Nina Makino

Nina Makino-Hillman is an American-Japanese singer and former child actress who serves as a vocalist for the global J-pop girl group NiziU. Born in Seattle, Washington, she holds dual citizenship and stands out within the industry for her native-level fluency in English alongside Japanese. As of 2026, she is 21 years old and remains an active member of the group, contributing to their international expansion.

Her professional identity blends two distinct worlds. She transitioned from a childhood career in acting on both sides of the Pacific to becoming a central figure in one of Japan's most successful idol groups. Her unique position as the only native English speaker in NiziU has made her a vital bridge between the group and global audiences during press tours and variety appearances. [edit]

Nina was born Nina Makino-Hillman in Seattle, Washington, into a family that supported her early artistic ambitions. Her father carries the surname Makino while her mother's maiden name is Hillman, resulting in her hyphenated legal name. Growing up in a multicultural household allowed her to develop fluency in both English and Japanese naturally from a young age. This bilingual background set her apart from many peers who would later enter the entertainment industry.

Before entering the music world, Nina pursued acting. She attended school in the United States and began appearing in commercial campaigns and acting projects at a young age. Her first major step toward a professional career came when she passed the Amuse Multilingual Artists Audition held by Amuse Inc., a leading Japanese talent agency. Following this success, she relocated to Japan to pursue opportunities there.

During her time with Amuse, she appeared in the film Blood Friends released in 2019. This project marked her debut in cinema and gave her valuable experience in front of the camera. However, she eventually left the company to participate in the high-stakes audition process for Nizi Project. The show was a survival reality program created by JYP Entertainment to form a new international girl group. Despite finishing in ninth place during the initial elimination rounds, her performance and potential were recognized by the judges. [edit]

Nina's career trajectory shifted significantly in 2020 when she joined Nizi Project. Although she initially finished ninth in the lineup, she was subsequently selected as one of the final members of NiziU. The group officially debuted in 2021 with the single Step and Step, which topped charts in Japan and achieved significant streaming numbers globally. Since her debut, Nina has served as a vocalist and visual center for the group, contributing to their rapid rise in the Asian music market.

Following the debut, Nina contributed to NiziU's album releases including Make You Happy and U.S.A., establishing the group as a major force in the J-pop scene. Between 2023 and 2024, she engaged in extensive world tours, performing concerts in Asia, Europe, and North America. These tours showcased her vocal range and stage presence to international audiences.

In 2025 and continuing into 2026, Nina remains an active member of NiziU. She participates in variety shows and brand endorsements, solidifying her status as a key member of the group. While primarily known for her work with NiziU, she occasionally takes on individual roles in variety programs highlighting her English proficiency. Her role as the only member with native-level English fluency has made her a frequent spokesperson for the group during international press events and interviews. [edit]

Nina is known for her youthful appearance and energetic stage presence. While exact height data is not consistently reported across all sources, she is generally described as having a petite stature typical of many J-pop idols. Her signature style often blends casual streetwear with vibrant, colorful outfits that match NiziU's pop aesthetic. On social media, particularly Instagram, she maintains a friendly and approachable persona, sharing behind-the-scenes content and interacting with fans in both English and Japanese. Her public image is that of a talented, multilingual, and hardworking idol who represents the bridge between American and Japanese pop cultures. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Nina Makino. She is not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. The official fandom name for NiziU is "NiziS." Fans of Nina specifically fall under this umbrella but often highlight her unique traits, such as her "American charm" and English fluency. Fan campaigns have included streaming parties for NiziU's singles, birthday celebrations on social media using hashtags like #NinaBirthday, and charity drives organized in her honor. The fandom is highly organized, utilizing platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube to promote the group's content globally. Nina's fans often praise her ability to connect with international audiences, making her a focal point for non-Japanese speaking fans of the group. [edit]

Nina is the only member of NiziU who is a native English speaker, a fact that has proven invaluable for the group's global expansion. Before joining NiziU, she had already acted in a feature film called Blood Friends, giving her a head start in performance experience compared to some of her peers. Her nickname "Ninasan" is affectionately used by fans and fellow members alike. She is a Sagittarius, known for traits like optimism and adventure, which align with her dynamic stage presence. Fans often praise her ability to connect with international audiences, making her a focal point for non-Japanese speaking fans of the group. [edit]

Nina's family details remain largely private. She is known to have parents who supported her move from the United States to Japan to pursue her acting and singing dreams. Her father carries the surname Makino, and her mother's surname is Hillman, resulting in her hyphenated legal name. Specific details about her siblings or extended family have not been disclosed to the public, adhering to the privacy norms of the entertainment industry. She completed her primary and secondary education in the United States before moving to Japan. [edit]

Riku, Maya, Mako, Ayaka, Himari, Rio, Mayuka, Miyavi, JYP Entertainment. [edit]

As of 2026, Nina Makino-Hillman is reported to be single. There are no verified public records of romantic relationships, engagements, or marriages involving Nina. Given her age and the strict privacy policies common among J-pop and K-pop idol groups regarding personal dating, it is standard practice for idols in her position to keep their romantic lives private until they reach a later stage in their careers or choose to disclose them publicly. No credible sources have confirmed any dating history, flings, or partnerships. Consequently, there are no children associated with her, and no public statements regarding her relationship status other than the implicit confirmation of her singleness due to the lack of any contrary reports. [edit]

The iFANN Editorial Team estimates Nina Makino-Hillman's net worth at approximately $1 million as of 2026. As a relatively young idol aged 21 and a member of a group that debuted recently in 2021, her earnings are likely derived from group activities including album sales, concert tickets, merchandise, and endorsement deals. Celebrity net worth aggregators often do not provide accurate estimates for young idols unless they have released solo ventures or significant business holdings. Her wealth is managed through her agency, JYP Entertainment, and is reinvested into her career and training. No specific dollar figures for individual contracts are publicly available. [edit]