MOKA

MOKA (모카), born Sakai Moka on October 8, 2004, is a Japanese member of ILLIT (아일릿) from Fukuoka Prefecture. She is the third oldest member of the group and one of two Japanese members alongside IROHA. Moka was introduced to K-pop by her mother, a devoted BIGBANG fan. She joined HYBE JAPAN (Big Hit Japan) in September 2020 and trained there for three years before transferring to Belift Lab. She also trained at Dance School BRIDGE in Japan. After placing fifth in the R U Next? survival show finale in September 2023, she debuted in ILLIT as its fifth member. On stage, MOKA is known for sharp concept adaptability, precise dance execution, and expressive facial performance. Her group members have called her the "mother" of ILLIT for her calm, nurturing presence. Off stage, she is a film enthusiast who watches movies every night and lists A Quiet Place as a favourite. Her grandfather owns a bakery. MOKA debuted on March 25, 2024 with SUPER REAL ME. The lead single "Magnetic" became the fastest song by a girl group to reach 100 million streams on Japan's Oricon. ILLIT followed with I'LL LIKE YOU (October 2024), the third EP bomb (June 2025), and the single album Not Cute Anymore (November 2025).