Minami Katayama is a 14-year-old member of Wake Up, Girls! with brown hair often in low pigtails, matching brown eyes, a height of 1.50 meters, and a weight of 40 kilograms. Her birthday is January 22 and her blood type is A. Her image color is yellow and her animal motif is a tiger, reflecting her vibrant energy.

Frequently compared to the sun for her energetic and cheerful nature, she serves as one of the group's primary mood-makers alongside Miyu Okamoto. Though not the youngest, she is often seen as the group's "little sister." Minami combats nervousness and stage fright using a protection charm from Grandma Isokawa, a resident at a local senior citizens' home where she regularly sings. Green Leaves Entertainment president Junko Tange recruited her after she won a local folk song competition. She is punctual, selfless, and consistently prioritizes others. Minami possesses a notable appetite, frequently consuming large quantities of food, and uses the catchphrase "Ume nya!" to express enjoyment.

Her background includes early television work on a weather and gourmet report segment where her eating habits drew attention. Within the group, she boosts morale with her upbeat attitude, demonstrated by her playful curiosity about topics like whether eating saury influences breast size. During the Idol Festival arc, she participated in demanding rehearsals and performances despite challenges, reinforcing group unity. Her development involves adapting to professional demands, including collaborative songwriting efforts for new material.

Across media, such as the "New Chapter" season, Minami engages in promotional activities like free public performances to support ticket sales for the group's national tour. She mentors newer units like Run Girls, Run!, reflecting her growth from a nervous newcomer to a stabilizing presence. Her journey emphasizes overcoming personal anxieties to perform consistently, driven by the desire to reappear on stage and bring happiness to audiences.