Momo Hirai
A Japanese dancer whose explosive power and precision became the dynamic backbone of one of K-pop's biggest girl groups.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Japanese singer·Birthday: November 9·Millennials
Biography
Born in Kyoto, Momo Hirai's life was shaped by rhythm from the start. She trained intensively in dance from childhood, a path that led her to the high-stakes audition stages of South Korea's entertainment industry. Her breakthrough came on the survival show 'Sixteen,' where despite initial elimination, her extraordinary dance skills were deemed so essential that producers famously brought her back, securing her spot in what would become Twice. As part of the group, Momo didn't just perform choreography; she defined it, her sharp, powerful movements setting a standard for performance intensity. Her role expanded beyond dance, showcasing a distinct, lower-register vocal tone and rap skills, particularly in Twice's Japanese subunit MiSaMo. Momo transformed from a dedicated trainee into a global performance icon, embodying the relentless work ethic and polished artistry of K-pop.
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.
Momo was born in 1996, 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 Momo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Momo's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
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
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected as a member of Twice through the 2015 reality survival show 'Sixteen,' a group that would achieve massive international success.
- Recognized as the main dancer of Twice, central to the group's intricate and influential performance style.
- Helmed the Japanese subunit MiSaMo, releasing music tailored for the Japanese market.
- Featured in the writing credits for several album tracks, including 'Love Foolish' from the 'Feel Special' album.
Did You Know?
She was nicknamed 'Dancing Machine' by her Twice members due to her exceptional skills.
She holds a black belt in Ryukyu-style karate, which she began learning at age three.
She has a pet pomeranian named Boo, who frequently appears on her social media.
She was eliminated and then reinstated during 'Sixteen' after JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young insisted her dancing was crucial for the group.
“If you work hard, it will pay off someday.”
