Kanako Momota
The vibrant leader of Japan's wildly popular Momoiro Clover Z, she commands stages with boundless energy and has become a voice for Marvel's Shuri.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Japanese idol actress and singer·Birthday: July 12·Millennials
Biography
Kanako Momota is the charismatic nucleus of Momoiro Clover Z, a group that redefined the Japanese idol scene with its chaotic, high-energy performances and thematic depth. Scouted in her early teens, she was appointed leader, a role she grew into with a mix of fierce dedication and playful warmth. Under her guidance, the group shattered records, selling out Tokyo Dome and developing a unique brand that blended pop music with theatrical storytelling and social commentary. Momota's influence extends beyond the stage; her distinct, spirited voice led to her being cast as the Japanese dub for Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, connecting her to a global audience. As an actress in film and television, she has shown a versatile range. More than just a performer, Momota embodies the modern idol as a multifaceted entertainer and a resilient leader who helped steer her group to legendary status in Japanese pop culture.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kanako was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kanako Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Kanako's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led Momoiro Clover Z to become the first female idol group to perform a solo concert at the National Stadium in Tokyo.
- Provided the Japanese voice for Princess Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including 'Black Panther' and 'Avengers: Infinity War'.
- Won the Japan Record Award for Best Song in 2013 with Momoiro Clover Z for their single "Naitemo Iin Da yo".
- Starred in the lead role of the 2019 film "Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger The Movie: Time Slip! Dinosaur Panic".
Did You Know?
Her stage surname, Momota, was given to her by her agency and is shared by all members of Momoiro Clover Z.
She is known for her incredibly high energy and is often the last member still jumping and dancing vigorously at the end of long concerts.
Momota is a self-professed fan of professional wrestling and has incorporated wrestling moves into the group's performances.
“Our performances are about giving 120% energy and creating a unique world for our fans.”
