Mayuka’s Profile
- Full Name: Mayuka Ogou
- Native Name: 小合麻由佳
- Nicknames: Chameleon, Mayu-chan, Ogou
- Birthday: Nov 13, 2003 (21 years old)
- Blood type: A
- Height/Weight: 162 cm (5’4”) / 45 kg (99 lbs)
- Gender: Female
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Debut: Dec 2, 2020
- Position: Lead Rapper, Sub Vocalist
- MBTI: ISFP (The Adventurer)
- Birthplace: Kyoto, Japan
-
Nationality:
Japanese
- Profession: Singer, Rapper
- Languages: Japanese, Korean
- Group: NiziU
- Current Agency: JYP Entertainment, Sony Music Japan
Kanemoto Mayuka is a Japanese singer born on November 13, 2003. She is currently active as a sub-rapper and sub-vocalist of NiziU, a Japanese-Korean girl group under JYP Entertainment.
Early Life
Mayuka was born and raised in Kyoto, Japan, in a family with a quiet yet inspiring artistic background. Her mother is a private piano teacher, while her father works in the logistics sector as an office employee. Being an only child, Mayuka is known for her low-key personality and rarely appears in public relationships. However, in an interview for the “NiziU Scout” series on their official YouTube channel, she revealed her close bond with fellow member Miihi, with whom she often shares snacks and cooking hobbies.
Career
In 2019, Mayuka auditioned for the talent survival show “Nizi Project,” a joint initiative between JYP Entertainment and Sony Music Japan. Throughout the competition, she was consistently praised for her noticeable growth with every round. In the final episode aired in June 2020, Mayuka was officially announced as the seventh member of NiziU, completing the lineup of this next-generation girl group.
Mayuka officially debuted as a member of NiziU in December 2020 with the single “Step and a Step.” Though not assigned the role of center or main vocalist, she stood out with a short yet impactful rap part towards the end of the song, leaving a strong impression with her distinct musical color.
From 2021 to 2023, Mayuka actively participated in NiziU’s music releases, concerts, and promotional campaigns in Japan. A standout moment came during the “NiziU Live with U 2022 ‘Light it Up’” concert, where she opened the performance of the B-side track “Short Trip” with a solo segment, reflecting the management’s trust in her stage presence.
Strengths
Mayuka stands out for her versatility, effortlessly adapting to various roles within the group. She takes on sub-rap parts with a gentle, smooth style, creating a contrast with the more powerful rap styles of members like Rima and Rio. Notably, her rap in the 2021 hit “Take a Picture” was highlighted by critics as one of the vocal sub-unit’s defining moments.
Personality-wise, Mayuka plays the role of a “mediator” in variety shows, speaking in a calm, gentle tone but always getting straight to the point. She often takes on the role of “closing speaker” in group interviews, neatly summarizing the key points after other members have shared their thoughts.
Challenges
Throughout her career, Mayuka has faced online scrutiny for being perceived as “overshadowed” compared to NiziU’s more prominent members. After the “Light it Up” concert in 2022, discussions on platforms like 5ch (Japan’s largest online forum) frequently compared her screen time and singing lines to other members.
Additionally, Mayuka experienced health issues in mid-2023, which led to her absence from several behind-the-scenes shoots for “NiziU Scout Season 2.” A representative from JYP Entertainment Japan later clarified that her condition was not severe but required a temporary reduction in her schedule for recovery.
Fashion
In her daily life, Mayuka’s fashion style leans towards a simple “clean fit” aesthetic, focusing on staple items like oversized shirts, straight-leg trousers, and white sneakers. For official events, she often opts for designs from Japanese brands such as Snidel and Gelato Pique, favoring soft pastel palettes.
On stage, Mayuka is styled in monochrome outfits curated by JYP Entertainment’s fashion team, with subtle accents like hair accessories or slim belts. At the “Japan Record Awards 2022,” she was noted for her lavender cropped blazer paired with a tennis skirt, striking a balance between youthful charm and polished elegance.
During the AWAKE 2024–2025 concert tour, Mayuka took part in designing official merchandise — a long-sleeve shirt with a minimalist cut, where every detail from fabric choice to stitching was carefully considered. This “casual but not careless” vibe quickly made it a must-have item among fans.
Her hair is an ongoing “project” with no concept of taking a break. Short, ever-changing colors — lavender, mint green, platinum blonde — every appearance becomes a fresh fashion statement. If her scalp could speak, it would probably say: “Tired? Yes. But at least let it be stylish.”
Fun Facts
- Nickname: “Chameleon” — but not the type that hides. More like the one that changes colors for the drama.
- Can down 500ml of water in one gulp. Flex? Maybe. Threat? Definitely.
- Loves shrimp, avocado, and ramen. Has proudly claimed she could eat ramen for seven days straight. Noodle loyalty.
- Self-taught ocarina in 2 weeks for Nizi Project. Someone call Zelda, we got a rival.
- Owns two cats. Clearly the superior personality type.
- Knows Japanese Sign Language (JSL). Used it to greet a hearing-impaired fan. Instant bias material.
- Alarm clock? What’s that? She relies on teammates and fate.
- Teases others by fast-forwarding movies, then pretends she didn’t. Criminally underrated chaos agent.
- Covers her mouth when laughing — a Kyoto reflex. Modest, but secretly meme-worthy.
- Hates the cold. Transforms into a blanket burrito at the first sign of winter.
Photo Gallery
