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Number_i Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, Yuta Kishi composite

Introducing Number_i: J-Pop Sensations Yuta Jinguji, Yuta Kishi, and Sho Hirano

Zangba Thomson
Music
5 min read
Number_i  (@number_i_staff), the dynamic J-Pop trio, has taken the music scene by storm with their infectious energy, genre-blending sound, and captivating performances. The members (Yuta Kishi, Sho Hirano, and Yuta Jinguji) emerged from the Japanese idol industry, bringing their experience from previous affiliations with Johnny & Associates to create a fresh, independent identity. Since their debut in 2023, Number_i has ignited a J-Pop revolution, setting the stage ablaze with their infectious chemistry and fearless innovation. This trailblazing trio isn’t just redefining J-Pop—they’re rewriting its future, leaving fans buzzing with anticipation for what’s next!

Yuta Jinguji

Yuta Jinguji press photo
Courtesy Photo

Yūta Jinguuji (@_yutajinguji) was born on October 30, 1997, in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. He is a multifaceted singer, actor, and television personality. In 2012, he joined the Nippon Television drama Sprout, debuting as an actor. Later, in 2014, he was chosen as part of Sexy Zone’s Junior unit Sexy Boyz.

A motorcycle enthusiast with a passion for Harley-Davidson, Jinguuji has since made strides in the fashion and beauty industries. In 2024, he partnered with Mikimoto, attending high-profile events in New York, and attending a gala with different celebrities to celebrate the Mikimoto Chrome Hearts collaboration.

In February 2025, Jinguuji was named a brand ambassador for Givenchy Beauty, further expanding his influence in the entertainment and fashion worlds.

Yuta Kishi

Yuta Kishi press photo
Courtesy Photo

Yuta Kishi (@ _yuta_kishi_) was born on September 29, 1995, in Saitama, Japan. He is a multifaceted singer, actor, and television personality. His acting career includes notable roles such as Toi in Oniichan, Gacha, Yūsuke Kaji in Defying Kurosaki-kun, Shu Maiko in Nisekoi, Arata Fukazawa in Night Doctor, and Inokichi Myojin in Hissatsu Shigotonin. His performance in Oniichan, Gacha earned him the TVnavi Drama of the Year 2015 award for Best New Actor. In 2022, he won the 25th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix Award for Best Supporting Actor for Night Doctor. The following year, he won the 36th Nikkan Sports Film Award in the category (Fan-Voted Best Actor and Best Picture Awards) for G-Men.

Kishi’s music journey began with Johnny & Associates in 2009. From 2013 to 2015, he performed in Koichi Domoto’s musical Endless Shock. Around that time, he was selected as a member of the subunit Mr. Prince (later Prince) of Johnny’s Jr. special group Mr. King vs Mr. Prince, which later became King & Prince in 2018, where he served as the leader.

In 2023, Kishi joined TOBE, where he formed the group Number_i with Sho Hirano and Yuta Jinguji. In 2025, Kishi was appointed brand ambassador for Banana Republic Japan, participating in the opening of their Toranomon Hills store and featuring in their Spring 2025 campaign “Inspiring the modern explorer.”

Sho Hirano

Sho Hirano press photo
Courtesy Photo

Sho Hirano (@sho_h_desyo) was born on January 29, 1997, in Nagoya, Japan. He is a singer, actor, and television personality. His early career began with dance and acrobatics training, initially joining the Nagoya-based agency Central Japan. In 2010, he joined the predecessor project of Boys and Men, a Japanese Idol group, and became an early member who performed on stages and appeared at events.

In 2012, Hirano went to Tokyo for a dance school training camp and took lessons from Bobby Yoshino, who had choreographed Hikaru Genji and Shonentai. Hirano was then introduced to Johnny Kitagawa on the spot, and he joined Johnny & Associates without auditioning.

In 2014, Hirano’s acting career took off with his lead role in his first TV drama, Shark, followed by starring roles in films like Honey and You, I Love in 2018. That same year, he also made his first appearance as Haruto Kaguragi in the TBS drama Boys Over Flowers Season 2. Then he made his CD debut on May 23rd under Universal Music Japan as King & Prince with the theme song “Cinderella Girl.”

Hirano’s accolades include winning the 2020 TV Station Drama Awards for Best Actor in Detective Novice. In 2022, he played the lead role of Koshiro Kurosaki in “Kurosagi,” and won the 26th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (Autumn) and the 2020 TV Station Drama Awards for Best Actor. The following year, he won the 114th Television Drama Academy Awards for Best Actor and the 2023 Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix Award for Best Actor.

In 2023, Hirano left King & Prince and Johnny & Associates. Later, he was announced together with Jinguji as the new member of Hideaki Takizawa’s new talent agency TOBE. Three months later, Yuta Kishi was announced as the newest member of TOBE. He, Hirano, and Jinguji were then chosen as the members of the new group Number_i.

In 2025, Hirano was appointed as brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton Japan, and he was in Paris for the brand’s Fall/Winter 2025 campaign. Also, Hirano is an ambassador for YSL Beauty in Asia.

Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival

Number_i is performing at Head in the Clouds Los Angeles

Number_i has been announced as a performer for Head In The Clouds Festival 2025, taking place on Saturday, May 31st, and Sunday, June 1st, at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Known for their genre-blending sound and high-energy performances, Number_i is set to bring their signature style to the festival’s stacked lineup. Tickets and more information are available at la.hitcfestival.com or StubHub.com.

Listen to Number_i’s “GOD_i” EP

Number_i press photo: Yuta Kishi, Yuta Jinguji and Sho Hirano cropped

We recommend adding songs from Number_i’s “GOD_i” EP to your favorite J-pop playlist. We would love to hear your thoughts! Comment below and let us know how you feel. Your feedback helps us bring you more of what you love to discover. As always, thanks for reading another great article on BongMinesEntertainment.com, your go-to source for new music and entertainment news. Remember, (P)ositive (E)nergy (A)lways (C)reates (E)levation—P.E.A.C.E.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on these links. Any compensation will be used to keep this website up and running.

Qries
Zangba Thomson
Zangba Thomson
Editor-In-Chief | Founder | Digital Publisher
Zangba Thomson is an award-winning author, social media influencer, music blogger, journalist, consultant, tastemaker, curator, life coach, and digital publisher. As the founder and editor-in-chief of Bong Mines Entertainment, his enduring contributions are invaluable assets shaping the future of online media. Hue-Man Books, a renowned establishment, labeled Thomson as "a new voice in literary fiction" for the success of his Three Black Boys novel. At the National Black Theatre in Harlem, New York—Thomson received the Bai T. Moore Literary Award and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition (from Congressman-Charles B. Rangel) for his literary achievements, commitment to strengthening our Nation and making a difference through volunteering service in urban communities. These accolades set the stage for Thomson's recognition in the mainstream media. Soon enough, his creative works earned featured spots on platforms like NBC's Today, Kathy Lee & Hoda, ABC, Fox & Friends, Centric TV, HOT 97, and Essence Magazine to name a few. Such recognition is a testament to Thomson’s hard work. A true renaissance man of the digital age, Thomson has his pulse on the latest trends and movements within the music industry. His role as a tastemaker and curator highlights his keen ear for undiscovered talent and his ability to elevate new voices. These skills converge in his role at Bong Mines Entertainment, where he merges literary finesse with musical artistry. As a digital publisher, Thomson continues to shape the landscape of online media, ensuring that the artists he reviews reach a global audience.

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15 Responses

  1. I appreciate you writing the article on Number_i. However, I wonder if it’s a good idea to delete the previous article based on the opinions of only a few fans. It may be an exaggeration to call Yuta Jinguji a charismatic leader, but I often hear people say he is charismatic. I’m worried that
    Sho Hirano’s introduction is too long and difficult to understand, which might result in him not getting much attention.

    Reply

  2. Thank you for introducing Number_i! Some of Hirano Sho’s fans are disparaging fellow member Jinguji Yuta, but this kind of behavior is truly unfortunate. The three of them get along really well and are a great group, but it seems Hirano’s fans can’t forgive him if he isn’t number one. If any of the other members are praised, they are quick to complain. I feel bad that they are complaining about your article as well. But Number_i is working towards becoming a global group, so please continue to keep an eye on the three of them!

    Reply

    1. I wonder if you have read the first article. The reason for pointing out the author’s mistakes is not for the reasons you mentioned, but because there are errors and omissions in the content about Kishi and Hirano.

      Reply

  3. Thank you for the article that introduces Number_i in detail. It’s very warm and I’m very happy. Thank you very much.

    Reply

  4. I am so disappointed in this article. Yuta Jinguji
    Is not a leader and not a top star in this group
    Information must be fair and correct
    Should be no favoritism

    Reply

  5. Sho Hirano is the member who leads the group in both production and performance and has become a charismatic figure in the Japanese entertainment industry,not Jinguji.
    I wonder why the article turned out like that.

    And Sho is an ambassador for Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent Beaute.It is Sho who has influence in the fashion world, not Jinguji.
    Why is Sho’s current career the only one that’s been left out, even though he’s the most active?

    Number_i’s true fans are heartbroken.

    Reply

  6. The author seems to have done a lot of search on the past, but when it comes to what is happening now, it is full of mistakes and missing parts. This makes me really want to know who commissioned this article.

    Reply

  7. This article is completely different from the facts.
    Jinguji is not the leader.
    Kishi is the official leader.
    SHO is the one who is called the charismatic leader and leads the group.
    Kishi doesn’t do piano, ballet, soccer and karate.
    SHO is the ambassador for Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent Beauty. Why is SHO the only one whose current career history is not listed?
    And SHO is the member who has the most influence in the Japanese entertainment and fashion world. Any Japanese person would answer this question.
    Because SHO has the top-class fan base and Instagram followers among Japanese man.
    While the article’s praise of Jinguji far exceeds the facts,Nothing is written about SHO’s true popularity and ability.This is the first time I’ve seen such a sad article.
    I want this article to be deleted.

    Reply

  9. I read the article and was very disappointed. It was a way of elevating Jinguji and putting down Hirano. The Japanese media and entertainment world is still rife with favoritism. Jinguji is on good terms with his agency, while Hirano doesn’t do what adults tell him to do. It’s the same behavior as with the previous agency. Please write an article that gives a fair evaluation and thoroughly investigates the background. TOBE supports Jinguji, but the general opinion is Hirano.Many people feel same way as me.
    It’s reminding me Jhonnys agency.

    Reply

  10. SHO HIRANO works as an ambassador for Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent, but why don’t you mention it? Also, YUTA JINGUJI is neither charismatic nor leader. The charisma of this group is SHO HIRANO and the leader is YUTA KISHI. Please do not spread the wrong information.

    Reply

  11. I think their performance is perfect! In addition to that, humanity is attractive! I want a lot of people to know! Thank you for the wonderful article

    Reply

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