Kanako Momota

Kanako Momota, born July 12, 1994, in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, is a celebrated Japanese singer, actress, and model best known as the leader of the multi-platinum girl group Momoiro Clover Z. Represented by Stardust Promotion, she stands as one of the most recognizable figures in modern J-pop, renowned for her energetic stage presence, distinctive leadership capabilities, and successful transition into international voice acting. Her career spans over a decade of high-energy performances, marked by her role in guiding the group through significant stylistic evolutions while maintaining massive commercial success. Beyond the stage, Momota has achieved global recognition for providing the Japanese dub voice for the character Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with Black Panther in 2018. As of 2026, she continues to lead Momoiro Clover Z actively, balancing solo projects like her album tracks "Horeta ga Kachi no I LOVE YOU" with major acting roles such as the live-action adaptation of Trillion Game. Her influence extends to her unique position as a bridge between traditional idol culture and modern global entertainment.[edit]

Momota's entry into the entertainment world began not through a standard audition but through a unique family connection rooted in her mother's fandom. Her mother, an avid fan of the idol group Morning Musume, had already coined the name "Momoiro Clover" (Pink Clover) years before the group ever existed, creating a narrative of destiny around her daughter's future. In fifth grade, encouraged by her mother to join a talent agency, Momota auditioned for Stardust Promotion. She initially joined the agency's trainee program where her potential was quickly recognized. The formation of Momoiro Clover Z happened in 2008 when Momota was selected alongside four other members: Ayaka Sasaki, Mori Sasaki, Reni Takagi, and Urara Takahashi. Unlike the others, she was recruited later to complete the five-member lineup rather than being part of the initial audition roster. The group was created with a specific mission to revive the concept of a high-energy, dance-heavy idol group capable of appealing to both children and adults. Before their major debut, Momota spent time refining her skills in the training program, preparing for a career that would eventually see her step into the role of leader after the departure of original member Reni Takagi in 2013.[edit]

Momoiro Clover Z made their major debut in 2010 with the single "Z Densetsu ~Owarinaki Kakumei~." Momota quickly established herself as the group's de facto leader, particularly after Reni Takagi's departure in 2013 due to health and personal reasons. That same year, she was ranked the 12th most popular Japanese idol by Nihon Keizai Shimbun, a testament to her individual standing even before taking full leadership. Under her direction, the group became the first female act to hold a solo concert at Tokyo Dome in 2015, a feat Momota spearheaded as leader. Her career milestones include providing the Japanese dub voice for Shuri in Marvel Studios' Black Panther in 2018, marking a significant crossover into Western pop culture. She continued voicing the character in subsequent MCU films including Avengers: Infinity War, Endgame, and Wakanda Forever. In 2023, she was cast in the live-action adaptation of the hit manga Trillion Game, starring alongside Kenjiro Tsuda. Recent years have seen continued active promotion with the group, including the release of the music video for "Vitamin B" in February 2025 and her solo album tracks like "Horeta ga Kachi no I LOVE YOU" in early 2025. She has also received nominations and wins at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan for Best Group Performance.[edit]

Momota is known for her vibrant energy and distinctive "idol" aesthetic that blends traditional performance wear with modern street fashion. Standing approximately 158 cm tall, her public persona is defined by approachability and humor, often engaging directly with fans in variety shows and social media posts. She carries the weight of leadership with a sense of responsibility, often stating that her goal is to ensure everyone in the group shines rather than focusing solely on herself. Media perception highlights her resilience, particularly following her public handling of a COVID-19 diagnosis in August 2021 which humanized her to the public amidst the high-pressure idol lifestyle. Her signature style involves colorful outfits and a dynamic stage presence that has become synonymous with the Momoiro Clover Z brand. She is frequently cited in interviews for her dedication to the group's collective success, embodying the spirit of a true leader who prioritizes her members' growth.[edit]

The collective energy surrounding Kanako Momota is channeled through the group's established fanbase, known as Mononofu. While iFANN data indicates that Momoiro Clover Z commands significant global attention, Kanako Momota does not currently hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 rankings or any Top-100 scope list; she is evaluated but unranked as of September 2026. Fans rally around her history, from the moment her mother coined the group's name to her assumption of leadership after Reni Takagi stepped down. This lineage creates a narrative where the audience feels invested in her personal evolution as much as the group's performances. They celebrate historic milestones, such as the group becoming the first female act to hold a solo concert at a major stadium, viewing these feats as shared victories. The community also remembers her resilience during the pandemic when she tested positive for COVID-19 in August 2021, and they track her personal life closely, including the reported marriage to Tsuyoshi Domoto in January 2024. Despite the lack of specific rituals or campaigns attributed solely to her, her status as the primary representative ensures she remains the focal point of the Mononofu experience. Fans often wear pink, the group's color, to concerts and support Momota specifically when she takes center stage or leads the group in speeches.[edit]

Kanako Momota is the only member of Momoiro Clover Z who was not originally part of the initial audition lineup for the group; she was recruited later to complete the five-member lineup. She is a self-proclaimed fan of the anime Sailor Moon and has incorporated elements of its style into her performances. A recurring legend among fans is that Momota's mother literally named the group "Momoiro Clover" before the group existed, creating a narrative of destiny around Momota's leadership. In August 2021, she publicly tested positive for COVID-19, becoming a prominent figure in discussions regarding idol safety during the pandemic. Her voice work extends beyond anime dubbing into character roles like Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe starting with Black Panther. She has been quoted saying that voicing Shuri was a dream come true and something she never expected. Additionally, her Instagram account @kanakomomota_official boasts over 411,000 followers as of late 2025, where she shares behind-the-scenes footage and personal lifestyle updates.[edit]

Momota's mother played a pivotal role in her career before professional management took over, actively managing the group's early image and famously naming the group before it formed. This maternal influence extended to her childhood, where her mother's vision for a "Pink Clover" group laid the groundwork for Momota's future. While Momota keeps her private life relatively low-key, she is married to Tsuyoshi Domoto, a member of the legendary duo KinKi Kids. They announced their marriage via press release in January 2024, with the wedding held shortly thereafter. At the time, Momota was 29 and Domoto was 44. The couple met through mutual acquaintances in the entertainment industry. As of 2026, they remain married with no children publicly reported. The union was described as a "surprise wedding" and was widely covered by major Japanese media outlets, bringing her personal life into the global spotlight alongside her professional achievements.[edit]

Momoiro Clover Z, Stardust Promotion, Tsuyoshi Domoto, Marvel Cinematic Universe. [edit]

Kanako Momota's romantic life remained largely private until her high-profile marriage to Tsuyoshi Domoto. There are no widely documented prior long-term relationships or engagements in the public record prior to her marriage to Domoto. While idols often keep dating private, the lack of prior public announcements suggests either a very private personal life or a focus on her career until the relationship with Domoto developed. The couple met through mutual acquaintances in the entertainment industry. In January 2024, the couple announced their marriage via press release. At the time, Momota was 29 and Domoto was 44. The union was described as a "surprise wedding" and was widely covered by major Japanese media outlets, including The Straits Times and Yahoo News. They wed shortly after the announcement. As of 2026, they remain married. No children have been publicly reported as of this date. Their relationship represents a significant union between two of Japan's most beloved entertainers, bridging the gap between the legendary KinKi Kids and the modern powerhouse Momoiro Clover Z.[edit]

iFANN and various financial analysts estimate Kanako Momota's net worth to be between $1.5 million and $2.2 million USD as of 2026. This figure reflects her status as a top-tier idol and actress with diverse income streams. Her wealth is primarily derived from her base salary as a member of Momoiro Clover Z, which includes earnings from concerts, album sales, and merchandise. Solo album releases and individual endorsement deals further contribute to her financial portfolio. Notable brand partnerships include collaborations with Sanrio and Valentino, which are frequently showcased on her social media platforms. Additional revenue comes from her voice acting work, particularly her lucrative role as the Japanese voice of Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Appearance fees for variety shows and acting roles in projects like Trillion Game add to her annual income. Real estate holdings are common among married celebrities in Japan, though specific values remain private. The combination of long-term group stability and high-profile individual projects has allowed her net worth to grow steadily since her debut.[edit]

Momoiro Clover Z has won multiple awards, including Japan Record Awards and MTV Video Music Awards Japan for Best Group Performance. While Momota shares in these group accolades, she has been individually recognized for her vocal and leadership contributions. In 2013, she was ranked 12th on the list of most popular Japanese idols by Nihon Keizai Shimbun, highlighting her individual impact on the industry. [edit]