at just ten years old. Her early training was rigorous, including a week of intensive Broadway training in New York in 2010 and graduation from the Maria Musical Academy.
Her ascent through the Japanese idol ranks was marked by rapid growth and significant public support. Starting with HKT48 in 2011, she became a prominent figure in the AKB48 group ecosystem, holding center positions and ranking in multiple general elections. By 2015, her popularity was evident as her photobook, Sakura, reached number one on the Oricon photobook chart.
The most pivotal shift occurred in 2018 when she placed second in the reality survival show Produce 48. This led to her debut in the Korean-Japanese group Iz*One, a role that required her to master a new language and navigate a different cultural landscape. After Iz*One disbanded in 2021, she successfully transitioned to the South Korean group Le Sserafim in May 2022.
Today, Miyawaki is a multifaceted global icon. Beyond music, she has expanded into acting, gaming on YouTube, and high-profile brand ambassadorships for names like Kérastase Japan and Maybelline New York. Her career trajectory illustrates the evolving, borderless nature of modern stardom in the Asian entertainment market.
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