Artist Profile
- Full Name: Mako Yamaguchi
- Native Name: 山口 真子
- Nicknames: Woof Woof
- Birthday: Apr 04, 2001 (24 years old)
- Blood type: A
- Height/Weight: 159 cm (5'3") / 42 kg (92 lbs)
- Gender: Female
- Zodiac Sign: Aries
- MBTI: ESFJ (The Consul)
- Birthplace: Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
- Nationality: Japanese
- Profession: Singer, Dancer
- Language Skills: Japanese, Korean
- Group: NiziU
- Debut: Dec 2, 2020
- Current Agency: JYP Entertainment / Sony Music Japan
- Years Active: 2020–present (6 years)
Mako (full name: Yamaguchi Mako, 山口真子), born on April 4, 2001, is a Japanese singer. She is the leader, main dancer, sub-vocalist, and rapper of the J-pop girl group NiziU, which is managed by JYP Entertainment in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment Japan.
Early Life
Mako was born and raised in Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. She attended Minami Junior High School, where she served as class president during her third year. Later, she enrolled in high school and took part in the student council. Her family consists of her parents and an older sister named Atsuko Yamaguchi. From an early age, she showed interest in music and dance, which later shaped her career path in the entertainment industry.
Career
In January 2017, Mako became a JYP Entertainment trainee after placing third overall and first among female participants in the agency’s 13th open audition in Seoul, which featured approximately 3,500 contestants. She began her formal training with the company in March 2017.
In July 2019, Mako participated in Nizi Project, a girl group survival reality show co-produced by JYP Entertainment and Sony Music. The program began airing in January 2020, during which she demonstrated superior skills throughout the competition.
On June 26, 2020, Mako secured first place in the final rankings of Nizi Project, officially becoming a member and the leader of NiziU. In June 2020, she participated in the release of the group’s pre-debut digital EP, Make You Happy.
On December 2, 2020, Mako and NiziU officially debuted in Japan with the single “Step and a Step,” which reached number one on the Oricon Singles Chart and the Billboard Japan Hot 100. In her role as leader, she coordinated group activities and participated in promotional performances for the single.
In 2021, Mako released three singles with the group: “Take a Picture” (April), “Poppin’ Shakin'” (May), and “Super Summer” (July). On November 24, 2021, she participated in the release of the group’s first studio album, U, which topped both the Oricon Albums Chart and the Billboard Japan Hot Albums.
In 2022, Mako released the singles “Asobo” and “Clap Clap,” both of which reached number one on the charts, followed by “Blue Moon,” which peaked at number two. She continued to maintain a central role in the group’s promotional activities and performances.
On July 19, 2023, Mako released the second studio album, Coconut, with NiziU, which topped the Oricon Albums Chart. On October 30, 2023, she made her official debut in South Korea with the single album Press Play through JYP Entertainment.
In 2024, Mako released the EP Rise Up (July) and the singles “Memories,” “Sweet Nonfiction,” and “Always.” She participated in the concert tour NiziU Live With U 2024-2025 “Awake,” which commenced in late 2024.
On February 5, 2025, Mako released the EP Awake, followed by the South Korean single album Love Line on March 31, 2025. On November 19, 2025, she released the third studio album, New Emotion, which reached number one on the Oricon Albums Chart and the Billboard Japan Hot Albums.
Fun Facts
- Mako always carries chocolate with her — it seems to be her comfort item to stay relaxed.
- “Legendary” Kyochon honey chicken: she can finish an entire honey fried chicken set without help.
- Yogurt lover: even with a busy schedule, she makes time to eat yogurt daily.
- Loves collecting Korean proverbs: “Even monkeys fall from trees” is her go-to phrase to encourage friends; she also likes “Kind words will bring good things.”
- Absolutely hates spoilers: if someone reveals a movie plot, she’ll “get mad” right away!
- Passionate about traveling: long drives and exploring new places are her favorite stress relievers.
- Older sister Atsuko is a hardcore fan: always supporting and accompanying Mako to events.
- Blood type A: meticulous, detail-oriented, always planning ahead.
- Can eat lemons without flinching, wore braces during the first season of Nizi Project, and has a habit of writing emoji-filled diaries to express emotions.
- Owns a Dachshund named Pana, and is an animal lover.
- Funny: once mistook body wash for lotion and applied it, often makes up random lyrics during practice, or dances spontaneously off-stage.
- Daily routine: stretches before sleeping, but if stretched too hard, tends to have nightmares. Loves watching dramas, learning languages, and journaling.
- When they first met, Ayaka couldn’t understand Mako because of her Fukuoka dialect.
- According to Rio, Mako is quite clumsy in real life, which contrasts with her confident and composed on-stage image.
Photo Gallery
