Introduction
moa kikuchi, professionally known as MOAMETAL, is a Japanese singer and dancer best known as a member of BABYMETAL. Her career began when she was a child, and she later became part of Sakura Gakuin before helping establish BABYMETAL as an internationally recognized music act.
Her story is positive in many ways because she successfully developed from a young performer into an experienced international artist. At the same time, her career has included major changes, including the departure of fellow original BABYMETAL member Yui Mizuno, which marked an important turning point for the group.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Moa Kikuchi |
| Japanese name | 菊地最愛 |
| Stage name | MOAMETAL |
| Date of birth | July 4, 1999 |
| Birthplace | Nagoya, Aichi, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Profession | Singer and dancer |
| Known for | BABYMETAL |
| Former group | Sakura Gakuin |
| Agency | Amuse |
| Career beginning | 2007 |
| BABYMETAL member | Since the group’s early formation |
Early Life and Career Beginning
Moa Kikuchi was born on July 4, 1999, in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. She entered the entertainment industry at a young age and developed her abilities as a performer while still a child.
Her professional journey began in 2007, when she participated in the Ciao Girl audition. This early opportunity connected her with the Japanese entertainment industry and eventually led to her work with Amuse.
Moa Kikuchi and Sakura Gakuin
A major step in moa kikuchi’s development came in 2010 when she joined Sakura Gakuin. The school-themed Japanese idol group became an important training and performance environment for her.
During her Sakura Gakuin years, Kikuchi participated in different group activities and performance units. She also eventually served as the group’s student council president, demonstrating her growing responsibility within the organization.
Her time with Sakura Gakuin was particularly important because it connected her with Suzuka Nakamoto and Yui Mizuno, the performers who would become central to the creation of BABYMETAL.
The Beginning of BABYMETAL
BABYMETAL began as a project connected with Sakura Gakuin’s Heavy Music Club. The original lineup consisted of Suzuka Nakamoto, Moa Kikuchi, and Yui Mizuno.
Kikuchi adopted the stage name MOAMETAL and became known for her dancing and supporting vocal performances. The group’s combination of heavy metal music, Japanese idol performance, theatrical presentation, and synchronized choreography created a distinctive musical identity.
What initially appeared to be an unusual combination eventually became one of BABYMETAL’s defining strengths.
Rise to International Recognition
BABYMETAL gradually moved beyond its Japanese beginnings and developed an international audience. The group performed in different countries and appeared at major concerts and festivals, giving Kikuchi extensive experience performing for audiences around the world.
Her role became an important part of BABYMETAL’s live identity. Alongside SU-METAL, she contributed to the energetic choreography and visual presentation that became closely associated with the group’s performances.
Moa Kikuchi’s Music Career
Moa Kikuchi’s professional music career is primarily connected with BABYMETAL. She has participated in the group’s major musical eras and releases.
BABYMETAL’s studio work includes BABYMETAL, Metal Resistance, Metal Galaxy, and the concept album The Other One. The group later expanded its discography with Metal Forth, released in 2025.
The official BABYMETAL announcement described Metal Forth as a project celebrating the group’s 15th anniversary, with collaborations involving artists from different parts of the global music scene.
A Major Change in BABYMETAL
One of the biggest changes in Kikuchi’s career occurred in 2018, when Yui Mizuno departed BABYMETAL. Kikuchi continued the project with Suzuka Nakamoto.
The change represented a new period for the group and required Kikuchi to continue developing her own identity as a performer. BABYMETAL later entered another stage with the addition of Momoko Okazaki as MOMOMETAL.
Through these changes, Kikuchi remained an important member of the group.
Performance Style and Talents
Moa Kikuchi is particularly recognized for her dance performance, stage presence, and vocal contributions. Her performances require physical coordination, timing, energy, and consistency because BABYMETAL’s live shows combine demanding choreography with heavy music.
Her long experience also means that she has performed in very different environments, from her early Sakura Gakuin activities to major international BABYMETAL tours.
Education and Personal Life
Kikuchi’s early education took place alongside her developing entertainment career. Her involvement with Sakura Gakuin formed an important part of her teenage years.
She graduated from Sakura Gakuin in 2015 and continued her professional career with BABYMETAL. Reliable public information about further formal education is limited, so unsupported claims about specific universities or degrees should not be added.
Kikuchi has generally kept her private life away from public attention. Her professional career remains the strongest and most documented part of her public biography.
Net Worth, Salary and Income
There is no reliably verified public figure for Moa Kikuchi’s personal net worth or salary. Therefore, an exact financial figure should not be presented as fact.
Her documented professional career is centered on music and entertainment, particularly BABYMETAL’s recordings, performances, tours, and related professional activities.
Latest Career Developments
A major recent development was the release of Metal Forth in 2025. The album contains collaborations with artists including Poppy, Electric Callboy, Slaughter to Prevail, Bloodywood, Polyphia, Spiritbox, and Tom Morello.
BABYMETAL also announced special arena performances at Saitama Super Arena in January 2026 as part of its Metal Forth era.
These developments demonstrate that Kikuchi continues to be an active part of BABYMETAL’s international career.
Business Ventures and Companies
Moa Kikuchi’s publicly documented career is focused on entertainment rather than independent entrepreneurship. There is no sufficiently verified information establishing a major personal company or separate business venture that should be included in a factual biography.
Her principal professional association is with the BABYMETAL project and its entertainment activities.
Legacy of Moa Kikuchi
The legacy of moa kikuchi is closely connected with BABYMETAL’s transformation from a Japanese idol project into an internationally recognized heavy music act.
She began performing professionally as a child, joined Sakura Gakuin, became part of BABYMETAL during its formative years, and continued with the group through major lineup and musical changes.
Her longevity is particularly significant. She has remained connected with BABYMETAL across multiple albums, international tours, changing musical eras, and lineup developments. Her dancing, stage presence, and long-term commitment have helped make her an enduring part of the group’s identity.
Conclusion
Moa Kikuchi’s career is a story of long-term development, adaptability, and international performance. From her early entertainment work in Japan to Sakura Gakuin and eventually BABYMETAL, she has spent much of her life developing as a professional performer.
Today, MOAMETAL remains an important member of BABYMETAL, continuing the group’s global musical journey. With Metal Forth and the group’s continuing international activities, her career remains an active part of BABYMETAL’s ongoing story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Moa Kikuchi?
Moa Kikuchi, known professionally as MOAMETAL, is a Japanese singer and dancer and a member of BABYMETAL.
When was Moa Kikuchi born?
Moa Kikuchi was born on July 4, 1999, in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
What is Moa Kikuchi famous for?
She is best known for being a member of BABYMETAL, where she performs as a singer and dancer.
Was Moa Kikuchi a member of Sakura Gakuin?
Yes. She joined Sakura Gakuin in 2010 and graduated from the group in 2015.
When did Moa Kikuchi start her career?
Her entertainment career began in 2007, when she participated in the Ciao Girl audition as a child.
What is Moa Kikuchi’s stage name?
Her professional stage name is MOAMETAL.
Is Moa Kikuchi still a member of BABYMETAL?
Yes. She remains a member of BABYMETAL and continues to perform with the group.
What is Moa Kikuchi’s latest major album?
One of her latest major BABYMETAL projects is Metal Forth, released in 2025.
