Maya Katsumura

Maya Katsumura is a Japanese singer, dancer, and model best known as the lead dancer and sub-vocalist for the international girl group NiziU. Born in Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture, she performs under the stage name Maya and holds the official member color purple. Her career has been defined by her participation in the global reality show Nizi Project, which launched her into stardom alongside eight other members.

As of 2026, Maya remains an active performer with NiziU, contributing to their chart-topping releases and worldwide tours. She is recognized for her energetic stage presence and technical dance skills that anchor many of the group's complex choreographies. Her work bridges Japanese idol culture with K-pop production standards, creating a unique sound and visual style that resonates with fans across Asia and beyond. [edit]

Maya Katsumura was born on April 8, 2002, in the quiet coastal town of Hakusan within Ishikawa Prefecture. Unlike many idols who begin rigorous training in early childhood, Maya lived a relatively standard life focused on academics and local community activities until her late teens. Specific details about her schooling remain private, but friends and neighbors recall her as a student with a natural inclination toward movement and performance rather than formal dance institutions.

Her path to the entertainment industry began unexpectedly in 2019 when JYP Entertainment launched the Nizi Project. This massive initiative sought to form a new girl group through a survival documentary series filmed entirely in Japan. Maya applied from thousands of applicants across the country, drawn by the opportunity to perform on a global stage. The selection process was grueling, involving months of intensive vocal and dance training where candidates faced elimination rounds designed to test their resilience and potential.

During the early stages of the project, Maya stood out not just for her technical ability but for her determination. While she had no professional background prior to this moment, her dedication allowed her to quickly adapt to the high-pressure environment. By the time the final evaluations took place, she had transformed from a novice applicant into a confident trainee capable of holding her own against seasoned performers. Her ranking in the final lineup secured her spot as one of the nine members chosen to debut as NiziU. [edit]

Maya's breakthrough arrived in June 2020 when she was officially announced as a member of NiziU. The group made their debut later that year with the digital single Make You Happy, which topped charts in multiple Asian regions almost immediately. As the lead dancer, Maya became central to the group's visual identity, often featured prominently during intricate choreography sections that showcased her athletic precision.

The release of their first full album Niji-iro in 2021 marked a significant milestone in her career. Throughout 2022 and 2023, Maya continued to refine her craft, participating in major releases like Catch Me If You Can and Step and a step. Her role expanded beyond dancing to include more vocal responsibilities, demonstrating her versatility as a performer. The group's success led to sold-out concerts in Japan and appearances at international music festivals.

In recent years, Maya has maintained a strong presence through variety shows and documentaries that highlight her personality and work ethic. Projects like NiziU: Clap Clap and NiziU: Heartris offered fans an intimate look at her journey from trainee to star. Despite the intense schedule, she continues to balance her duties with NiziU while exploring individual interests in fashion and modeling, solidifying her status as a key figure in the group's ongoing global expansion. [edit]

Maya projects a youthful and energetic image that aligns perfectly with her role as the group's lead dancer. Her fashion sense ranges from trendy streetwear during casual appearances to high-fashion ensembles during promotional events. On social media, she shares behind-the-scenes content that reveals her playful personality and dedication to her craft. Media outlets often describe her as a resilient performer who brings stability and power to the group's dynamic. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person outside the current published rankings. She does not appear on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. The fanbase for NiziU is known as NiziP, a highly organized community that supports the group through streaming campaigns, chart pushes, and charity drives. Fans often create video edits and fan art specifically highlighting Maya's dance solos and birthday milestones. While there is no formal name for her individual fan segment, the collective NiziP community actively engages with her personal updates on platforms like Instagram and Twitter/X. [edit]

Maya initially joined the Nizi Project with the goal of becoming a singer but discovered a profound passion for dance during the training period. One of her most iconic moments occurred during the audition phase when she performed Miss A, displaying exceptional technical skill despite being a beginner. Fans often cite her transformation from a nervous applicant to a confident performer as a defining narrative of the show.

Her signature member color is purple, a choice that reflects her vibrant energy on stage. Maya is also known for changing her hair color frequently to match each comeback cycle, ranging from natural tones to bold hues. Beyond performing, she maintains a close bond with her fellow trainees, often crediting their mutual support as a driving force during the grueling selection process. [edit]

Maya Katsumura keeps her family life strictly private to maintain focus on her career. Public records do not disclose the names or professions of her parents or siblings. She grew up in Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture, where she spent her formative years before moving to Tokyo for her training. There are no public reports of pets or extended family members living with her currently. [edit]

JYP Entertainment, NiziU, YouTube Music. [edit]

As of 2026, Maya Katsumura has no publicly confirmed romantic relationships. Like most idols under the strict management of JYP Entertainment, her personal life is kept private to maintain focus on her professional activities. There are no reports of engagements, marriages, or dating history. Public speculation regarding her dating life remains unsubstantiated, and she maintains a single status, focusing entirely on her career with NiziU. [edit]

iFANN Editorial Team estimates Maya Katsumura's net worth at approximately $2 million as of 2026. This figure is derived from her earnings as a member of NiziU, including salaries from JYP Entertainment, concert ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and endorsement deals. While specific financial records are not publicly disclosed due to agency policies, the consistent commercial success of NiziU suggests a steady income stream. The estimate accounts for her contributions to multiple chart-topping albums and successful world tours over the past six years. [edit]