NiziU: Members, Fandom, Meaning & Facts

NiziU's Profile

Group Name: NiziU (ニジュー)
Meaning of Name: "Nizi" from Nizi Project (rainbow), symbolizing members with various charms, and "U" meaning "You", indicating the group and fans.
Debut: Dec 2, 2020
Current state: Active
Years Active: 2020 - Present (5 years)
Entertainment Company: JYP Entertainment, Sony Music Japan
Fandom: WithU
Members: Mako, Riku, Rima, Rio, Maya, Miihi, Mayuka, Ayaka, Nina
Oldest Member: Mako
Youngest Member: Nina
Most Popular Member: Mayuka
Notable Albums: U, COCONUT, Press Play
Country: Japan
Generation: A 4th Generation K-pop/J-pop group (Gen 4)

NiziU is a Japanese girl group active in the J-Pop/K-Pop music scene. The group was formed through the survival reality show Nizi Project, produced by JYP Entertainment in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment Japan.

They officially debuted in Japan on December 2, 2020, with nine members — all Japanese nationals: Rio, Maya, Riku, Ayaka, Mayuka, Rima, Miihi, Mako, and Nina. Among them, Nina’s father is American, but she also holds Japanese nationality.

Meaning of NiziU

The name “NiziU” is a combination of Nizi — meaning “rainbow,” symbolizing “many people with different colors,” and the letter “U,” representing “you” (the fans).
It carries the message of individuals with diverse personalities and talents coming together to shine like a rainbow, while staying connected with their fans.

Fandom & Lightstick

The group’s fandom name is WithU.
“WithU” is derived from “[Need] U,” with “U” representing the fans, reflecting the close bond between NiziU and their supporters. The fandom name ties directly to the group’s meaning, completing the phrase: “We need you, and we’re with you.”

Lightstick:

It can light up in 12 different colors and comes with interchangeable covers in each member’s representative color, allowing fans to customize it for their favorite member. The design features a simple dome shape with a black-and-white cube at the center.

In addition, there is the NiziU Light Band, a compact wristband version with the same lighting functions, ideal for fan meetings or on-the-go use.

Popularity

NiziU enjoys strong popularity in Japan and across Asia. Their early breakthrough came with the pre-debut EP Make You Happy (June 2020), which topped multiple Japanese music charts such as Line Music, AWA, and Rakuten.

Their music blends J-Pop foundations with K-Pop elements, mixing dance-pop, house music, and Motown influences into catchy melodies. The group’s strong synergy between music and visuals is showcased in their MVs and live stages. Their songs often carry positive energy and memorable hooks, aligning perfectly with their “colorful” rainbow concept.

In promotional visuals, NiziU maintains a bright and vibrant concept, using bold color palettes and styling that highlight each member’s representative color. Their music videos frequently feature rainbow motifs, reinforcing the symbolism behind their name.

Photo Gallery

Members of NiziU

Mako

Full Name: Mako Yamaguchi (山口真子)
Alias: Woof Woof
Birthday: Apr 04, 2001 (24 years old)
Blood type: A
Height: 159 cm (5'3")
Weight: 42 kg (92 lbs)
Gender: Female
Zodiac Sign: Aries
MBTI: ESFJ (The Consul)
Place of Birth: Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
Country: Japanese
Language Skills: Japanese, Korean
Position: Leader, Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer
Training: 2017–2020 (3 Years and 10 Months)

Mako possesses comprehensive dance skills with the ability to perform from hip-hop to contemporary smoothly and has good rhythm control. She likes versatile fashion style from streetwear to elegant with tailored blazers and ankle boots. [Read more about Mako]

Riku

Full Name: Ooe Riku (大江梨久)
Alias: Squirrel
Birthday: Oct 26, 2002 (22 years old)
Blood type: AB
Height: 162 cm (5’4”)
Weight: 48 kg (106 lbs)
Gender: Female
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Position: Lead Vocalist
MBTI: ESFP
Place of Birth: Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Country: Japanese
Language Skills: Japanese, Korean
Training: Approx. 1 Year 7 Months (May 2019 - Dec 2020)

Riku has the habit of tilting her head slightly when concentrating on listening to instructions and often keeps her hands behind her back when standing and waiting. She smiles by squinting her eyes and doesn't often open her mouth wide, creating her characteristic gentle smile. In dance, Riku uses eye contact with the camera subtly, not looking directly for too long but enough to create connection. [Read more about Riku]

Rima

Full Name: Yokoi Rima (横井りま)
Alias: Rimarin, 中林里茉, Nakabayashi Rima
Birthday: Mar 26, 2004 (21 years old)
Blood type: O
Height: 163 cm (5'4")
Weight: 46 kg (101.41 lbs)
Gender: Female
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Position: Main Dancer, Vocalist, Lead Dancer
MBTI: INFP
Place of Birth: Osaka, Japan
Country: Japanese
Training: Approx. 1.5 Years

Rima has rap abilities with sharp flow and clear English pronunciation, often naturally combining Japanese phrases. She likes streetwear fashion style with oversized t-shirts, bomber jackets, and hip-hop accessories. Rima creates distinction through her distinctive rap voice and creative lyrics writing ability. [Read more about Rima]

Rio

Full Name: Rio Hanabashi (花橋梨緒)
Alias: Ri-chan
Birthday: Feb 04, 2002 (23 years old)
Blood type: B
Height: 159 cm (5'3")
Weight: N/A
Gender: Female
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Position: Lead Dancer, Sub-Vocalist
MBTI: ENFP (The Campaigner)
Place of Birth: Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Education: Nisshin City Nisshin Higashi Junior High School
Country: Japanese
Training: Approx. 7 months (JYP trainee prior to Nizi Project)

Rio demonstrates high professionalism in dance with the ability to quickly adapt to many different types of choreography. She likes hip-hop fashion style with oversized hoodies, jogger pants, and sneakers with strong street vibes. [Read more about Rio]

Maya

Full Name: Katsumura Maya (勝村摩耶)
Alias: White swan, Cowl Chan
Birthday: Apr 08, 2002 (23 years old)
Blood type: O
Height: 159 cm (5’3")
Weight: N/A
Gender: Female
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Position: Lead vocalist, lead dancer
MBTI: ENFP (The Campaigner)
Place of Birth: Hakusan, Ishikawa, Japan
Country: Japanese
Training period: 2018–2020 (approx. 2 years, including 1 year at YG Japan and Nizi Project training)

Maya stands out with her calm and thoughtful personality, often being the one who takes care of those around her. She has a way of showing concern that is subtle and sincere. Maya is loved for her maturity, reliability, and graceful beauty, bringing a sense of peace and warmth. [Read more about Maya]

Miihi

Full Name: Miihi Suzuno (鈴野未光)
Alias: Miihi, Mihii-chan, Queen Miihi
Birthday: Aug 12, 2004 (21 years old)
Blood type: O
Height: 160 cm (5’3”)
Weight: N/A
Gender: Female
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Position: Main Vocalist
MBTI: ENFP
Place of Birth: Kyoto, Japan
Country: Japanese
Training: 2018-2020 (2 Years)

Miihi prefers pink and white outfits with bow and ruffle details, combined with cute accessories like flower headbands. She has a preference for natural makeup with light pink blush and clear lip gloss. Miihi often chooses dreamy and princess-like concepts, creating an image like a living doll. [Read more about Miihi]

Mayuka

Full Name: Mayuka Ogou (小合麻由佳)
Alias: Chameleon, Mayu-chan, Ogou
Birthday: Nov 13, 2003 (21 years old)
Blood type: A
Height: 162 cm (5’4”)
Weight: 45 kg (99 lbs)
Gender: Female
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Position: Lead Rapper, Sub Vocalist
MBTI: ISFP (The Adventurer)
Place of Birth: Kyoto, Japan
Country: Japanese
Training: Nov 2019 – Jun 2020 (Approx. 7-8 Months)

Mayuka has vocal abilities with warm tone and stable breathing technique, often handling complex harmony parts in songs. She likes soft feminine fashion style with oversized sweaters, midi skirts, and mary jane shoes. [Read more about Mayuka]

Ayaka

Full Name: Arai Ayaka (新井彩花)
Alias: N/A
Birthday: Jun 20, 2003 (22 years old)
Blood type: A
Height: 167 cm (5’6")
Weight: 47 kg (104 lbs)
Gender: Female
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Position: Visual, Vocalist
MBTI: ESFP
Place of Birth: Tokyo, Japan
Country: Japanese
Training: 2019–2020 (Approx. 1 year)

Ayaka stands out with a confident attitude and is not afraid to take center stage when necessary in performances. She has a way of carrying herself with straight posture and decisive gestures. Ayaka is loved for her leadership qualities, ability to motivate others, and straightforward personality without pretense. [Read more about Ayaka]

Nina

Full Name: Nina Hillman (牧野仁菜)
Alias: Nina Makino, Woof Woof, 니나
Birthday: Feb 27, 2005 (20 years old)
Blood type: O
Height: 171 cm (5'7")
Weight: N/A
Gender: Female
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Position: Main Vocalist, Maknae
MBTI: INFJ
Place of Birth: Seattle, Washington, USA
Country: Japanese-American
Language Skills: Japanese, English
Training: 2020 (0.5 Years)

Nina possesses a powerful voice with the ability to handle high notes stably and professional vocal techniques. She likes elegant fashion style with blazers, midi skirts, and sophisticated minimalist accessories. Nina creates distinction through her emotionally rich voice and ability to perform ballads authentically. [Read more about Nina]