If you’re a K-pop fan, you’ve probably heard of NiziU – the Japanese girl group often dubbed the “Japanese version of TWICE.” But are they truly a copy of TWICE, or are they simply following JYP’s successful formula? Let’s explore the similarities and differences between these two groups.
NiziU was formed through the audition program Nizi Project (2019-2020), a joint production between JYP Entertainment and Sony Music Japan. This model is quite similar to how JYP created TWICE through the survival show SIXTEEN (2015).
JYP successfully made TWICE one of the top K-pop girl groups in Japan. So, it’s no surprise that they applied a similar strategy to create NiziU – a group trained in the K-pop system but specifically targeted at the Japanese market.
As someone who has followed TWICE since their debut, I was really impressed by how JYP built a globally appealing girl group. When NiziU debuted, I was a bit skeptical—was this just a ‘Japanese version’ of TWICE? But after watching Nizi Project, I realized that while they carry JYP’s signature style, they also have their own unique path.
Both TWICE and NiziU pursue a bright, energetic, and cute image. If TWICE made their mark with catchy songs like Cheer Up, TT, and Likey, then NiziU also delivers high-energy tracks like Make you happy and Take a picture.
One noticeable point is that both groups have simple yet addictive choreography, fitting JYP’s signature “highlight dance move” trend. The first time I heard Make you happy, I immediately associated it with TWICE’s cheerful energy—especially with the “jump rope dance” move, which became a sensation in Japan.
JYP used a nearly identical debut strategy for NiziU as they did for TWICE:
- Generating hype through a survival show (SIXTEEN for TWICE, Nizi Project for NiziU).
- Releasing a pre-debut song before the official debut (Like OOH-AHH for TWICE, Make you happy for NiziU).
- Targeting the Japanese market early on (TWICE debuted a Japanese album shortly after their debut, while NiziU operates entirely in Japan).
Thanks to this strategy, NiziU gained a huge fanbase even before their official debut.
TWICE has 9 members with a multinational lineup (Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese), whereas NiziU also has 9 members but all are Japanese. Keeping the same number of members might have been a deliberate choice by JYP to create a sense of familiarity for fans.
The biggest difference is that TWICE has a global focus, while NiziU primarily targets the Japanese market.
TWICE was once the most influential K-pop girl group in Japan, with numerous hits like TT, Candy Pop, and Feel Special. Thanks to TWICE’s reputation, NiziU also received attention right from the start.
NiziU’s success can be seen through:
- Make you happy surpassing 100 million views on YouTube within a few months.
- Becoming the first Japanese girl group to receive RIAJ’s million certification with the single Step and a step.
- Being invited to perform at Kōhaku Uta Gassen, one of Japan’s most prestigious music programs.
This proves that NiziU is not just riding on TWICE’s fame but has also built their own appeal in Japan.
It’s fair to say that NiziU follows TWICE’s successful formula, from member selection, musical direction, choreography style, to promotional strategies. However, they are not simply a copy—they have distinct differences:
- NiziU operates mainly in Japan and doesn’t have foreign members like TWICE.
- Their music incorporates more J-pop elements compared to TWICE’s K-pop sound.
- JYP’s strategy for NiziU is more domestically focused rather than global.
While NiziU shares many similarities with TWICE, I believe they are still in the process of defining their own identity. They have the potential to become JYP’s most successful Japanese girl group, but to reach TWICE’s level of influence, they will need a real breakthrough.
What do you think? Can NiziU become the next TWICE, or will they carve out a completely different path? Share your thoughts!
