A Spotlight on NiziU
NiziU, the sensational Japanese girl group, has captured hearts globally with their infectious tunes and vibrant energy. They’ve also made history. On November 8, 2023, they made history as the first group of non-Korean descent to win first place on a Korean music show.
This article answers commonly asked questions about NiziU–including information on the 9 talented NiziU members.
Commonly Asked Questions
Who Is NiziU?
NiziU is a nine-member Japanese girl group. Formed in 2020, NiziU was created through a collaboration project between two major music agencies in Japan and Korea. The members were hand-selected through a televised audition process.
How was NiziU formed?
The group was formed through the reality competition show Nizi Project. The project was created by JYP Entertainment, one of the leading K-pop agencies today. The final 9 NiziU members were selected from over 10,000 applicants across Japan and the U.S.
Hosted by founder J. Y. Park himself, Nizi Project’s rigorous audition process judged each contestant’s skills, talents, and star quality. In alignment with JYP Entertainment’s values, it also assessed each member’s character, collaboration, and growth.
Nizi Project was a hit in Japan. It gave glimpses into each NiziU member’s skills, personality, and potential. It also boosted each NiziU member’s popularity prior to their debut.
It paved the way for more international idol groups by JYP Entertainment–including Nizi Project Season 2 and A2K in 2023.
Who are the NiziU members?
There are 9 NiziU members: Mako, Rio, Maya, Riku, Ayaka, Mayuka, Rima, Miihi, and Nina. Learn more about each member in the section below.
Mako
Leader
Ranking first place in Nizi Project, Mako is the leader of the NiziU members. Her leadership has been key to the group’s success.
Mako is known for her impressive dancing skills, which caught the eyes of many during her trainee days. Her many skills enhance the NiziU members’ performances and group capabilities.
Rio
The second eldest of the NiziU members, Rio is also a talented dancer. Before her debut, she was a part of the EXPG Lab and was a backup dancer for E-Girls and EXILE.
Her impressive dance skills infuse energy into NiziU’s performances.
Maya
A multi-talented performer, also recognized for her facial expressions, Maya’s versatility adds depth to NiziU’s musical repertoire and showcases the group’s dynamic range.
In the group, Maya is known for her talented cooking skills.
Riku
The group’s charming and charismatic member, Riku’s magnetic stage presence draws fans in. Her strong and stable vocals set a solid foundation for NiziU’s performances.
She is known as the energetic squirrel (“risu” in Japanese) of the NiziU members.
Ayaka
Ayaka is NiziU’s visual. She is often said to resemble Bae Suzy of Miss A. Along with her visuals, she is known for her natural, off-beat sense of humor, making her vibe well in comedic situations.
Mayuka
Known as a “chameleon” of the NiziU members, Mayuka is a multitalented member. Her hard-working nature was evident in Nizi Project, and her underdog-style narrative captured the hearts of viewers.
Mayuka’s rapping skills and star quality elevate NiziU’s performances.
Rima
The cool and composed main rapper, Rima brings a unique flair to the NiziU members’ music. Before joining Nizi Project, she was also a trainee under JYP Entertainment.
From her visuals to her confident performances, Rima exudes strong star quality. Her trilingual rap skills add a distinct edge to NiziU’s songs and enhance the group’s versatility.
Miihi
Recognized for her sweet vocals and endearing personality, Miihi’s voice brings a touch of sweetness to NiziU’s music. She is known for being a huge Once (Twice fandom name) and was scouted to be a JYP Trainee at Twice’s concert in Japan.
Her emotional singing style resonates with fans, some of whom refer to her as “Queen Miihi”.
Nina
The youngest member, Nina’s vocal range puts her in a list of some of the best current vocalists at JYP. Born and raised in Seattle, Nina can also speak fluent English.
She moved to Japan to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
What does NiziU mean?
NiziU, pronounced “Nih-joo” in Japanese, comes from the English term “need you.” It combines the term “Niji,” meaning rainbow in Japanese with “U”, symbolizing their commitment to one another and their fans.
The group’s name was created by founder J.Y. Park during Nizi Project. Using the same concept term from Nizi Project, “Nizi”, comes from the concept of various people carrying different talents and qualities–like the colors of a rainbow.
The “U” at the end emphasizes that one cannot become successful alone. They need the support of one another, and the fans who will uplift them, to thrive.
Who manages NiziU?
NiziU members are under the joint management of JYP Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment Japan.
JYP Entertainment is a prominent entertainment company that has played a pivotal role in shaping the K-pop industry. They are known for some of the biggest K-pop girl groups, including Girls Generation and TWICE.
Sony Music Entertainment Japan is a massive music agency in the country. Global Japanese music fans commonly know them for their artist features in the popular YouTube channel, THE FIRST TAKE.
In the press conference for Nizi Project, JY Park spoke of his excitement for the collaboration, mentioning that this is the first time he has heard of “leading enterprises [working] together to create an artist group from the very beginning until the end.”
What song did NiziU release before their debut?
Before their official debut, the NiziU members already achieved massive success with their pre-debut single, “Make you happy.”
Riding the wave of the Nizi Project’s immense popularity, this vibrant and upbeat song captured the hearts of fans.
The “jump-roping” dance became popular on social media. Coupled with JYP Entertainment’s K-pop style music video, “Make you happy” swiftly climbed the music charts even before the NiziU members’ debut. They also performed the song at the 71st Kohaku Uta Gassen, the annual New Year’s music event in Japan.
When did NiziU debut?
Following “Make you happy,” The NiziU members officially debuted on December 2, 2020, with their single “Step and a step.” This song was also a massive hit and achieved Platinum certification in Japan.
Despite the absence of direct fan interaction in the pandemic, NiziU’s debut was a great success. It set the stage for NiziU as a major girl group and for their chart-topping successes.
Is NiziU popular in Japan?
Since their debut, NiziU has cultivated a dedicated fanbase in their home country. The group’s chart-topping successes and frequent media appearances are all a testament to their popularity.
The millions of views on their music videos highlight that NiziU’s popularity extends far and wide within Japan’s music scene.
Their popularity isn’t limited to the digital space. They’ve also repeatedly held sold-out live performances. They also became the fastest female artist since debuting to perform at Tokyo Dome, one of the biggest stadiums in the country. The event drew in over 180,000 people.
As seen in the commercial video above, NiziU members are also frequently featured in various brand deals and commercial tie-ups. The group has solidified its position as a beloved girl group in the country.
Is NiziU Kpop or Jpop?
Determining whether NiziU is K-pop or J-pop is a commonly debated question. It’s a topic that considers various factors–from the NiziU members’ Japanese backgrounds to JYP Entertainment’s stronghold on the K-pop industry. It’s also a question that makes one question, “What is truly K-pop? Or J-pop?” in the globalization of the pop music industry.
While a clear-cut answer may be difficult, many say that NiziU is a unique group with roots in both J-pop and K-pop. This blend has contributed to their appeal, attracting fans from various backgrounds–not just in Japan and Korea, but all around the world.
What is NiziU’s fan name?
NiziU’s fans are affectionately known as “WithU.”
Coming from the English phrase “With you,” the fan name represents a promise to stand together with the group. The “U” in both NiziU and their fan name echoes the unity and connection that define Together, “WithU” beautifully captures the symbiotic relationship between NiziU members and their devoted supporters.
Who is the leader of NiziU?
Mako is the talented leader of NiziU. As the first-place winner of Nizi Project, Mako wowed JY Park and viewers, both with her talents and strong leadership capabilities.
She helped bring out the best level of performance in her fellow contestants during team challenges. Her skills extend far beyond the stage, and her leadership is integral to the group’s dynamics and success. Learn more about her in the video above.
Which NiziU song was produced by Stray Kid’s 3RACHA?
“Paradise” was written and produced by 3RACHA from the popular Stray Kids.
This captivating single was released as the theme song for the anime movie Doraemon the Movie: Nobita and the Sky Utopia. It is the first NiziU anime song for a full-feature movie.
The accompanying music video has garnered over 50 million views on YouTube. Check it out above.
Which NiziU song won first place on a music show?
NiziU’s historic Korean debut song, “HEARTRIS,” captured the hearts of many as it won first place on MBC’s Show Champion on November 8th.
The success of “HEARTRIS” marked a milestone for the NiziU members, as a successful debut to the K-pop scene. Watch the video for the Tetris-like dance moves and a big cameo from a Stray Kids member (find out who above).
What are some popular NiziU songs?
If you’re new to the group, here are a few great songs to add to your playlist.
Make you happy
“Make you happy” is the NiziU members’ pre-debut song that topped the Japanese music charts with its catchy melody and positivity.
As abovementioned, the song hit over 300 million streams on YouTube. The viral “jump-roping dance” continues to be a fan favorite.
This song’s success marked the beginning of the NiziU member’s journey to becoming a household name.
Step and a step
“Step and a step” is the group’s debut single. It conveys a message of encouragement during challenging times–and take things at your own pace, one step at a time.
The song’s uplifting lyrics and melody have become an anthem of positivity, both for the NiziU members and WithUs. As previously mentioned, this song has achieved Platinum certification in Japan.
Take a Picture
“Take a Picture” is a lively NiziU song that reached number 1 for two weeks on Japan’s Billboard chart.
This fun amusement park music video features a catchy dance chorus that captures the essence of lively snapshots.
To sum it up…
- NiziU, the sensational Japanese girl group, burst onto the music scene through the survival reality show “Nizi Project,” captivating audiences with their vibrant energy and infectious tunes.
- Since their debut, the NiziU members have become beloved in Japan and beyond.
- The group features the following 9 members: Mako, Rio, Maya, Riku, Ayaka, Mayuka, Rima, Miihi, and Nina
- With chart-topping debut hits like “Step and a Step” in Japan and “HEARTRIS” in Korea, NiziU’s success only continues to grow.
Each NiziU member and their remarkable journey continues to captivate fans, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the music industry.
What are the NiziU anime songs in Tower of God?
Which NiziU Anime Songs are in Tower of God?
“RISE UP” is the NiziU anime opening and “BELIEVE” is ending theme song for season two of the hit series, Tower of God. The anime adaptation is based on the internationally popular South Korean webtoon of the same name.
NiziU is collaborating on both the opening and ending songs for the first arc of the season, also known as Tower of God: Return of the Prince. Season one featured songs from JYP’s popular boy band, Stray Kids.
The release date for both NiziU anime songs is July 24, 2024.
Follow NiziU
Official website: https://niziu.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHp2q2i85qt_9nn2H7AvGOw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niziu_info_official/
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NiziU__official
Line: https://page.line.me/522inocg?openQrModal=true
Check out other artist introductions and articles on utatune.
