From boy band sensation to multifaceted solo entertainer, Yuya Tegoshi has captivated audiences with his talents as a singer, actor, and television personality. This comprehensive guide explores his remarkable journey in the Japanese entertainment industry, covering everything from his early days with NEWS to his current solo endeavors and future projects. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his work, join us as we delve into the fascinating career of one of Japan’s most versatile performers.
Biography and Career Timeline
Born on November 11, 1987, in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan, Yuya Tegoshi is currently 38 years old. His journey in entertainment began when he joined Johnny & Associates in December 2002 at the age of 15. After participating in various Johnny’s Junior activities for eleven months, he became a member of the popular boy band NEWS in 2003.
Tegoshi’s career demonstrates his versatility as an entertainer, having successfully transitioned from a boy band member to a solo artist while maintaining his presence in acting and television. His departure from Johnny & Associates in 2020 marked a significant turning point, allowing him to pursue independent projects and establish his own brand.
Tegoshi’s Published Book: AVALANCHE
On August 5, 2020, shortly after leaving Johnny & Associates, Tegoshi released an autobiographical photo essay titled “Avalanche.” This book provides insights into his career during his time with the agency and marks the beginning of his independent career path. The title reflects the name of his newly established company, Avalanche Co., Ltd., symbolizing a fresh start and new direction.
In “Avalanche,” Tegoshi shares personal stories and reflections about his experiences in the entertainment industry, offering fans a glimpse into his life behind the scenes. The book serves as both a memoir of his past and a declaration of his future aspirations as an independent artist.
Television Appearances and Shows
Throughout his career, Yuya Tegoshi has been a familiar face on Japanese television, appearing in various shows as both a host and guest. His charismatic personality and entertainment skills have made him a popular figure in the TV industry.
Regular Shows
Guest Appearances
Tegoshi and “Squid Game”-Style Projects
While Yuya Tegoshi was not part of the Korean Netflix series “Squid Game,” he has appeared in a Japanese drama with similar survival game themes. In 2018, Tegoshi starred in “Zero: Ikkaku Senkin Game” (Zero: The Bravest Money Game), a drama about participants competing in high-stakes games for financial rewards.
In “Zero,” Tegoshi played the character Kotaro Shiroyama, showcasing his acting skills in a tense, psychological thriller setting. The drama explores themes of risk, reward, and human nature under pressure, similar to the concepts explored in “Squid Game.” This role demonstrated Tegoshi’s versatility as an actor, allowing him to portray a character in a high-pressure, competitive environment.
“Like Squid Game? You Bet Your Life!” – This was the title of an editorial article published on MyDramaList in November 2021 that mentioned Tegoshi’s work in “Zero” as part of a collection of survival game dramas similar to the popular Korean series.
AVALANCHE: Tegoshi’s Company
On July 16, 2020, following his departure from Johnny & Associates, Yuya Tegoshi announced the establishment of his own company, Avalanche Co., Ltd. This move marked a significant step in his career, transitioning from being managed by one of Japan’s largest talent agencies to becoming an independent entrepreneur in the entertainment industry.
Avalanche Co., Ltd. serves as the foundation for Tegoshi’s independent career, managing his activities across music, acting, and business ventures. Under this company, he has pursued various projects including:
The name “Avalanche” symbolizes Tegoshi’s desire for a powerful new beginning and the momentum he hoped to build in his post-Johnny’s career. The company name was later used for his autobiographical book, creating a cohesive brand identity for his independent endeavors.
On October 22, 2020, under the Avalanche brand, Tegoshi opened four hair removal salons called Tegoshi Beauty Salon, located in Kagurazaka, Kawaguchi, Shinsaibashi, and Kawagoe, demonstrating his entrepreneurial ambitions beyond entertainment.
2025 Projects and Future Prospects
Yuya Tegoshi’s career continues to evolve, with several exciting projects lined up for 2025 and beyond. His versatility as an entertainer allows him to pursue opportunities across multiple platforms, keeping fans engaged with diverse content.
Upcoming Drama: “Chosen Home”
In 2025, Tegoshi is set to star in the NTV drama “Chosen Home” (Bokutachin Chi), where he will play the character Saku Sakuta. This role marks another significant acting project in his post-Johnny’s career, demonstrating his continued appeal as a dramatic actor.
Music Releases
According to available information, Tegoshi plans to release “Yuya Tegoshi Singles Best” in May 2025, a compilation album featuring his most popular solo tracks since his independent debut. This release will celebrate his journey as a solo artist and provide fans with a comprehensive collection of his musical work.
Television Appearances
Tegoshi is scheduled to appear as a guest on “VS. Bullet Train” in 2025, continuing his presence on Japanese television. As his independent career progresses, we can expect to see him in more variety shows and possibly as a regular cast member on new programs.
XY Project Continuation
Following his 2024 addition to the boy band XY as part of “Yoshiki Superstar Project X,” Tegoshi may continue activities with this group alongside his solo career, bringing his experience and talents to this collaborative project.
Relationship with Takahisa Masuda
Takahisa Masuda (often called Massu) and Yuya Tegoshi share a significant professional history, having worked together closely for many years. Their relationship began when both were members of NEWS, one of Johnny & Associates’ popular boy bands. Their connection deepened when they formed the duo Tegomass in 2006 during NEWS’s temporary hiatus.
Tegomass achieved considerable success, including their debut single “Miso Soup,” which was recorded entirely in English and reached No. 12 on the Swedish charts. The duo continued to release music alongside their activities with NEWS, building a dedicated fanbase and showcasing their vocal harmony and chemistry.
Following Tegoshi’s departure from Johnny & Associates in 2020, the professional partnership with Masuda came to an end. Masuda continues his activities with NEWS, which now operates as a three-member group. While their professional paths have diverged, the musical legacy of Tegomass remains an important chapter in both artists’ careers.
Career Challenges and Controversies
Like many public figures, Yuya Tegoshi has faced challenges and controversies throughout his career. The most significant turning point came in 2020, which ultimately led to his departure from Johnny & Associates after 18 years with the agency.
In April and May 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tegoshi was placed on suspension after reportedly attending social gatherings despite stay-at-home orders. On June 19, 2020, Johnny & Associates announced the termination of his contract. However, in a subsequent press conference, Tegoshi claimed that he left the company on good terms and that tabloids had misrepresented a charity meeting as a drinking party.
Tegoshi stated that he had already intended to leave NEWS at the conclusion of their “Story” concert tour, suggesting that his departure was part of a planned career transition rather than solely the result of the controversy. This period marked a significant shift in his career trajectory, leading to his establishment of Avalanche Co., Ltd. and his reinvention as an independent artist.
In October 2024, Tegoshi’s addition to the boy band XY as part of “Yoshiki Superstar Project X” generated some controversy due to NTV’s handling of the announcement, though specific details about this situation are limited in the available sources.
Music Career and Songwriting
Solo Music Career
Yuya Tegoshi made his solo artist debut on July 7, 2021, with the digital single “Cinnamon.” This marked the beginning of an ambitious release schedule, with Tegoshi releasing songs for six consecutive months until December 2021. This culminated in his first full album, “New Frontier,” released on December 22, 2021.
His music career continued to develop with the release of his first EP “Music Connect” on October 5, 2022, followed by his second album “Checkmate” on April 5, 2023. Each release has showcased his evolving musical style and artistic vision as a solo performer.
Songwriting and Musical Style
While specific information about Tegoshi’s songwriting credits is limited in the available sources, his transition to an independent career has likely given him more creative control over his music. His solo work spans various styles, from upbeat pop tracks to more emotional ballads, showcasing his versatility as a vocalist.
His most popular songs based on chart performance include “Wink,” which reached #13 on Japan’s digital charts, and “Over You (feat. Maiki),” which peaked at #11. These tracks demonstrate his ability to connect with audiences through both his vocal performance and musical direction.
Acting Career
Throughout his career, Yuya Tegoshi has built an impressive portfolio of acting roles across television dramas, films, and specials. His acting abilities have allowed him to portray a diverse range of characters, from high school students to police officers.
Notable Drama Roles
Film Appearances
The Evolving Career of Yuya Tegoshi
Yuya Tegoshi’s journey from a Johnny’s boy band member to an independent multifaceted entertainer showcases his resilience, versatility, and enduring appeal. Throughout his career transitions, he has maintained a strong connection with his fanbase while continuously evolving as an artist.
His post-Johnny’s career demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit and determination to forge his own path in the entertainment industry. From establishing his own company to releasing solo music, publishing a book, and continuing his acting career, Tegoshi has successfully reinvented himself while building on the foundation of his earlier success.
As he looks toward future projects in 2025 and beyond, Yuya Tegoshi remains a significant figure in Japanese entertainment, whose career continues to interest and inspire fans both in Japan and internationally. His ability to adapt to changing circumstances while staying true to his artistic vision ensures that his journey will remain compelling to follow in the years to come.
Since establishing his independence, Yuya Tegoshi has built a strong social media presence to connect directly with his fans. His Instagram account has become a primary channel for sharing updates about his career, personal life, and upcoming projects.
Instagram Activity
On Instagram, Tegoshi regularly posts photos from performances, behind-the-scenes content from his various projects, and glimpses into his daily life. His engaging content and authentic approach have helped him maintain a strong connection with his fanbase even after leaving Johnny & Associates.
His Instagram feed features a mix of professional photoshoots, casual selfies, and promotional content for his music and acting projects. Tegoshi often uses this platform to announce new releases, tour dates, and television appearances, making it an essential resource for fans looking to stay updated on his activities.
YouTube Channel
In addition to Instagram, Tegoshi has established a YouTube presence where he shares music performances, vlogs, and behind-the-scenes content. His YouTube channel provides another dimension to his online presence, allowing fans to experience his personality and talents in video format.