Hitomi Honda

Hitomi Honda is a Japanese singer, actress, and model who has built a career bridging Japan and South Korea. Born in Tochigi Prefecture, she first gained recognition as an idol with AKB48 before becoming a member of the project girl group IZ*ONE, formed through the Mnet survival show Produce 48. After IZ*ONE disbanded in 2021, she returned to AKB48 for a period, then re-debuted in Korea as the leader of SAY MY NAME, a group produced by Jaejoong of TVXQ.

As of 2026, Honda leads an active career in music, with recent ventures including acting roles and an unexpected registration as a development player for the Orix Buffaloes baseball team. She maintains a strong social media presence, with over 2 million followers on Instagram, and is known for her energetic stage presence and versatility across J-pop and K-pop genres. [edit]

Hitomi Honda was born on October 6, 2001, in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. She joined AKB48 as a trainee in 2014, eventually becoming a full member of Team A. Her early years in the group involved rigorous training in singing, dancing, and variety show appearances, which laid the foundation for her later international career.

In 2018, Honda participated in the reality survival show Produce 48, a collaboration between Mnet and AKB48 Group. She finished in 9th place, securing a spot in the debut lineup of IZ*ONE. This marked a significant turning point, moving her from a Japanese idol to a K-pop star. Her time in AKB48 before the show, though relatively short, provided her with the skills and discipline that would prove essential in the competitive K-pop industry. [edit]

Honda's breakthrough came with IZ*ONE's debut in October 2018. The group achieved massive success, with hits like "La Vie en Rose" and "Violeta," and Honda contributed as a sub-vocalist and dancer. During this period, she also appeared in the variety show The Two Clients: The Guys' and Girls' Case Records alongside former IZ*ONE members.

After IZ*ONE disbanded in April 2021, Honda returned to Japan and resumed activities with AKB48, where she remained for over three years. In September 2024, it was announced that she would re-debut in South Korea as the final member of SAY MY NAME, a group produced by Jaejoong. She took on the role of leader, and the group debuted in October 2024. Her acting career includes roles in the 2022 drama Hokuô kojirase nikki and the 2024 film Patisserie Mon.

In July 2026, the Orix Buffaloes baseball team registered Honda as a development player, a surprising move that has expanded her public profile beyond music. [edit]

Honda is perceived as a hardworking and versatile idol, equally comfortable in Japanese and Korean entertainment circles. Her fans, who span both countries, appreciate her resilience and ability to reinvent herself. She is known for her bright smile and energetic performances, and her social media presence offers a glimpse into her daily life, from dance practices to behind-the-scenes moments with fellow idols. Her unexpected baseball venture has added a playful, unpredictable element to her image. [edit]

Hitomi Honda stands as a unique bridge between Japanese and Korean pop cultures, her career trajectory marked by high-profile transitions that keep her in the global spotlight. Her influence is quantified by her standing in the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, where she currently holds the position of the 66th most famous person in J-Pop / J-Rock. This placement reflects her sustained relevance across multiple generations of idol fandoms and her successful pivot from survival shows to leading roles in new projects. While her fanbase does not carry a single official name specific to her alone, having been supported by COLORIZ during her IZ*ONE tenure and the broader AKB48 community prior to that, her supporters are renowned for their organized intensity. Fans often mobilize quickly to defend her reputation, a trait highlighted when they rallied against perceived mistreatment on variety shows, proving their protective nature. The community also cherishes the lore surrounding her dance prowess, frequently referencing viral moments like her appearance on Knowing Bros where she was hailed as the best dancer in AKB48. These stories, alongside the enduring narrative of her leadership in IZ*ONE, create a rich tapestry of admiration that transcends mere chart positions. As she navigates her current chapter with SAY MY NAME, her ability to command attention remains undiminished, blending technical skill with a charismatic presence that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.[edit]

Hitomi Honda spent exactly 3,585 days as a member of AKB48 before graduating in January 2023. She maintains an exclusive modeling contract with the fashion brand titty&Co. and uses the Instagram handle @10_hitomi_06, which incorporates her birthday of October 6. Known for her love of food, she frequently shares meals with fans through her social media channels. In 2026, she made headlines by signing with a baseball team, a rare crossover for an idol. Beyond these facts, a persistent legend surrounds her status as the premier dancer among Japanese idols, a title solidified after a viral segment on Knowing Bros praised her technical skills. Another key moment in her lore involves the April 2022 controversy where fans went viral defending her dignity against what was described as inappropriate treatment on an AKB48 variety show, transforming her into a figurehead for fan advocacy. Finally, the story of her graduation in August 2023 and subsequent re-debut as the final member of SAY MY NAME, produced by Kim Jae-joong, is widely retold as a legendary return that defied typical career trajectories for idols leaving major groups.[edit]

Details about Honda's family are not widely publicized, as she tends to keep her personal life private. She has mentioned her parents in interviews but has not shared their names or occupations. She has no known siblings. As of 2026, she is unmarried and has no children. [edit]

Jaejoong, who produced SAY MY NAME; former IZ*ONE members Nako Yabuki, Sakura Miyawaki, and Kim Chae-won. [edit]

Hitomi Honda has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. She has kept her personal life private, and no dating history has been reported in credible sources. As of 2026, she is reportedly single. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Hitomi Honda's net worth is estimated at $5 Million as of 2026. Her income primarily stems from her extensive music career, encompassing album sales, concert tours, and merchandise ventures with SAY MY NAME, as well as her previous stints with IZ*ONE and AKB48. Additional revenue streams include acting roles and her notable modeling contract with titty&Co. With over 2 million followers on Instagram, her significant social media influence likely secures lucrative brand endorsements. The recent registration with a baseball team may introduce new financial opportunities, though specific details regarding this venture remain limited.[edit]