Yua Mikami is once again attracting attention for successfully reinventing her career — this time as one of Taiwan’s most popular cheerleaders.
Long before becoming a trending figure in Taiwanese sports entertainment, Yua Mikami was already widely known in Japan’s entertainment industry. Nearly a decade ago, she shocked both K-pop and J-pop fans after debuting in the Korean girl group Honey Popcorn.
The group originally consisted of Yua Mikami, Miko Matsuda, and Moko Sakura — all of whom had prior idol experience but also backgrounds in the adult entertainment industry. Their debut immediately sparked controversy and backlash online, particularly within South Korea.
Despite criticism, Honey Popcorn became a memorable topic in K-pop discussions because the project was reportedly self-funded by Yua Mikami herself, who openly expressed her dream of becoming a K-pop idol.
While continuing activities in entertainment, Yua Mikami later expanded into business ventures involving cosmetics, contact lenses, hair products, and beauty brands. She officially retired from the adult film industry in 2023.
In 2025, the celebrity surprised fans once again by joining Formosa Sexy, the cheerleading team for Taiwan’s professional basketball club Formosa Dreamers.
In Taiwan, cheerleaders are often treated similarly to idols, developing dedicated fanbases and significant celebrity status.
Yua Mikami quickly became one of the league’s standout personalities thanks to her strong stage presence, energetic performances, and massive international popularity.
Recently, she was officially named the “Most Popular Cheerleader” of the 2025 season after winning a fan vote organized by Taiwan Professional Basketball League-related media accounts.
According to posts shared online, fans praised her professionalism, charisma, and close interactions with audiences during games.
The recognition further highlighted how successfully Yua Mikami has transitioned into a completely different entertainment field following her retirement from adult films.
In a recent interview, Yua Mikami reportedly shared her desire to continue cheerleading activities despite language barriers in Taiwan.
Her journey from idol trainee to controversial K-pop figure, entrepreneur, and now sports entertainment celebrity has continued drawing fascination from fans across Asia.
Wherever Yua Mikami goes, she consistently proves her ability to remain relevant and reinvent herself in new industries.
Sources: Koreaboo
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