Manaka Mana (真中まな) is a Japanese idol and a founding member of the idol group FRUITS ZIPPER. She represents the color Light Blue and is affectionately called “Manaphy” or “Fi-chan” by fans and members.
Before becoming an idol, she worked as a MONSTER GIRL at KAWAII MONSTER CAFE in Harajuku, where she was deeply involved in Japan’s “Kawaii culture” and entertainment service industry. She was originally drawn to Harajuku fashion and performance culture, and worked various part-time jobs there, including at a soft-serve ice cream shop known for its Instagrammable style.
Manaka has a long background in dance and performance, and from a young age she aimed to become a performer who could move people emotionally, such as a theme park dancer or stage performer. She also holds qualifications such as an aerobics certification and a kids coordination trainer certification, which she obtained on the recommendation of her dance teacher and mother.
She says that her most formative pre-idol experience was working as a MONSTER GIRL, where she focused on creating memorable experiences for customers even during difficult times like the pandemic. She was so dedicated that she even wanted to work on her days off.
She joined FRUITS ZIPPER after being invited by Harris, who had previously worked with her at KAWAII MONSTER CAFE. Although she initially felt unsure about becoming an idol, she decided to accept after feeling excited about entering a new creative world and continuing to work with people she trusted.
She says the person who influenced her the most as a performer is her dance teacher, who taught her that being a stage performer means always being a source of positive energy for others. She continues to value that mindset in her idol activities.
