TWICE Sana: The Untold Story Behind Her Rise to K-pop Stardom

Discovered while shopping with friends, Twice Sana transformed from an ordinary Japanese teenager into one of K-pop's most beloved stars. Sana Minatozaki, born December 29, 1996, in Tennoji-ku, Osaka, has risen to extraordinary heights since her debut with TWICE in October 2015.

As the only child in her family, Minatozaki Sana's journey to stardom began unexpectedly when JYP Entertainment scouts spotted her on April 13, 2012. Before joining TWICE through the reality show Sixteen, she trained at EXPG Osaka and even appeared in music videos for Got7's "A" and Junho's "Feel". Furthermore, her charm and talent have earned her recognition beyond the K-pop world, ranking 21st in the "100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2017" and becoming the highest-ranked Japanese individual in Gallup Korea's annual music poll for 2018.

Today, Sana from TWICE stands as a cultural bridge between South Korea and Japan, with an estimated net worth of $3-5 million USD by 2025 and prestigious ambassador roles for brands like Prada, Missha, and Espoir.

Early Life in Osaka

Minatozaki Sana's story begins in the vibrant city of Tennoji-ku, Osaka, Japan, where she was born on December 29, 1996. Unlike many K-pop idols who grow up with siblings, Sana developed a unique personality as the only child in her family. This exclusive position in her household would later influence her sociable nature and ability to form strong bonds with her future TWICE members.

Family background and childhood

Growing up in a middle-class household in Osaka, Sana enjoyed the nurturing environment created by her parents, Kosaku and Mitsuko Minatozaki. Her father Kosaku is believed to be involved in business, whereas her mother Mitsuko dedicated herself as a homemaker. This stable family foundation provided Sana with the support she needed to pursue her dreams.

Even at a young age, Sana demonstrated a natural inclination toward the performing arts. Her parents noticed her passion early on, as she often expressed her desire to become a singer and dancer. Notably, this aspiration would eventually lead her down an unexpected path—one that would take her far from her Osaka roots.

Throughout her childhood, Sana developed the cheerful personality and natural charisma that would later become her trademark in the K-pop industry. In contrast to some idols who are groomed from very early childhood, Sana's journey toward stardom began relatively late, around her middle school years.

First exposure to K-pop

Sana's interest in K-pop wasn't immediate but developed gradually through exposure to influential Korean girl groups. The catalyst for her K-pop dreams came in the form of Girls' Generation, whose performances captivated the young Osaka native. Additionally, KARA's rising popularity in Japan during that period further cemented her fascination with K-pop.

Interestingly, despite her growing interest in Korean pop music, Sana initially planned to become a singer in Japan rather than South Korea. This original career trajectory demonstrates how unpredictable her path to TWICE would ultimately be. The Japanese music industry, with its own idol system, seemed like the natural choice for the Osaka-born performer at the time.

Training at EXPG Osaka

To pursue her musical aspirations, Sana took a significant step in 2009 when she enrolled at the Osaka branch of EXPG (Exile Professional Gym). Starting in sixth grade, she dedicated herself to rigorous training at this renowned dance and vocal studio where many Japanese idols honed their skills. This facility has produced members of prominent Japanese groups including E-girls, Generations, and The Rampage.

From 2009 to early 2012, Sana immersed herself in the fundamentals of performance, developing the dance techniques and vocal abilities that would serve as her foundation. During this formative period at EXPG, she continued to nurture her passion for K-pop, though still primarily focused on becoming a Japanese performer.

For approximately three years, the future TWICE member trained diligently, unaware that her career would soon take an international turn. The skills she acquired at EXPG Osaka proved invaluable, as they prepared her for the intense training she would later receive under JYP Entertainment in South Korea.

Sana's early life in Osaka thus represents the crucial foundation period that shaped her as both a person and performer, setting the stage for her unexpected leap into the competitive world of K-pop that would ultimately lead to her becoming one of the most recognizable faces in twice.

Discovery by JYP Entertainment

Fate intervened in Sana's carefully laid plans during her final year of middle school. At just 14 years old, the future K-pop sensation encountered a moment that would forever alter her trajectory from Japanese performer to global idol.

Scouted at a shopping mall

One ordinary day in 2011, Minatozaki Sana visited the popular Osaka Namba Walk underground shopping mall with friends. What began as a casual shopping trip transformed into a life-changing encounter when a JYP Entertainment casting associate spotted her among the crowd. This chance meeting might have passed without consequence had Sana's friend not been present—this friend spoke Korean and helped facilitate communication between Sana and the JYP scout.

The scout presented compelling credentials to convince the hesitant teenager. Specifically, they showed Sana that JYP Entertainment represented the cast of Dream High, which happened to be her favorite Korean television show at the time. This strategic connection resonated with the young Osaka native, who had already developed an appreciation for Korean entertainment.

Auditioning for JYP Japan

Following this unexpected encounter, the JYP scout invited Sana to audition the very next day. The timing aligned perfectly with the 2011 JYP Japan Audition events scheduled in Osaka on November 19 and Tokyo on November 25. This prestigious audition represented JYP Entertainment's systematic approach to discovering Japanese talent for the Korean market.

Prepared yet nervous, Sana made a bold choice for her audition performance. She executed the choreography to Girls' Generation's "Mr. Taxi", a fitting selection considering the group had previously inspired her interest in K-pop. Her performance clearly demonstrated the skills she had cultivated at EXPG Osaka alongside her natural charisma and stage presence.

The audition proved successful—Sana impressed the JYP judges with her potential and secured a coveted spot as a trainee. This accomplishment marked the beginning of her transformation from aspiring performer to K-pop idol-in-training.

Moving to South Korea at 15

After passing the JYP audition, Sana completed her middle school education in Japan, graduating in March 2012. Immediately afterward, the 15-year-old made the momentous decision to relocate to South Korea, officially beginning her trainee period at JYP Entertainment on April 13, 2012.

Interestingly, Sana did not embark on this international journey alone. She moved to Korea alongside fellow Japanese trainee Momo, who would ultimately become her TWICE bandmate. This shared experience likely provided crucial emotional support as both teenagers adjusted to life in a foreign country with different language, customs, and culture.

The transition required significant adaptation. Sana immersed herself in an intensive training regimen while simultaneously navigating cultural differences and language barriers. As a JYP trainee, she underwent comprehensive development in dancing, singing, and Korean language proficiency.

Her trainee period would ultimately extend for more than three years, during which she experienced both challenges and growth opportunities. This extended preparation period reflects the thoroughness of JYP Entertainment's development system and Sana's determination to succeed despite the obstacles inherent in pursuing a K-pop career as a foreign trainee.

Throughout this formative period, Sana demonstrated the resilience and cheerful personality that would subsequently become her trademark as a member of TWICE. Her discovery story exemplifies how unexpected opportunities, combined with preparation and determination, can launch extraordinary careers.

Trainee Years and Challenges

Upon arriving in South Korea in April 2012, Minatozaki Sana faced the harsh realities of being a foreign trainee in the competitive K-pop industry. The transition from Osaka to Seoul marked the beginning of a challenging yet formative chapter in her journey toward stardom.

Initial struggles in Korea

The language barrier proved to be Sana's most significant obstacle. As someone naturally talkative, her inability to communicate properly left her deeply frustrated. "I didn't even know how to respond to 'How are you? Did you eat?'" she recalled about her early days. This communication gap particularly affected her social interactions—when other trainees laughed together, she longed to understand and join in.

Determined to overcome this challenge, Sana devoted herself to learning Korean alongside her rigorous training schedule. She adopted creative learning methods, reading street signs aloud and recording herself to improve pronunciation. Nevertheless, homesickness and the demanding trainee life occasionally overwhelmed her.

In a candid revelation, Sana once admitted she contemplated escaping back to Japan. "I used to think about sneaking out in the early hours," she confessed, even planning how to wheel her suitcase quietly without making the front door creak. Ironically, this plan never materialized because "my passport was at the company," she later explained with a laugh. She even joked about potentially running away with fellow Japanese trainee Momo, which would have resulted in TWICE debuting with only seven members instead of nine.

Cancelled debut plans (6Mix)

After enduring the challenging trainee period, Sana's debut seemed imminent when she was selected to join a group called 6Mix. This six-member ensemble originally included Jihyo (then known as Jisoo), Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Minyoung, Lena, and Cecilia. However, the lineup underwent several changes—Lena departed to pursue acting in the United States, whereas Cecilia left to focus on acting in China.

Consequently, Sana was added to the roster to compensate for these departures. Unfortunately, 6Mix's debut was ultimately cancelled due to various factors, including political tensions between Japan and Korea following the Liancourt Rocks dispute. Additionally, the sinking of MV Sewol affected the timing of their planned launch.

This setback might have ended Sana's K-pop aspirations altogether. Instead, it led to her participation in the reality show Sixteen, which would eventually create TWICE.

Appearance in Got7's MV

In 2014, amid uncertainty about her debut, Sana appeared in GOT7's music video for "A" as a waitress. This brief role gave viewers their first glimpse of the future TWICE member. Remarkably, despite the positive public reception to her appearance, Sana revealed that this period coincided with one of her lowest points as a trainee.

"At that time, I started to gain weight because I was thinking of quitting," she admitted. The weight gain represented her internal struggle and momentary surrender to the possibility that her idol dreams might not materialize. Fortunately, securing this role in the music video provided a motivational boost that helped her persevere through the remaining challenges of her trainee period.

Throughout these trials, Sana's resilience shone through. Her fellow TWICE member Chaeyoung later acknowledged the foreign members' extraordinary courage, stating, "I don't know how you all did it... going to a foreign country, spending years away from your families".

Debut with TWICE and Rise to Fame

After overcoming numerous challenges as a trainee, Minatozaki Sana stood at the threshold of her K-pop career in 2015. The cancelled debut plans for 6Mix ultimately opened a new door – one that would lead to an unexpected opportunity through a survival reality show.

Participation in Sixteen

In early 2015, JYP Entertainment announced a bold strategy to form their next girl group through a televised competition called Sixteen. The show, which aired from May 5 to July 7, pitted sixteen JYP trainees against one another in a battle for seven spots in the new group. Among these contestants was Sana, whose cheerful personality and performance skills quickly caught viewers' attention.

Throughout the program, contestants faced rigorous evaluation not only on their singing and dancing abilities but also on their charisma and personality. Although Sana spent most of her time on the "Major" team, far from elimination, the competition remained intense as the trainees showcased their talents across multiple missions.

The final episode delivered an unexpected twist when JYP founder Park Jin-young announced that TWICE would actually be a nine-member group instead of seven. Alongside the seven finalists (including Sana), Tzuyu was added based on audience votes, and Momo – who had been eliminated earlier – was surprisingly reinstated as the final member.

Debut with 'Like Ooh-Ahh'

On October 20, 2015, TWICE officially made their long-awaited debut with "Like Ooh-Ahh" from their first mini-album The Story Begins. The song, written and composed by production team Black Eyed Pilseung and Sam Lewis, featured a distinctive choreography created by Lia Kim of 1Million Dance Studio alongside JYP choreographer Yun Hee-so.

The music video presented a unique concept – the nine members dancing and singing through a zombie-filled hospital, on rooftops, and inside a bus. This creative approach helped distinguish TWICE from other rookie groups debuting around the same time.

Interestingly, Sana and her fellow members initially worried about their future prospects. As Momo later revealed in a Cosmopolitan interview: "When we came out with 'Like Ooh-Ahh,' it didn't do so well at first, so I didn't think that we were ever going to get big".

TWICE's early success

In opposition to the members' initial concerns, "Like Ooh-Ahh" demonstrated remarkable staying power. The song debuted at number 22 on Gaon's Digital Chart before gradually climbing to peak at number 10 three months after its release – an unusual trajectory for a rookie girl group.

The music video's performance proved even more impressive. On November 11, 2016, it surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, making TWICE the fourth K-pop girl group to achieve this milestone and the first debut music video to do so. By November 2017, the view count reached 200 million, establishing TWICE as the first K-pop female act with three music videos exceeding this benchmark.

These achievements solidified TWICE's position as a leading rookie group. The song continued accumulating accolades, surpassing 100 million streams by February 2017 and reaching 2.5 million downloads by July 2018 on Gaon Music Chart. For Sana, this meteoric rise marked just the beginning of what would become an extraordinary career in K-pop.

Solo Projects and MiSaMo

While establishing herself as a vital member of TWICE, Sana has carved out a unique artistic identity through her solo endeavors and as part of the group's first-ever sub-unit.

First solo single 'Sotsugyou'

In February 2021, Sana reached a significant milestone by becoming the first TWICE member to release a solo single with her cover of "Sotsugyou" (Graduation). This collaboration with popular Japanese band Kobukuro showcased her vocal talents outside the group dynamic. Released through Warner Music Japan, the digital single included both the main version and an a cappella rendition.

The emotional ballad, centered around graduation themes, resonated deeply with listeners experiencing pandemic-related disruptions to traditional ceremonies. The lyrics poignantly capture bittersweet farewells: "You were always fun and playful but now you look down with shoulders shaking and mutter 'let's meet again'".

Moreover, Sana released an additional version featuring Kobukuro themselves in March 2021. Her involvement in this project demonstrated her growing artistic independence and connection to her Japanese roots.

Formation of MiSaMo

On February 9, 2023, JYP Entertainment officially announced the creation of MiSaMo, TWICE's first sub-unit. Comprising Japanese members Mina, Sana, and Momo (hence the name derived from their first syllables), this trio represented a strategic expansion of TWICE's brand.

Prior to their official debut, MiSaMo released:

• "Bouquet" in January 2023 as part of TV Asahi's drama series soundtrack

• Pre-debut track "Marshmallow" with an accompanying music video

The sub-unit formally debuted on July 26, 2023, with mini-album "Masterpiece", marking a homecoming for the three Japanese members. Subsequently, MiSaMo expanded their discography with "Haute Couture" in October 2024, further establishing their unique musical identity alongside their TWICE activities.

Recent solo track 'Mirage'

Continuing her solo artistic evolution, Sana contributed the track "Mirage" to MiSaMo's 2024 album "Haute Couture". This release highlighted her growing confidence as a solo performer within the sub-unit context.

Remarkably, Sana actively participated in the creative process, receiving credit as a lyricist alongside Hiyori Nara, while AVENUE 52 and DAINASAURS handled composition and arrangement duties. This creative involvement represents significant growth from her earlier days as primarily a performer.

Fans witnessed Sana performing "Mirage" live during the 2024 MiSaMo dome concert at Belluna dome, further cementing her reputation as both a charismatic group member and increasingly confident solo artist.

Through these projects, Sana has skillfully balanced her TWICE responsibilities with creative pursuits that showcase her individual talents and heritage, establishing herself as a multifaceted artist in the K-pop landscape.

Public Image and Cultural Impact

Beyond her musical achievements, Minatozaki Sana has cultivated a distinctive public image that resonates deeply with fans worldwide. Her influence extends far beyond entertainment, touching on sensitive historical relations between South Korea and Japan.

Sana's cheerful personality

Affectionately known as the "Aegyo Queen" of TWICE, Sana has earned recognition for her lively and cheerful demeanor. Her naturally sunny disposition has become her defining characteristic, even as she admits maintaining such positivity requires consistent effort. "It's well known that I am the brightest and happiest member of TWICE – the other members have even said I am the one always smiling and laughing," she once acknowledged.

This bubbly persona manifests through her "shameless bundle of aegyo" that Korean audiences particularly appreciate. Indeed, fans often refer to her as "Kim Sana," playfully adopting one of Korea's most common surnames to highlight her exceptional Korean language skills and cultural integration.

Popularity in Korea and Japan

Sana's popularity transcends national boundaries. In Gallup Korea's prestigious annual music poll for 2018, she ranked as the 17th most popular idol in South Korea, making her the highest-ranked Japanese individual on the list. She improved to 15th place in the following year's poll.

Remarkably, Sana topped a 2019 survey as the most popular female K-pop idol among South Korean soldiers completing their mandatory military service. This achievement underscores her widespread appeal across diverse demographic groups.

Meanwhile, she remains enormously popular in her homeland, recognized as TWICE's most beloved member in Japan. Her ability to navigate both cultures has established her as a truly bicultural star.

Role in Korea-Japan relations

Throughout her career, Sana's presence in the Korean entertainment industry has significantly contributed to improving relations between Japan and South Korea. Alongside fellow Japanese TWICE members, she has helped forge a cultural bridge between countries with historically complex diplomatic ties.

TWICE's remarkable commercial success signaled a newfound mutual interest between Korean and Japanese music industries. Their achievements helped normalize Japanese participation in K-pop, paving the way for subsequent groups featuring Japanese members like Aespa and Le Sserafim.

This cultural exchange hasn't been without challenges. In 2019, Sana faced criticism after commenting on Instagram about Japan's imperial era change from Heisei to Reiwa. While she intended no political statement, the incident highlighted the lingering sensitivities in Korea-Japan relations. Nevertheless, her overall impact remains positive, exemplifying how cultural ambassadors can gradually improve international understanding.

Brand Endorsements and Ambassadorships

Beyond her musical career, Sana's growing commercial influence has secured her place among the elite brand representatives in the beauty and fashion industry. Her endorsement portfolio reflects her status as both a fashion icon and a cultural connector between Asian markets.

Beauty and fashion campaigns

Sana's commercial journey began in earnest during 2021, when she partnered with fellow TWICE member Dahyun as models for skincare brand A'pieu. By March 2022, she expanded her portfolio by becoming the face of Olive Young's cosmetics brand WakeMake. Her natural radiance and widespread appeal made her an ideal choice for beauty endorsements, henceforth leading to dual ambassador roles in March 2023 for both the South Korean skincare brand Missha and makeup brand Espoir.

Partnerships with Prada, YSL, Missha

September 2023 marked a significant milestone as Italian luxury fashion house Prada officially named Sana as their brand ambassador. Presently, she regularly attends high-profile Prada events, including the Prada Mode Seoul gathering and Milan Fashion Week. In December 2023, her luxury portfolio grew further when YSL Beauty appointed her as their brand ambassador in Japan, featuring her prominently in their Rouge Volupté Candy Glaze lipstick campaign.

Becoming a global brand face

Remarkably, July 2023 saw Sana secure perhaps her most prestigious role as the first Japan ambassador for British multinational jeweler Graff. This partnership carries extraordinary significance as Graff represents the pinnacle of luxury jewelry—an ultra-high-end brand traditionally associated with royalty and billionaires. In one promotional video, Sana wore an emerald-cut yellow diamond ring valued at $920,000.

Collectively, these endorsements position Sana as one of K-pop's most commercially valuable stars. With five major brand partnerships to her name, including Espoir, MISSHA, YSL BEAUTY Japan, GRAFF, and Prada, she has transcended her role as merely an idol to become a global fashion and beauty icon—a testament to her widespread appeal across multiple markets and demographics.

Discography and Creative Contributions

Throughout her career, Minatozaki Sana has expanded her artistic footprint beyond performing, actively contributing to TWICE's discography while building an impressive portfolio of collaborations and media appearances.

Songwriting credits

Sana's journey as a songwriter began in 2018 with "Shot Thru the Heart" for TWICE's "Summer Nights" album. Her lyrical contributions rapidly expanded to include:

2019: "Turn It Up" (Fancy You) and "21:29" (Feel Special)
2020: "Do What We Like" (Eyes Wide Open)
2021: "Conversation" (Taste of Love)
2022: "Celebrate" (Celebrate)
2023: "Rewind You" (MiSaMo's Masterpiece)
2024: "Mirage" (her solo track on Haute Couture)

These writing credits demonstrate her growing artistic maturity, especially within the Japanese sub-unit MiSaMo, wherein she participated more actively in the creative process.

Notable collaborations

Alongside her work with TWICE, Sana has participated in several high-profile collaborations. In 2017, she featured on Junho's track "Candy", showcasing her versatility outside the group setting. Plus, she joined fellow members Nayeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung for K/DA's 2020 release "I'll Show You", expanding her reach into the gaming community through the virtual K-pop group associated with League of Legends.

TV and web show appearances

Sana first captivated audiences as a contestant on "Sixteen" in 2015, the reality competition that formed TWICE. Forthwith, her television presence grew as she served as host for "Show! Music Core" in 2016 and appeared on "M Countdown" in 2018.

Notably, she demonstrated her industry expertise as a special judge and host for "Nizi Project: Part 2" in 2020, JYP Entertainment's survival show creating a Japanese girl group. Currently, she hosts her own YouTube talk show "Sana's Fridge Interview" (2024-present), illustrating her evolution from contestant to established entertainment personality.

Undoubtedly, these creative contributions reveal a multidimensional artist who continues to develop her skills both within and beyond TWICE's framework.