Kazuya Kamenashi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kazuya Kamenashi
Kamenashi at the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival in 2024
Background information
Native name	亀梨 和也
Also known as	Kame, Kame-chan, Kazu
Born	(1986-02-23) February 23, 1986 (age 39) Edogawa, Tokyo, Japan
Genres	J-pop
Occupation(s)	Singer actor TV and radio host TV producer magazine model
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1998–present
Labels	J Storm

Kazuya Kamenashi (亀梨 和也, Kamenashi Kazuya, born February 23, 1986) is a Japanese singer, actor, and TV host. He was born and grew up in Edogawa, Tokyo. When he was 12, he joined a Japanese talent agency called Johnny & Associates. He was a member of the popular J-pop group KAT-TUN.

Kazuya Kamenashi became a member and co-lead singer of KAT-TUN in 2001. He was also part of a special group called Shūji to Akira. Their song "Seishun Amigo" was the best-selling song in Japan in 2005. Kazuya is also a well-known actor. He has played the main character in many TV shows.

Kamenashi left Starto Entertainment in March 2025 when his contract ended.

Early Life

Kazuya Kamenashi was born in Edogawa, Tokyo, on February 23, 1986. He is the third of four brothers. His older brothers are Yūichirō and Kōji, and his younger brother is Yūya. He also has two sisters-in-law and a niece and nephew. His first name comes from a character in a manga called Touch. This manga was written by a Japanese artist named Mitsuru Adachi. It's a fun coincidence that his bandmate Tatsuya Ueda was also named after a character from the same manga.

Kazuya loves baseball and used to play it a lot. He even played for his country in a junior world league as a shortstop. He had to stop playing baseball professionally because he didn't have enough time after joining Johnny's Entertainment. Even though the agency's president, Johnny Kitagawa, supported him in both careers, it was too hard to do both.

Career Highlights

Kazuya Kamenashi has been focusing on his solo career. He last performed with KAT-TUN in 2022. The group KAT-TUN officially broke up on March 31, 2025. Kamenashi left the group on the same day.

Acting Roles

In 2009, Kamenashi starred in a TV show called Kami no Shizuku. It was based on a manga about wine. He and his co-stars won many awards for this show. He also appeared as a doctor in the TV show Mr. Brain with Takuya Kimura. Kamenashi also made his first movie appearance in Gokusen The Movie in 2009. He played his character Ryū Odagiri, who was now a teacher in training. The movie was very popular and earned a lot of money.

In 2010, he played the main role of Kyohei Takano in Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge. This show was also based on a popular manga. It was named Best Drama, and Kamenashi won Best Actor for his role.

In 2011, he played Bem in the TV show Yokai Ningen Bem, which was based on an anime. He won Best Actor awards for this role. Because the show was so successful, a movie version of Yōkai Ningen Bem was made in 2012. The movie also did very well.

In 2013, Kamenashi starred in the movie It's Me, It's Me. This movie was shown at a film festival in Italy, and Kamenashi won an audience award.

In 2016, Kamenashi starred in the drama The Mysterious Thief Yamaneko. He played the character Yamaneko, a mysterious thief.

In 2017, he appeared in the drama Boku unmei no hito desu with Tomohisa Yamashita. He also starred with Tao Tsuchiya in the movie Policeman and Me. In May 2017, he was a supporting actor in the movie A Beautiful Star.

In 2018, he returned to TV dramas with the lead role in Final Cut. He also appeared in the TV movie Tegami: Keigo Higashino.

In 2019, he starred with Fumi Nikaido in a remake of Strawberry Night called Strawberry Night Saga.

Other Activities

Fashion and Modeling

In 2008, Kamenashi walked the runway for Hermès' men's fashion show in Tokyo. In 2010, he won the "Best Jeanist" award for the fifth time in a row. This made him an "Eternal Best Jeanist," meaning he can't win the award again.

Baseball Activities

Kamenashi is a big baseball fan. He threw the first pitch at a baseball game in 2009. He also played in a special fan event for the Yomiuri Giants baseball team in 2009. He played as a shortstop and a pitcher.

In 2012, he reported live from a Major League Baseball game. He also threw a special first pitch at that game. Kamenashi is a commentator and host for sports shows like Going! Sports&News and Dramatic Game.

Social Media

Kamenashi started his Instagram account in 2023 with a New Year's greeting. He was the first member of KAT-TUN to open a social media account. His posts often feature a stuffed turtle, which is a symbol linked to him.

"Inside 23" Project

Kamenashi has a special project called "Inside 23." He uses this project to try out different things. It started on February 23, 2024. So far, it has included a musical showcase and a clothing line. Fans can even suggest ideas for products, like jewelry. In a solo concert for "Inside 23" on February 23, 2024, Tomohisa Yamashita was a special guest.

Music

Singles

Solo Songs

Filmography

Movies

TV Dramas

TV Programs

Live Performances

Stage Shows

Concerts

Awards and Recognition

See also

In Spanish: Kazuya Kamenashi para niños