Sana's Profile
- Full Name: Sana Minatozaki
- Native Name: 湊崎 紗夏
- Nicknames: Sanaconda
- Birthday: Dec 29, 1996 (28 years old)
- Blood type: B
- Height/Weight: 168 cm (5’6") / 48 kg (106 lbs)
- Gender: Female
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Debut: Oct 20, 2015
- Position: Sub-Vocalist, sub-dancer
- MBTI: ENFP
- Birthplace: Osaka, Japan
-
Nationality:
Japanese
- Profession: Singer
- Languages: Japanese, Korean
- Group: TWICE
Sana (birth name: Minatozaki Sana, Japanese: 湊崎 紗夏), born on December 29, 1996, in Tennōji-ku, Osaka, Japan, is a Japanese singer and dancer based in South Korea. She is a member of the K-pop girl group TWICE under JYP Entertainment, where she serves as a sub-vocalist. In addition to her group activities, Sana debuted in 2023 as part of the Japanese sub-unit MiSaMo, alongside fellow Japanese members Momo and Mina, with promotions primarily targeting the Japanese market.
Early Life
Sana is an only child, born and raised in Tennōji, Osaka. In 2009, she enrolled at EXPG (Exile Professional Gym) in Osaka, where she trained with aspirations of becoming a singer in Japan. During her middle school years, she was scouted by a JYP Entertainment recruiter while shopping with friends at a mall.
After passing her audition, she officially moved to South Korea in April 2012 to begin training under JYP. Before debuting, Sana was initially set to debut in a girl group targeting the Japanese market, but the project was canceled. In 2015, she participated in the reality survival program Sixteen and was selected to debut as a member of TWICE in October of the same year.
Career
Within TWICE, Sana holds the position of sub-vocalist and has contributed to hit songs such as “Cheer Up,” “TT,” “Fancy,” and “Feel Special.” These releases have helped the group achieve high album sales and massive online views, alongside successful global tours.
In February 2021, Sana released a cover of “Sotsugyou,” originally by the Japanese band Kobukuro, becoming the first TWICE member to have an individual music release. In March 2021, she released a duet version with Kobukuro.
In 2023, Sana, along with Momo and Mina, formed the Japanese sub-unit MiSaMo, debuting their Japanese mini-album Masterpiece on July 26, 2023. Prior to that, they released the track “Bouquet” in January for a TV Asahi drama soundtrack.
From late 2024 to early 2025, MiSaMo held the “Haute Couture” tour at dome stadiums across Japan, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans.
Sana has also hosted as MC for shows like Show! Music Core and Idol Star Athletics Championships (2016), served as a judge and MC on Nizi Project: Part 2 (2020), and since 2024 has hosted her own YouTube talk show, Sana’s Fridge Interview.
Beyond music, Sana has been a brand ambassador for A’pieu (2021), WakeMake (2022), Missha and Espoir (2023), and a Japanese ambassador for Graff (2023). She has collaborated with luxury brands Prada and YSL Beauty.
Sana has contributed as a lyricist to several TWICE songs including “21:29,” “Conversation,” and “Celebrate,” as well as to MiSaMo’s “Rewind You” and her solo track “Mirage.” Her activities span South Korea, Japan, and international markets, including TWICE’s tours in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Japan. She has also featured in fashion campaigns for Prada and YSL Beauty, enhancing TWICE’s brand recognition in Asia and globally.
Strengths
Dance Foundation: Sana began training at EXPG Academy (Osaka) in 2009 and joined JYP’s trainee program in 2012. This solid background supports her strong dance and performance skills on stage.
Personality: Classified as an ENFP-T in the MBTI system, Sana is outgoing and energetic. Within TWICE, she is known for her friendly and lively presence, helping create a comfortable atmosphere during filming and events, and easily connecting with diverse colleagues and fans.
Vocal Ability: Sana’s vocal tone is mid-to-high range with a bright timbre. As a sub-vocalist, she handles chorus lines and mid-to-high pitched highlights, as well as harmony parts in many TWICE songs such as “Cheer Up,” “Feel Special,” and “I Can’t Stop Me.”
Songwriting: Sana has co-written several TWICE tracks, officially credited on the KOMCA (Korea Music Copyright Association) database, including “Shot Thru the Heart,” “Turn It Up,” and “21:29.”
As a member of sub-unit MiSaMo, she frequently appears in programs, events, and promotional campaigns, expanding the group’s presence in Japan and internationally.
Versatility in Entertainment: Sana adapts well to various roles including singing, hosting, brand ambassadorship, participating in TV shows, appearing in music videos, and creating social media content.
Fun Facts
- She went viral for saying “Cheese kimbap” and her “Sha Sha Sha” aegyo moment.
- Sana is the only member of TWICE without siblings.
- She’s afraid of thunder but loves rainy weather—a true “emotional goddess.”
- Nicknames include “Aegyo-Queen” and “Sana-ppang” (“Sana bread”) due to her love of Japanese bread.
- Quirky hobbies: collecting perfumes and doing puzzles in her free time.
- She once cried watching a touching fan-made video by ONCE.
- Despite being allergic to horses, she learned to ride and achieved her goal in 2023.
- Sana is clumsy—often dropping things or tripping on stage—but turns it into endearing moments.
- She loves Pokémon, especially Pikachu and Pachirisu.
- She can fall asleep anywhere—whether in the practice room or on the bus.
Photo Gallery
