Meet TWICE Sana's Parents: Exclusive Interview | K-Pop Star's Secret to Success

In a rare and intimate interview, the parents of TWICE's Sana share with us the behind-the-scenes story of their daughter's rise to K-pop stardom. From humble beginnings to sold-out concerts, Sana's parents reveal the secrets to their daughter's success and the sacrifices they made to support her dreams.

Minako Iwata, Sana's mother, and Minoru Iwata, her father, sat down with us to talk about their daughter's journey. "We always knew Sana had a special talent," Minako explained. "She was a shy child, but when she sang, she would come alive." Minoru added, "We encouraged her to pursue her passion, even when it meant making sacrifices. We wanted her to chase her dreams, no matter what."

Early Life and Training

Sana was born on December 29, 1996, in Osaka, Japan. Her parents, Minako and Minoru, were both high school sweethearts who met in their teenage years. They settled down in Osaka, where Minako worked as a hairdresser and Minoru was a restaurant owner.

When Sana was just five years old, her parents began to notice her singing talent. They enrolled her in a local kindergarten's music program, where she quickly stood out from the crowd. As she grew older, Sana's parents recognized that she needed more opportunities to develop her skills.

"At first, we thought we could train her ourselves," Minako said. "But as she grew older, we realized that she needed professional training to reach her full potential." Minoru added, "We scouted out schools and training centers that could provide her with the best possible education. We were willing to do whatever it took to help her succeed."

Sana's Early Auditions and Training

Sana's training began in earnest when she was 10 years old. Her parents enrolled her in the Korean entertainment agency, SM Entertainment's Japanese affiliate, SM Japan. She auditioned for the agency's trainee program, where she was accepted and began her rigorous training.

Sana's early years were marked by intense training sessions, often lasting 12 hours a day, six days a week. She was trained in vocals, dance, acting, and languages, including Korean, Japanese, and English. "It was tough, but Sana was determined," Minako said. "She would come home and practice her lines, her singing, and her dancing until late into the night."

Minoru added, "We were proud of her dedication, but we also worried about her well-being. We made sure she had a balanced schedule, with time for rest and relaxation. We knew that burnout was a real risk, and we wanted to prevent that."

The Formation of TWICE

In 2013, SM Entertainment announced the formation of a new girl group, TWICE. The group consisted of nine members, including Sana, who was just 16 years old at the time. The group's concept was "Happy Girls," and their debut single, "Like OOH-AHH," was released on October 20, 2015.

Sana's parents were overjoyed when they heard the news. "We were shocked and thrilled," Minako said. "We had no idea that our daughter would be part of a group that would become so successful." Minoru added, "We were proud of her, but we also knew that the competition would be fierce. We told her to focus on her training and to never give up on her dreams."

TWICE's Rise to Fame

TWICE's debut was a moderate success, but it was their second single, "Cheer Up," that brought them widespread attention. The song's catchy melody and upbeat dance routine made it an instant hit, and the group's popularity soared.

Sana's parents watched in awe as their daughter's star continued to rise. "We were amazed by her talent and her dedication," Minako said. "She would come home and practice her lines, her singing, and her dancing until late into the night." Minoru added, "We were proud of her, but we also knew that the pressure was mounting. We told her to stay focused and to never lose sight of her goals."

Sana's Personal Life

Despite her busy schedule, Sana makes time for her family and friends. Her parents say that she is still the same humble and kind person she has always been. "She's still our little girl," Minako said. "She's still shy and quiet, but when she sings, she comes alive."

Minoru added, "We're proud of her, but we also know that she's not perfect. She makes mistakes, just like everyone else. But she's willing to learn from them and to grow as a person."

Sana's relationship with her parents is close and loving. "We're a family," Minako said. "We support each other, no matter what." Minoru added, "We're proud of our daughter, but we're also grateful for the opportunity to be part of her journey."

The Future of TWICE and Sana

As TWICE continues to soar to new heights, Sana's parents remain optimistic about their daughter's future. "We're proud of what she's accomplished," Minako said. "We know that she has a long way to go, but we're confident that she'll achieve her dreams."

Minoru added, "We're excited to see what the future holds for Sana and TWICE. We know that it won't be easy, but we're willing to support her every step of the way."

In conclusion, Sana's parents, Minako and Minoru Iwata, are the unsung heroes of their daughter's success. They sacrificed everything to support her dreams and provided her with the training and opportunities she needed to succeed. As TWICE continues to entertain fans around the world, Sana's parents remain proud and grateful for the journey they've shared with their daughter.