Yua Mikami, born Momona Kitō on August 16, 1993, in Nagoya, Japan, first stepped into the entertainment industry as a member of the J-pop idol group SKE48 in 2009. Under her birth name, she performed with the group for several years, gaining experience in singing, dancing, and stage performances. However, in 2014, she graduated from the group, marking the end of her idol career and the beginning of a new chapter in her professional life.
Transition to the AV Industry
In 2015, she made a bold career move by joining the Japanese adult film industry under the name Yua Mikami. Her debut film, Princess Peach, released under the Muteki label, quickly gained widespread attention. The transition from an idol to an AV actress shocked many fans, but her decision ultimately led to immense success.
Over the years, Mikami established herself as one of Japan’s top-selling and most awarded AV actresses. She worked with major AV studios, released hundreds of films, and became an icon in the industry. Her soft, elegant image combined with high production values in her films contributed to her widespread popularity both in Japan and internationally.
Expansion into Music and Fashion
Despite her success in AV, Mikami never left her passion for music behind. She became a member of the Ebisu Muscats, a group consisting of former gravure and AV idols, and later Honey Popcorn, a K-pop-inspired Japanese girl group. Through Honey Popcorn, she sought to bridge J-pop and K-pop audiences, although the group faced mixed reception in South Korea.
Beyond entertainment, Mikami ventured into the fashion industry. She launched her own fashion brand, Miyour’s, which became popular among young women for its stylish and trendy designs.
Retirement from AV and Future Plans
In March 2023, Yua Mikami announced her official retirement from the AV industry. She expressed gratitude to her fans and stated that she wanted to move on to the next phase of her life. Her decision marked the end of an era, as she had been a dominant figure in the industry for nearly a decade.
Following her retirement, Mikami has continued to grow her career as a social media influencer, businesswoman, and content creator. She remains active on YouTube, where she shares lifestyle content, beauty tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her life.
Impact and Legacy
Yua Mikami’s journey from a J-pop idol to an AV superstar and then to a successful entrepreneur is unique and inspiring. She redefined career transitions in Japan’s entertainment industry, showing that personal choices and reinvention are possible. Her influence extends beyond the AV world, reaching music, fashion, and digital content creation.
As she continues to build her brand, Mikami remains a key figure in Japan’s pop culture landscape. Whether through fashion, entertainment, or social media, she has left a lasting mark on her fans worldwide.
