Yuta (Japanese singer)

Yuta Nakamoto (中本悠太, Nakamoto Yūta, born October 26, 1995), known professionally as Yuta (Korean: 유타, Japanese: ユウタ), is a Japanese singer, actor, dancer and radio host based in South Korea. He is a member of the South Korean boy group NCT, debuting in the group's second fixed sub-unit NCT 127 in 2016 and in the group's first rotational sub-unit NCT U in 2020. Yuta made his solo debut on October 3, 2024, with the extended play (EP) Depth.

Yuta
Yuta Nakamoto in October 2023
Born
Yuta Nakamoto

(1995-10-26) October 26, 1995 (age 29)
Occupations
  • Singer
  • actor
  • dancer
  • radio host
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Years active2013–present
Labels
Member of
Formerly ofSM Rookies
WebsiteOfficial website
Korean name
Hangul나 유타
Transcriptions
Revised RomanizationNa Yuta
McCune–ReischauerNa Yuta
Japanese name
Kanji中本悠太
Transcriptions
RomanizationNakamoto Yūta

Early life

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Yuta was born on October 26, 1995, in Kadoma, Osaka, Japan. He has an older sister and a younger sister.[1] He graduated from Yashima Gakuen University International High School.[2] Yuta played soccer from ages five to 16 and wanted to become a professional footballer, a dream he gave up to pursue a career as an idol.[3]

Career

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Yuta at SBS Radio on October 27, 2021

2011–2015: Pre-debut activities

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Yuta became interested in an idol career in 2011 after watching TVXQ on television.[1] He attended multiple auditions despite not having any background in singing or dancing. In 2011, he participated in an audition program, Juice Winter Collection. In 2012, he participated in SM Entertainment's first global audition without the permission of his parents and was one of three out of 10,000 participants to pass.[4][5] When he was 16, he participated in a month-long training camp in Seoul during the summer.[6] On December 23, 2013, he was introduced as a member of SM Rookies, a pre-debut team of trainees under SM Entertainment.[7]

As part of the SM Rookies program, in August 2014, Yuta appeared on Exo 90:2014, an Mnet-produced show starring label mates Exo, where they danced to K-pop songs from the '90s, and participated in the music video remake of H.O.T.'s "Hope" and Jo Sung-mo's "Do You Know".[8] In July 2015, Yuta appeared as the Japanese representative on Abnormal Summit, a show with a panel of non-Korean men residing in South Korea, debating Korean culture[9] but left the show to focus on his debut in December 2015.[10]

2016–2019: Debut with NCT 127

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In April 2016, he starred in the first season of the reality show NCT Life, which focused on the SM Rookies and their journey to their debut.[11] In July 2016, he debuted as a member of NCT 127 with their first extended play, NCT #127.[12][13]

From November 2016 to January 2017, he appeared on TV Chosun's Idol Party, in which comedians Park Mi-sun and Lee Bong-won become a family, adopting him and Sorn of CLC as their children.[14] He hosted the Chuseok special episode of the 2019 Idol Star Athletics Championships alongside Leeteuk, Dahyun, Johnny, Jaehyun and Mark.[15]

2020–2023: NCT 2020, radio program and acting

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In September 2020, NCT's two-part second studio album, NCT 2020 Resonance, was announced. He appeared on the tracks "Dancing In The Rain", "Faded In My Last Song", "From Home", "Work It" and "Raise the Roof".[16] On November 24, 2020, it was announced that Yuta would host a two-month weekly radio program, NCT 127 no: ユウタの YUTA at Home, on InterFM897 to promote NCT 127's second Japanese EP, Loveholic, in Japan, which topped the Oricon Albums Chart.[17][18] On March 19, 2021, it was announced that the broadcast would be extended and converted into a regular program.[19]

Since 2021, Yuta appeared in numerous Japanese magazines such as PMC,[20] Ginger,[21] Numéro Tokyo,[22] GQ Japan,[23] and Elle Japan.[24] In June 2021, a Tom Ford Neroli Portofino endorsement with Yuta was announced through Vogue Japan's YouTube channel.[25][26] In September 2022, Yuta made his acting debut in the film High&Low The Worst X (Cross).[27] In October 2022, Yuta was featured on Forbes Japan's 30 Under 30 list.[28] In March 2023, it was announced that he was cast in the live-action adaptation of the web manga Play It Cool, Guys, which will be broadcast on April 14.[29]

2024: Solo debut

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On August 5, 2024, It was announced that Yuta will make his solo debut with the release of his first EP Depth on November 13.[30] On October 3, the EP was available for digital download and the music video for its lead single "Off The Mask" was released. Starting from October 5, his debut showcase YUTA Solo Debut Showcase Tour ~ HOPE ~ commenced in Fukuoka, and will be held across 5 cities in Japan before ending in his hometown Kadoma on the 27th.[30][31] His photobook Now is scheduled for release on October 17 to commemorate his solo debut.[32]

Discography

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Extended plays

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List of extended plays, showing selected details, selected chart positions, and sales figures
Title Details Peak chart positions Sales
JPN
Hot

[33]
KOR
Depth 20 TBA

Singles

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List of singles, showing year released, selected chart positions, and name of the album
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
"Off the Mask" 2024 TBA Depth

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2022 High&Low The Worst X (Cross) Ryo Suzaki Lead role [27]

Television series

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Year Title Role Network Note Ref.
2023 Play It Cool, Guys Hayate Ichikura TV Tokyo Lead role [34]

Television programs

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2011 Juice Winter Collection Participant [35]
2014 Exo 90:2014 SM Rookies Member [36][unreliable source?]
2015 Non-Summit Japanese representative [9]
2016 M Countdown Weekly Guest MC [37]
Idol Party Cast member

[38][unreliable source?]

2018 M Countdown MC [39][unreliable source?]

Radio

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Year Title Role Ref.
2020–present NCT 127 ユウタの YUTA at Home DJ [17][19]

Bibliography

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Photobooks

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Title Release date Publisher Ref.
Yuta at Home Official Book vol. 1 July 1, 2022 Mogura Books [40]
Now October 17, 2024 Gentosha [32]

References

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  1. ^ a b "日本人K-POPアーティストの先駆け、NCT 127 ユウタに聞く". MEN'S NON-NO WEB (in Japanese). March 9, 2019. onsnonno.jp/post/1551t in7/ Archived from the original on July 27, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2022. {{cite web}}: Check |archive-url= value (help)
  2. ^ Lee, Wendi. "5 Things to Know About Yuta Nakamoto of NCT 127". Tatler Asia. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  3. ^ Young-jun, Jang (July 6, 2015). "'비정상회담' 유타 "가수 되려 한국행, 전직 축구 선수 출신"". MyDaily (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  4. ^ "NCT 127 talks about activities since debut with Yuta" Zeroichi "... Introduction of SM company building & question to Rino". Kstyle. April 17, 2021. Archived from the original on July 27, 2021. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  5. ^ "NCT 127ユウタ、16歳で韓国練習生に デビューまでの覚悟・父との約束明かす - モデルプレス". モデルプレス - ライフスタイル・ファッションエンタメニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved November 27, 2022.
  6. ^ "インスタ・フォロワー数670万のNCT 127 YUTA──16歳の挑戦の日から9年、やりたいことがいっぱいある". GQ JAPAN (in Japanese). November 7, 2021. Archived from the original on November 11, 2022. Retrieved November 27, 2022.
  7. ^ Choi Jin-sil (December 24, 2013). "SM루키즈, 쟈니·유타·텐 공개 '다국적 글로벌 루키'". TenAsia (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 27, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  8. ^ Kim, Sara (October 4, 2014). "[어저께TV] '엑소902014' K팝 시험, 90 반갑고 2014 새롭고" (in Korean). Osen. Archived from the original on July 21, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  9. ^ a b Choi Hee-na (December 29, 2015). "SM루키즈 유타 '비정상회담' 하차…가수 데뷔 준비". Insight (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  10. ^ Choi, Hee-na (May 18, 2018). "SM루키즈 유타 '비정상회담' 하차…가수 데뷔 준비". Insight (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  11. ^ Hong, Se-young (April 15, 2016). "'SM신인' NCT, 첫 리얼리티 '엔시티 라이프' 16일 첫방송". Sports Donga (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 12, 2018. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
  12. ^ Rumy Doo (July 5, 2016). "New era of multinational K-pop groups dawns". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  13. ^ Jeff Benjamin (July 20, 2016). "NCT Debuts on World, Heatseekers Albums Charts With 'NCT #127'". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 14, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  14. ^ Myung Hee-sook (November 15, 2016). "TV조선 측 "NCT 유타·CLC 손, '아이돌잔치' 합류 확정"(공식입장)". News1 (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 27, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  15. ^ "Idols Go Head-To-Head In Exciting Sneak Peek Of "2019 Idol Star Athletics Championship – Chuseok Special"". Soompi. September 11, 2019. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
  16. ^ "[단독]NCT 올해도 뭉친다..'NCT 2020' 10월 새 앨범 발매". Daum News (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 7, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  17. ^ a b "NCT 127 YUTA radio regular program "NCT 127 YUTA 's YUTA at Home" will start on InterFM897!". NCT Japan. November 24, 2020. Archived from the original on April 17, 2021. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  18. ^ "NCT 127's "Loveholic" Grabs No. 1 On Oricon's Daily Album Chart". Soompi. February 17, 2021. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
  19. ^ a b "Radio program "NCT 127 YUTA 's YUTA at Home" InterFM897 broadcast extension and net station expansion broadcast decision!". NCT Japan. March 19, 2021. Archived from the original on April 17, 2021. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  20. ^ "NCT 127 Yuta makes her first solo appearance in a Japanese music magazine" Even in the current difficult situation, "I still want to have a concert this year"". モデルプレス. April 23, 2021. Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  21. ^ "NCT 127 Yuta also appeared on the cover of" GINGER "with Satomi Ishihara's"". モデルプレス. May 24, 2021. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
  22. ^ "NCT 127ユウタ、抜群のルックスでハイファッションの着こなし「Numero TOKYO」特装版表紙に登場". モデルプレス. April 22, 2022. Archived from the original on April 23, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
  23. ^ May (September 24, 2021). "NCT's Yuta Is a "Hot Prince" On The Cover Of GQ Japan". EnVi Media. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  24. ^ Miyake, Yoko (October 28, 2022). "NCT 127のYUTAがELLEMENに今年二度目の登場! 特別版カバーとスペシャル動画も必見". ELLE (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  25. ^ NCT 127 YUTA Travels with the Scent of Tom Ford Neroli Portofino | VOGUE JAPAN. YouTube (in Japanese). Vogue Japan. June 21, 2021. Archived from the original on June 21, 2021. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  26. ^ "NCT 127 Yuta goes on a journey to experience the scent of Tom Ford Beauty" Neroli Portofino "! "VOGUE JAPAN"". music.jpニュース. June 23, 2021. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  27. ^ a b Lee Chang-Kyu (April 21, 2022). "NCT 유타, 배우 데뷔…日 영화 '하이앤로우 더 워스트 X' 출연" (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  28. ^ "2022 Honorees - 30 Under 30 Japan 2022 Winners Announced". Archived from the original on September 13, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  29. ^ TV TOKYO . =ドラマ25「#クールドジ男子」. https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/cooldoji/ Archived May 24, 2023, at the Wayback Machine from the original on March 02, 2023. Retrieved 2023-03-02.
  30. ^ a b "NCTユウタが制作、2体のデビルが誕生" [Created by NCT Yuta, two devils were born]. Natalie (in Japanese). September 19, 2024. Archived from the original on September 19, 2024. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  31. ^ "NCTユウタ、日本でソロデビュー&全国5都市でショーケース開催 大阪公演は地元・門真市で" [NCT Yuta to make solo debut in Japan & hold showcases in 5 cities across Japan, with Osaka performance in his hometown of Kadoma]. Natalie (in Japanese). August 5, 2024. Archived from the original on August 11, 2024. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  32. ^ a b "中本悠太(NCT 127)1stソロ写真集『今』、10月17日発売決定!" [Nakamoto Yuta's (NCT 127) 1st solo photo book “Now” will be released on October 17!]. PR Times (in Japanese). August 7, 2024. Archived from the original on October 1, 2024. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  33. ^ "Depth". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  34. ^ "NCT 127中本悠太・JO1川西拓実・藤岡真威人・桜田通「クールドジ男子」実写ドラマで主演 メインビジュアル解禁". modelpress モデルプレス (in Japanese). March 3, 2023. Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  35. ^ SMROOKIES YUTA - JUICE WINTER COLLECTION 2011「VOCAL AUDITION」. UTenSoL YuTenSol. February 2, 2014. Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved March 20, 2023 – via YouTube.
  36. ^ "EXO get together with S.M.ROOKIES for photos on 'EXO 90:2014'". Allkpop. Archived from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2016.
  37. ^ smrookies [@smtrainees] (August 11, 2016). "[#Official] Yuta and Doyoung MC'S at @ M Countdown! https://t.co/khfaWJV1Sv" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved March 20, 2023 – via Twitter.
  38. ^ "CLC's Sorn and NCT's Yuta give their thoughts on becoming part of 'Idol Party'". Allkpop. Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  39. ^ tastetherainbeau (May 21, 2018). "This week's Mnet 'M! Countdown' Global MC's will be NCT's Yuta, Doyoung, and Jaehyun". r/kpop. Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  40. ^ "To commemorate the 1st anniversary of "NCT 127 YUTA at Home", the official radio program "YUTA at Home Official Book vol. 1" YUTA be released!" (in Japanese). nct-jp.net. May 30, 2022. Archived from the original on May 29, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
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