Masaya Kimura (singer)

Masaya Kimura (木村 柾哉, Kimura Masaya, born October 10, 1997) is a Japanese singer, dancer, and actor. He debuted as a member and leader of the Japanese boy band INI in 2021 after placing first in the second season of Produce 101 Japan. He made his debut as an actor in the television series I Will Be Your Bloom (2022) and made his film debut with Atashi no! (2024).

Masaya Kimura
木村 柾哉
Born (1997-10-10) October 10, 1997 (age 27)
Aichi, Japan
EducationNihon Kogakuin College
Occupations
  • Singer
  • dancer
  • actor
Years active2018–present
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentVocals
LabelsLapone
Member ofINI
WebsiteOfficial website
Japanese name
Kanji木村 柾哉
Hiraganaきむら まさや
RomanizationKimura Masaya
Korean name
Hangul키무라 마사야
Revised RomanizationKimura Masaya
McCune–ReischauerK'imura Masaya

Personal life

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Masaya Kimura was born on October 10, 1997, in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.[1]

Career

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Pre-debut

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Kimura was initially influenced to learn dancing by his brother, who was a dancer. In 2013, while in high school Kimura was introduced to K-pop and was convinced by his classmates to join the school's dance club.[2] In August 2015, he won second place in the Mr.Solo category of the National High School Dance Drill Championship 2015 and competed in the International division in Los Angeles.[3] After graduating from high school, he studied dance for two years at Nihon Kogakuin College (日本工学院) majoring in hip hop and jazz.[4]

Following graduation, Kimura worked as a back-up dancer and appeared in the works of lol and Seventeen in 2018 and worked alongside Ren Kawashiri of JO1 to form a dance unit. Between 2019 and 2020, Kimura worked as a dance instructor and choreographer at Noa Dance Academy, specialising in R&B and hip hop.[5][6] He helped choreograph Battle Boys' "Sha na na" (2018),[7] ChocoLate Bomb!!'s "Feedback" (2019),[8] Party Party's "Carry on Carry on" (2019),[9] and King & Prince's "&Love" (2020) and "Cinderella Girl" (2021).[10]

2020–2021: Produce 101 Japan and debut in INI

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In November 2020, applications for the second season of Produce 101 Japan, the Japanese spin-off of the South Korean Produce 101 franchise, opened.[11] After being encouraged to participate by previous contestants from the first season,[12] Kimura auditioned for the show which began airing in April 2021. The finale was broadcast on June 13, where Kimura placed first with a total of 380,796 votes.[13][14] The final group was named INI and on September 4, Kimura was selected as the group's leader.[15] After undergoing training in South Korea the group made their debut on November 3 with the single A.[16]

Kimura created the choreography for INI's "Killing Part" alongside bandmate Hiroto Nishi, which was included in the group's debut single.[17]

2022–present: Solo activities and acting debut

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In 2022, Kimura played the role of Minato, a member of the rival group Chayney, in the TBS television series I Will Be Your Bloom which ran from October to December. Kimura played alongside bandmates Tajima, Takatsuka, Fujimaki and Matsuda, marking his acting debut.[18]

In 2023 Kimura choreographed INI's "Moment",[19] and "You In" from the group's single Tag Me.[1] He was also appointed the presenter of Mezamashi TV for the month of December, appearing every week from the 7th until the 25th.[20] Upon his first appearance, Kimura became one of the top 3 trending topics on X's (formally Twitter) Japan Trends.[21]

On June 6, 2024, it was announced that Kimura will star in the movie Atashi no! (あたしの!), which will be released on November 8. The film is a live-action adaptation of the manga series "Atashi no!", which was published from 2017 to 2018 by Momoko Koda. Kimura will play the role of Mitomo Naomi, a popular student that caught the eyes of the two female characters.[22]

Discography

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Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2024 You Are Mine! Mitomo Naomi Main role [22]

Television series

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2022 I Will Be Your Bloom Minato [18]

Television shows

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2020 Produce 101 Japan season 2 Contestant Finished first place as a member of INI [23]
2023 Mezamashi TV Presenter For the month of December [20]

Music video appearances

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Year Title Artist(s) Ref.
2018 "Ice Cream" lol [24][6]
"Idaten Dreamer" Taisei Miyakawa [25]
2019 "Too Good" Akira Takano [26]
"It's My Bad" [27]
2020 "超展開 Japanese ver. (feat. Lead)" GBOYSWAG [28]
"E-S-C-A-P-E" Sonomi Tameoka [29]
"Tora" Maki [30]
2021 "Get You Back" Takahiro Nishijima [31][32]

References

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  1. ^ a b INI. "Official Profile: Kimura Masaya". INI Official Site (in Japanese). Lapone Entertainment. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  2. ^ "INI・木村柾哉「ダンスが好きな一番の理由は、誰かと一緒に踊るのが楽しくて仕方ないこと」" [Masaya Kimura, INI: “The main reason I like dancing is that it's fun to dance with someone else”]. An An News (in Japanese). An An. February 13, 2024. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  3. ^ "全国高等学校ダンスドリル選手権大会2015 大会結果" [National High School Dance Drill Championships 2015 Competition Results]. Miss Dance Drill Team International Japan (in Japanese). August 10, 2015. Archived from the original on August 13, 2015. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  4. ^ "『SDM』 VOL.61 55/60". SDM (Street Dance M) (in Japanese). Vol. 61. September 2017. pp. 52–53. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  5. ^ Takahashi, Azusa (June 17, 2021). ""日プ2"発グループ INI初代センター木村柾哉、心を掴むパフォーマンスと人柄 メンバーからも慕われる理由" [Masaya Kimura, the center of INI, a group from “Produce Japan 2,” has a captivating performance and personality, and the reason why he is loved by the members]. Real Sound Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Profile: Masaya". Noa Dance Academy (in Japanese). Archived from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  7. ^ Stardust Digital (August 23, 2018). [CHOREOGRAPHY] BATTLE BOYS 'Sha na na' dance practice (Shanana) (Video) (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 16, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024. See description.
  8. ^ ChocoLate Bomb!! (February 21, 2020). 【*ChocoLate Bomb!!】FEEDBACK(Practice Dance Shot Ver.) (Video) (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 17, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2024. See description.
  9. ^ Pari Pari (Party Party) (March 17, 2023). 【PARIPARI】Carry on Carry on 【Bahasa Indonesia】 (Video) (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on July 27, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2024. See description.
  10. ^ "『Mステ』初出演のINI木村柾哉、キンプリとの再会に歓喜 「シンデレラガール」などの振付アシスタント歴" [Masaya Kimura of INI, who appeared on “Music Station” for the first time, was delighted to see King & Prince again, having worked as an assistant choreographer for “Cinderella Girl” and others]. Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. November 10, 2023. Archived from the original on May 20, 2024. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  11. ^ "「PRODUCE 101 JAPAN」シーズン2話題の練習生まとめ>元アイドル・バックダンサー・「今日好き」出身者など" [Summary of “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN” Season 2's hottest trainees, including former idols, back-up dancers, and “Today's Favorite” participants]. ModelPress (in Japanese). January 31, 2021. Archived from the original on February 28, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  12. ^ Produce 101 Japan (February 4, 2021). ON:TACT SKILL CHECK_10 QUESTIONS 10 ANSWERS【Kimura Masaya】PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON2 (Television production) (in Japanese). Event occurs at 46 seconds. Archived from the original on November 17, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2024.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ "INI(アイエヌアイ)デビューメンバー決定!初のインタビュー「上だけを見続けて頑張っていきたい」" [INI debut members decided! First interview: “I want to keep looking only upwards and do my best”]. Fuji TV. June 15, 2021. Archived from the original on November 17, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  14. ^ "「PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON2」デビューメンバー11人決定 大幅順位変動<1位~21位最終順位>" [11 debut members for "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON 2” determined, with a large fluctuation in ranking <Final ranking from 1st to 21st>]. ModelPress (in Japanese). June 13, 2021. Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  15. ^ INI (September 4, 2021). INI | リーダー決定 [INI | Leader decision] (Video) (in Japanese). Lapone Entertainment. Archived from the original on December 21, 2023 – via YouTube.
  16. ^ "INI's first fan meeting "INI 1ST FAN MEETING" will be held! The debut single will be released on November 3rd!". INI Official Site. Lapone Entertainment. September 8, 2021. Archived from the original on January 5, 2024. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  17. ^ Takahashi, Azusa (December 7, 2021). "INI、木村柾哉&西洸人振り付けの「KILLING PART」を初披露 1stファンミーティングの思い出も" [INI performs “KILLING PART” choreographed by Masaya Kimura & Hiroto Nishi for the first time, and memories of their 1st fan meeting]. Real Sound Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  18. ^ a b "INIメンバー5人、TBS『君の花になる』でドラマ初出演 木村柾哉らが"ユニット・CHAYNEY"結成" [5 INI members appear for the first time in a drama on TBS Kimi no Hana ni Naru Seiya Kimura and others form "Unit CHAYNEY"]. Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. September 1, 2022. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  19. ^ "INI、木村柾哉が単独で振り付けた「Moment」ダンスプラクティス&ビハインド映像を公開" [INI releases “Moment” dance practice and Behind the Scenes video, choreography solely by Masaya Kimura]. Billboard Japan (in Japanese). August 14, 2023. Archived from the original on August 16, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  20. ^ a b "INI木村柾哉『めざまし』12月エンタメプレゼンター担当「緊張すると思いますが頑張ります!」" [Masaya Kimura, INI, “Mezamashi” entertainment presenter for December: “I'm sure I'll be nervous, but I'll do my best!"]. Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. December 6, 2023. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  21. ^ "INI・木村柾哉が"甘えん坊"な素顔をJO1から暴露されて大照れ!" [Masaya Kimura of INI is embarrassed when JO1 revealed his “pampered boy” side!]. Mezamashi Media (in Japanese). December 10, 2023. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  22. ^ a b "元日向坂46渡邉美穂&INI木村柾哉、『あたしの!』実写化で映画初出演にしてW主演決定【コメント全文あり】" [Former Hinatazaka46 member Miho Watanabe & INI's Masaya Kimura to star in a live-action adaptation of “Atashi no!" This will be the first time for them to star in a live-action film [Full Commentary]]. Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. June 6, 2024. Archived from the original on June 6, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  23. ^ "11人のメンバーで構成のグローバルグループ"INI"(アイエヌアイ)11月3日デビュー決定!" [The 11-member global group INI will debut on 3 November!]. Screen Online (in Japanese). September 8, 2021. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  24. ^ Avex (December 19, 2018). lol-エルオーエル- / ice cream (Video) (in Japanese). Event occurs at 2 minutes 9 seconds. Archived from the original on February 27, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024 – via YouTube.
  25. ^ Miyakawa, Taisei (October 12, 2018). みやかわくん 「イダテンドリーマー 」 [Miyakawa-kun “Idaten Dreamer”] (Video) (in Japanese). Event occurs at 1 minute 26 seconds. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024 – via YouTube.
  26. ^ Avex (December 25, 2019). 高野洸 / TOO GOOD [Dance Video] (Video) (in Japanese). Event occurs at 1 minute 14 seconds. Archived from the original on May 15, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024 – via YouTube.
  27. ^ Avex (December 14, 2019). 高野洸 / It's my bad (Music Video) (Video) (in Japanese). Event occurs at 3 minutes 39 seconds. Archived from the original on May 29, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024 – via YouTube.
  28. ^ B'in Music (February 17, 2020). 鼓鼓 呂思緯 [ 超展開 Japanese ver. ] feat. Lead Official Music Video (Video) (in Japanese). Event occurs at 44 seconds. Archived from the original on February 5, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2024 – via YouTube.
  29. ^ Frog Music (August 3, 2020). 為岡そのみ / E-S-C-A-P-E (Official Video) (Video) (in Japanese). Event occurs at 4 seconds. Archived from the original on November 17, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2024 – via YouTube.
  30. ^ Radtube (August 26, 2020). Maki【虎】Music Video (Video) (in Japanese). Event occurs at 8 seconds. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2024 – via YouTube.
  31. ^ "Nissy、"バックダンサー"INI木村柾哉と再会「エモすぎる」ファン感涙" [Nissy reunited with “back dancer” INI Masaya Kimura]. ModelPress (in Japanese). February 18, 2023. Archived from the original on January 7, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  32. ^ Nissy (April 1, 2021). Nissy(西島隆弘) / 「Get You Back」"Tokyo International Airport" ver (Video) (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 1, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2024 – via YouTube.


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