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Masterpiece (EP)
Masterpiece (EP)
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Masterpiece
Regular edition cover
EP by
ReleasedJuly 26, 2023 (2023-07-26)
GenreJ-pop
Length22:23
LanguageJapanese
LabelWarner Japan
MiSaMo chronology
Masterpiece
(2023)
Haute Couture
(2024)
Singles from Masterpiece
  1. "Marshmallow"
    Released: June 16, 2023
  2. "Do Not Touch"
    Released: July 14, 2023

Masterpiece is the debut extended play by MiSaMo, a sub unit of girl group Twice. It was released by Warner Music Japan on July 26, 2023. The EP contains seven tracks, including the lead single "Do Not Touch" and pre-released single "Marshmallow".

Background

[edit]

Momo, Sana, and Mina released the song "Bouquet" for TV Asahi's television series Liaison: Kodomo no Kokoro Shinryōjo on January 25, 2023.[1] On February 9, JYP Entertainment announced that the trio would debut as MiSaMo with an extended play of six tracks, including "Bouquet", on July 26.[2] On June 14, they confirmed Masterpiece as the title and revealed the tracklist, which now included seven songs. "Marshmallow" was pre-released digitally on June 16, alongside its music video.[3][4][5] The lead single, "Do Not Touch", was pre-released digitally on July 14 with an accompanying music video.[6][7]

Composition

[edit]

When we are releasing as Twice, all the music in those albums represent things we wanted to express and could only say as Twice...With MiSaMo, we really wanted to show the type of music that only the three of us could do and something we couldn't release as Twice members until now.

— Sana and Mina, in an interview with NME[8]

Masterpiece was in development for over a year, with MiSaMo contributing to the sound and creative concept of the album. In an interview with NME, they revealed that R&B track "Do Not Touch" was chosen as the lead single after "days of agonising over whether or not it was the right choice", and the vocals were recorded right before the North American leg of Twice's Ready to Be World Tour.[8] The lyrics, written by Park Jin-young and Mayu Wakisaka, are a play on the phrase "do not touch" often displayed near works of art in museums, and highlight the importance of consent and boundaries in relationships.[9][10] Jazz-inspired "Behind the Curtain" was not originally part of the track list, and was added later because it would be a great opening song for MiSaMo's debut showcase.[8][11] "Marshmallow", the pre-release single, is a chill song with hip hop elements and positive lyrics that encourage self-love.[3][5]

Each member co-wrote lyrics for a track on the EP, with Momo choosing "Funny Valentine" because she could imagine a performance stage with the song.[8] Mina's lyrics for "It's Not Easy for You" were inspired by comments from fans, and the song is about "being totally obsessed with something, like being stuck in a swamp".[12] Sana was inspired by Twice's "Cry for Me" (2020) when writing the lyrics for "Rewind You", a melancholy R&B song.[8] The closing track, "Bouquet", conveys the positive message of "it's okay to be me".[13]

Promotion

[edit]

To promote the EP, MiSaMo performed "Do Not Touch" on TV Asahi's Music Station, on July 21.[14] All seven tracks from the EP were performed during the group's debut showcase, MiSaMo Japan Showcase "Masterpiece", held in Osaka and Yokohama over five days with a total audience of 40,000 fans.[15] On August 19, the group performed "Behind the Curtain", "Marshmallow", and "Do Not Touch" on Venue101 Presents MiSaMo Masterpiece Show, a special live broadcast of NHK's music program Venue101.[16]

Commercial performance

[edit]

Masterpiece debuted at number 1 on the weekly Oricon Albums Chart with 154,880 copies sold.[17] This was the highest first week album sales for a female artist in 2023.[18] The EP also topped the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart, selling 200,986 copies and 1,529 downloads.[19] Data from SoundScan Japan revealed that the amount of albums sold in the Kansai region was greater than the typical percentage (23.4%, compared to the average of 16.9%), likely due to the fact that Momo, Sana, and Mina are from Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyōgo prefectures, respectively.[20]

Track listing

[edit]
Masterpiece track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Do Not Touch"
  • Hyuk Shin (153/Joombas)
  • Ashley Alisha (153/Joombas)
  • MRey (153/Joombas)
MRey3:05
2."Behind the Curtain"
  • Yun So-young (153/Joombas)
  • Yuki Kokobo
  • Alysa
  • JJean
  • Justin Reinstein
Alysa2:58
3."Marshmallow"Shoko Fujibayashi
  • Rasmus Gregersen
  • Daniel Michael Victor
  • Julie Aagaard
  • Yu Hyuk
  • Gregersen
  • Victor
3:02
4."Funny Valentine"
  • Realmeee
  • Ejae
  • Scott Bruzenak
  • Realmeee
  • Ejae
  • Bruzenak
3:17
5."It's Not Easy for You"
  • Nicolas Farmakalidis (Number K)
  • Rachel West
  • Carly Gibert
NicoTheOwl (Number K)2:20
6."Rewind You"
  • Sana
  • Ayushy (The Hub)
  • Frankie Day (The Hub)
  • Charlotte Wilson
  • Chanti (The Hub)
  • Ayushy
  • Day
  • Wilson
  • Chanti
  • MarkAlong
  • Brian U (The Hub)
  • MarkAlong
  • Brian U
3:17
7."Bouquet"Katsuhiko YamamotoYamamoto
  • Takashi Fukuda
  • Yamamoto
4:24
Total length:22:23
Deluxe edition DVD
No.TitleLength
1."Masterpiece" (Jacket Shooting Making Movie) 
2."Bouquet" (Making Music Video (full version)) 
3."Bouquet" (Making Music Video Behind Movie) 
4."Opening Trailer Making Movie" 
5."Short Film of MiSaMo in Kansai" 
Mina edition DVD
No.TitleLength
1."It's Not Easy for You" (Q&A with lyricist Mina) 
2."Masterpiece" (Jacket Shooting Making Movie by Mina) 
3."Short Film of MiSaMo in Kansai" (Mina) 
Sana edition DVD
No.TitleLength
1."Rewind" (Q&A with lyricist Sana) 
2."Masterpiece" (Jacket Shooting Making Movie by Sana) 
3."Short Film of MiSaMo in Kansai" (Sana) 
Momo edition DVD
No.TitleLength
1."Funny Valentine" (Q&A with lyricist Momo) 
2."Masterpiece" (Jacket Shooting Making Movie by Momo) 
3."Short Film of MiSaMo in Kansai" (Momo) 

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for Masterpiece
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ)[28] Platinum 250,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Masterpiece is the debut by , the first Japanese-language subunit of the South Korean girl group Twice, formed by and consisting of members Momo, Sana, and Mina. The EP was released on July 26, 2023, by Warner Music Japan, marking MiSaMo's entry into the Japanese music market. Comprising seven tracks, Masterpiece blends , pop, and elements, with the "Do Not Touch" showcasing the subunit's synchronized and vocal harmonies. Other notable tracks include pre-released singles "Bouquet" and "," as well as originals like "Behind the Curtain" and "Rewind." The album was produced to highlight the members' Japanese roots while maintaining Twice's signature style, and it was promoted through a showcase concert held on July 27, 2023. Upon release, achieved significant commercial success in , debuting at number one on the Top Albums Sales chart with 200,986 physical copies sold in its first week. It also topped the and received a gold certification from the for surpassing 100,000 shipments, later upgraded to platinum for 250,000 shipments in December 2023. The EP's strong performance underscored MiSaMo's appeal in the J-pop scene and contributed to their follow-up releases, solidifying the subunit's presence in the market.

Background and development

Formation of MiSaMo

is a Japanese-language subunit of the South Korean TWICE, formed by to specifically target the Japanese music market. The subunit consists of TWICE's three Japanese members: Momo, Sana, and Mina, who were selected due to their Japanese heritage, fluency in the language, and established popularity among Japanese fans. This choice leverages the members' cultural affinity and TWICE's prior success in , where the group has achieved multiple chart-topping releases and sold-out arena tours. JYP Entertainment officially announced the formation of MiSaMo on February 9, 2023, confirming it as TWICE's inaugural subunit project. The announcement included teaser images and details of their upcoming debut, positioning MiSaMo to release music exclusively in Japanese to appeal directly to local audiences. The initial concept for emphasized influences, drawing on the members' backgrounds to create content tailored for Japanese listeners while highlighting their individual strengths in performance and expression. This approach aimed to build on TWICE's multinational appeal by fostering a subunit identity rooted in Japanese pop sensibilities.

Announcement and recording

On February 9, 2023, officially announced the formation and debut of , the subunit comprising Twice's Japanese members Momo, Sana, and Mina, with their first EP slated for release in summer 2023. The development of Masterpiece extended over a year, commencing in early 2022, and marked the longest creative process the members had undertaken to date, incorporating their direct input on the overall concept to reflect their personal visions as a trio. The full tracklist for the EP was unveiled on June 13, 2023, highlighting seven songs including the lead track "." Recording sessions involved collaborations between Japanese and international production teams, with key producers such as Brian U, MarkAlong, and MRey handling composition and across the tracks, while engineers like Gu Hye-jin oversaw the sessions. MiSaMo's hands-on participation extended to songwriting, as Momo co-wrote "Funny Valentine," Mina contributed to "It’s Not Easy for You," and Sana penned "Rewind You," allowing each member to infuse personal elements into the project.

Music and lyrics

Musical styles and genres

Masterpiece is a extended play that incorporates elements of , , and hip hop, creating a sleek and varied suited to the Japanese market while retaining influences from the parent group's K-pop foundations. The EP spans seven tracks with a total runtime of 22:23, blending upbeat, energetic compositions with more mellow, introspective ballads to showcase the subunit's vocal versatility and . Production on the EP emphasizes a mix of live instrumentation and electronic elements, contributing to its chic and powerful elegance. For instance, tracks like "Behind the Curtain" feature jazzy piano intros and explosive brass sections, evoking a burlesque-like pop-jazz fusion, while "Do Not Touch" employs glossy R&B production with darker, moodier electronic beats. Similarly, "Marshmallow" utilizes bright, airy electronic beats for a minimal energetic dance-pop feel, and "Rewind You" incorporates strong percussion in a chill hip-hop vibe. Other highlights include classical instrumentation in "Funny Valentine" and bluesy guitar licks with light distortion in "It's Not Easy for You," adding textural depth through spacious, orchestral arrangements in the closing track "Bouquet." The EP's influences reflect modern trends, such as urban pop and sensibilities, adapted from Twice's polished style to appeal to Japanese listeners with a more mature, elegant edge. Members Momo, Mina, and Sana contributed to the writing of select tracks, including "Funny Valentine," "It's Not Easy for You," and "Rewind You," infusing personal touches into the sonic palette.

Themes and songwriting

The EP Masterpiece explores overarching themes of , , , and positivity, reflecting the personal growth and confidence of the members as they navigate relationships and . These motifs are woven throughout the tracks, presenting a of fearless women who assert boundaries while embracing emotional and . In the title track "," the theme of is central, with portraying the members as untouchable masterpieces—beautiful works of that demand and permission before any interaction. The emphasizes in romantic contexts, using flirtatious yet firm language to highlight the importance of mutual agreement, such as lines advising to prepare the heart before approaching. This R&B-infused delivery underscores the empowering message of agency over one's body and emotions. "Marshmallow" delves into as a pathway to and renewal after heartbreak, encouraging listeners to prioritize inner reflection and toward oneself before pursuing new love. The invoke magical, dreamlike imagery—like casting spells on a mirror to believe in an ideal self—while affirming that is essential for moving forward, with phrases like "If I don't love myself, I can not move on" capturing a of gentle and emotional recovery. Positivity radiates through "Bouquet," which promotes and resilience by imagining a compassionate embrace of one's past selves amid regrets and unmet expectations. The track conveys an optimistic outlook with reassuring lines such as "What will be, will be, baby," urging acceptance of imperfections and a forward-looking embrace of personal growth without pressure to conform. The songwriting process marked a significant for , as it was the members' first major involvement in co-writing lyrics for an album, allowing them to infuse personal experiences into the tracks to create authentic expressions of their identities. Each member—Mina, Sana, and Momo—contributed to specific songs: Mina co-wrote "It's Not Easy For You," drawing from introspective themes; Sana co-wrote "Rewind You," inspired by themes of toxic relationships; and Momo handled "Funny Valentine," inspired by visions of dynamic performances. This collaborative approach, guided by professional composers, emphasized vulnerability and individuality, distinguishing the EP's lyrical depth. Lyrically, the EP is primarily in Japanese to connect with the Japanese audience, incorporating English phrases like "" and "What will be will be" for rhythmic emphasis and global accessibility, enhancing the themes' universal appeal without diluting cultural specificity.

Release and promotion

Pre-release singles

Prior to the release of Masterpiece, MiSaMo issued three digital singles to generate anticipation for their debut EP, employing a strategy of staggered releases accompanied by teaser images and music videos on official channels. These tracks showcased the subunit's vocal synergy and thematic depth, setting the stage for the full album's exploration of empowerment and maturity. The first pre-release single, "Bouquet", was digitally released on January 25, 2023, serving as the insert song for TV Asahi's drama Liaison: Children's Heart Clinic (Riaison Kodomo no Kokoro Shinryōjo). The track embodies a theme of positivity and self-acceptance, with lyrics encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves amid life's uncertainties, delivered through warm, harmonious vocals that complemented the drama's emotional narrative. Initial reception highlighted its soothing melody and chart success, topping Japan's Line Music daily chart upon release and earning praise for the members' mellow delivery. "" followed as the second pre-release single on June 16, 2023, positioned as a bubbly pop centered on and overcoming insecurities. The song's lighthearted production, featuring playful synths and upbeat rhythms, portrays a day-in-the-life visual in its , emphasizing personal growth and confidence. It received positive early feedback for highlighting the members' lower vocal registers and charming, relatable energy, contributing to heightened excitement for the EP. The lead single, "Do Not Touch", was pre-released digitally on July 14, 2023, marking MiSaMo's first and an R&B-infused track that addresses and with seductive yet assertive lyrics. Its mature sound, blending sultry beats and layered harmonies, underscores themes of agency in relationships, with the video depicting the members awakening in a grand setting to assert their independence. Upon release, it garnered acclaim for its bold messaging and artistic visuals, positioning the EP as a sophisticated debut.

Marketing events and performances

To promote Masterpiece, MiSaMo held their debut showcase, titled MiSaMo Japan Showcase "Masterpiece", as a five-day event across and from July 22 to 27, 2023. The performances took place at INTEX Osaka Hall 5 for the first two days and for the final three, where all seven tracks from the EP were presented to audiences. The event drew significant interest, with over 600,000 ticket applications for approximately 40,000 available seats, highlighting the subunit's strong fanbase in . Prior to the showcase, MiSaMo made their first television appearance on TV Asahi's on July 21, 2023, performing the track "" live for the first time. This broadcast served as an early post-release highlight, reaching a wide Japanese audience through one of the country's longest-running music programs. Following the EP's release, they appeared on NHK's Venue101 on August 19, 2023, in a special live broadcast titled Venue101 Presents MiSaMo Show, where they performed selections from the album. Additionally, the group participated in media interviews, such as a feature with published on August 11, 2023, discussing their creative process and Japanese debut. Marketing efforts emphasized the Japanese market, with Warner Music Japan and releasing teasers on official social media channels like and to build anticipation after the pre-release singles. These included short clips and behind-the-scenes content from recording sessions. Merchandise tie-ins featured exclusive items such as T-shirts, keychains, and photocards sold at the JYP Japan Popup Store in 2023, alongside showcase-specific goods available at venues and online, enhancing fan engagement during the promotional period.

Commercial performance

Sales figures

Masterpiece achieved significant commercial success in upon its release, with first-week physical sales reaching 154,880 copies according to , marking the highest debut for a female artist album in 2023. This strong opening was largely driven by fan events, including the JAPAN SHOWCASE “Masterpiece,” which boosted initial demand among supporters. In its debut week, the EP sold a total of 200,986 units on the Top Album Sales chart, incorporating 1,529 digital downloads alongside physical copies. As of December 2024, cumulative physical sales reached 203,239 copies according to , reflecting sustained interest. The (RIAJ) certified Masterpiece as in December 2023, based on 250,000 units shipped, underscoring its robust market performance.

Regional performance

The regional performance of Masterpiece demonstrated overwhelming dominance in , with particularly strong sales in the —above the national average—driven by local fan support tied to the members' hometowns (Momo from and Sana from ). This geographic concentration was bolstered by targeted Japanese promotion, including showcase events in and extensive media exposure, which heightened regional engagement and physical album purchases through domestic retailers. International sales provided minor contributions, primarily from Asian markets like and , as well as global TWICE fans purchasing imports or accessing digital versions, evidenced by the EP topping album charts in 22 regions upon release. These overseas figures remained limited compared to domestic totals, reflecting the EP's positioning as a Japan-focused debut under Warner Music Japan. Post-2023, digital streaming saw sustained growth, with the album surpassing 100 million Spotify streams by early 2024 and contributing to MiSaMo's overall artist streams exceeding 281 million as of November 2025, fueled by TWICE's international tours and renewed interest in subunit content. No significant re-releases occurred, but ongoing digital availability supported incremental revenue from global platforms.

Critical reception

Professional reviews

Upon its release, Masterpiece received positive feedback from music critics, who commended the subunit's creative input and seamless blend of elements with their established style. In an interview, the members discussed their year-long development process, which allowed for personal songwriting contributions from each—such as Momo's "Funny Valentine," Sana's "Rewind You," and Mina's "It’s Not Easy For You"—highlighting their creativity in crafting a mature, Japanese-language project distinct from TWICE's brighter sound. The album's fusion of urban pop, R&B, and jazzy influences was praised for showcasing the trio's vocal harmonies and elegant maturity. Critics particularly lauded standout tracks like "Behind the Curtain" for its burlesque-inspired and elements, which demonstrated MISAMO's versatility and innovative edge in a subunit debut. Boolin Tunes awarded the EP a 9/10, describing it as a "strong debut" with "chic and powerful elegance," emphasizing the darker soundscapes that let the members shine through empowering R&B like the title track "" and the vocally dynamic "Bouquet." Japanese music outlet Selective Hearing echoed this, noting the project's stylish diversity and member-written as key strengths that elevated it beyond typical idol fare. However, some reviews critiqued the EP for retaining formulaic TWICE elements, such as repetitive refrains in tracks like "Rewind You" and a somewhat tame closer in "," which occasionally lacked bold innovation for a subunit venture. Despite these points, the consensus positioned Masterpiece as a solid entry into the Japanese market, with an average rating of around 4/5 from specialized outlets, underscoring its emphasis on vocal harmonies and the members' poised delivery.

Track listing and credits

Track listing

Masterpiece is a seven-track extended play with a total duration of 22:23. It was released in multiple physical formats including standard CD and limited editions with DVDs and photobooks, as well as digital download. The track listing, including songwriters and composers, is presented below.
No.TitleLengthSongwriter(s)Composer(s)
1"Do not touch"3:05J.Y. Park "The Asiansoul", Mayu WakisakaHyuk Shin, Ashley Alisha, Mrey
2"Behind the Curtain"2:58Yun So-young, Yu-ki KokuboAlysa, Jjean, Justin Reinstein
3"Marshmallow"3:02Shoko FujibayashiRasmus Gregersen, Daniel Michael Victor, Julie Aagaard, Yu Hyuk
4"Funny Valentine"3:17Momo, Yuka Matsumoto, Realmeee, EJAERealmeee, EJAE, Scott Bruzenak
5"It's not easy for you"2:20Mina, Risa HorieNicolas Farmakalidis, Rachel West, Carly Gibert
6"Rewind You"3:17Sana, Ayushy, Frankie Day, Charlotte WilsonAyushy, Frankie Day, Charlotte Wilson, MarkAlong, Brian U
7"Bouquet"4:24Katsuhiko YamamotoKatsuhiko Yamamoto

Personnel

MISAMO members Momo, Sana, and Mina provided lead and background vocals across all tracks on Masterpiece. Momo co-wrote "Funny Valentine", Sana co-wrote "Rewind You", and Mina co-wrote "It's not easy for you". The EP's production involved key figures from Korean and Japanese teams. MRey served as and programmer for the title track "". Japanese composer Katsuhiko Yamamoto handled writing and production for "Bouquet". Additional s included Brian U, MarkAlong (마카롱), and Nico The Owl for other tracks. Recording engineers included Gu Hye Jin, Lee Sang Yeop (이상엽), and Lim Chanmi (임찬미) on select songs, with synthesizer work by MRey and vocal direction by Ayushy (THE HUB) and Brian U. The project was recorded at JYP Studios in . Background vocalists such as Elley supported tracks like "". Mixing was overseen by professionals including on the lead single.

Charts and certifications

Weekly and monthly charts

Masterpiece achieved strong initial performance on various weekly charts upon its release. It debuted at number one on Japan's Weekly Albums Chart for the chart dated August 7, 2023, with 154,880 physical copies sold, marking the highest first-week sales for a female artist album that year. The EP also topped the Combined Albums Chart in its debut week, accumulating 158,841 points from physical sales, digital downloads, and streaming equivalent units. On the Hot Albums chart, Masterpiece reached number one in its first week, driven by 200,986 physical sales and 1,529 downloads, and remained on the chart for a total of 11 weeks.
Chart (2023)Peak positionWeeks at peakSource
11Oricon via generasia
11Billboard Japan
UK Album Downloads (OCC)451Official Charts Company
The "Do Not Touch" entered the at number 89 upon pre-release and later peaked at number 58, charting for five weeks overall. The pre-released track "" also appeared on the , peaking at number 57 for one week. For monthly rankings, Masterpiece placed third on the Monthly Albums Chart for July 2023, reflecting its robust sales and streaming activity during the debut period. In 2024, the EP experienced a minor re-entry on Japan's Top 100 Albums chart following the release of MiSaMo's second EP, , indicating sustained fan interest. No significant re-entries were reported on major charts through November 2025.

Year-end charts

In 2023, Masterpiece secured prominent positions on Japan's major year-end album charts, reflecting its strong annual performance following a debut peak at number one on the weekly . It ranked 25th on the year-end Albums Chart, accumulating 200,819 physical copies sold throughout the year. The EP also ranked 23rd on the Top Album Sales year-end chart, underscoring its sustained popularity in physical sales. The release demonstrated significant chart longevity, spending a total of 28 weeks on the . As the debut by , Twice's inaugural subunit, Masterpiece marked the highest year-end ranking achieved by any Twice subunit project to date. No notable year-end placements were recorded for 2024, though the EP continued to generate streaming activity in subsequent months, with total sales reaching 203,239 by December 2024.

Certifications

The EP Masterpiece by has received certifications in , reflecting its commercial success in that market. The (RIAJ) awards album certifications based on shipments of physical copies and equivalent digital units, with status requiring at least 250,000 units.
RegionCertificationCertified units/salesAward date
Japan (RIAJ)Platinum250,000^September 2023
^ Shipments figures based on RIAJ criteria for physical and digital album units. No additional certifications have been awarded in other regions as of November 2025.

References

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