Masahiro Nakai 中居 正広 | |
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| Background information | |
| Born | August 18, 1972 Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan |
| Genres | Pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, actor, television host, song-writer |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Labels | Victor Entertainment |
| Formerly of | SMAP |
Masahiro Nakai (中居 正広, Nakai Masahiro, born August 18, 1972) is a Japanese television host, actor, news presenter, radio personality. He was the leader of the now defunct boy band SMAP,[1] which had been the best-selling boy band in Asia.[2] While working as a member of a boy band, he worked extensively as a television presenter, hosting many of his own talk shows, variety shows, music shows, news programs, and several Olympic games as a sportscaster. His conversational method and technique has been critically praised, establishing himself as one of the most well-respected, iconic hosts in the Japanese entertainment industry. He is the host of six weekly television programs and one radio program.
Since his first major role in the drama television series, Aji Ichimonme (1995), he has had a successful acting career, both in television and film. He has starred in many high-rated television series such as, Densetsu no Kyoushi (2000), Shiroi Kage (2001), Suna no Utsuwa (2004), and Ataru (2012), and a blockbuster film, Watashi wa Kai ni Naritai (2008).
He is credited for changing the Japanese entertainment industry, becoming the first non-comedian celebrity to have a career as a television host and expanding the capacity of a boy band. He is one of the wealthiest and highest-paid celebrities in Japan, identified as the highest tax payer in the Japanese entertainment industry by the Japanese National Tax Bureau in 2003.[3]
- ^ Kikuchi, Daisuke (December 25, 2016). "Love 'em or hate 'em, the end of SMAP marks the end of an era". Japan Times. The Japan Times Ltd. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- ^ "SMAP". Japan-Zone. Retrieved January 23, 2010.
- ^ "The Boy Bachelor". Japan Times. May 25, 2003. Retrieved February 20, 2010.