Naoki Kobayashi 小林 直己 | |
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![]() Kobayashi Naoki at the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo International Film Festival 2019 | |
Background information | |
Also known as |
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Born | Chiba Prefecture, Japan | 10 November 1984
Genres | |
Occupations |
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Years active | 2010–present |
Labels | Rhythm Zone |
Website | Official website |
agent: LDH Japan |
Naoki Kobayashi[1] (小林 直己, Kobayashi Naoki, born 10 November 1984, in Inzai, Chiba Prefecture)[2] is a Japanese actor, dancer, choreographer, and model. He is a performer of J-Pop dance and vocal group Exile, and is a leader and performer of J-Pop dance and vocal group Sandaime J Soul Brothers. He was also a member of Nidaime J Soul Brothers until their migration to Exile in 2009.[3] As a member of Sandaime J Soul Brothers, he has received the Japan Record Awards twice, and has received the same award three times as a member of Exile.[3] He choreographed the famous "Pocky Dance" (Pocky Sharehappi Dance) for Pocky's advertisement in 2015.[4]
Besides, he has also taken up acting and made his international debut in Netflix's original film Earthquake Bird.[5] He has also worked as a model for the fashion brand "Yohji Yamamoto".[3] With his fluent-spoken English and understanding of American culture, he serves as a creative career advisor in the Executive Management Team of LDH USA.[6][7] He has a strong interest in traditional Japanese culture,[6][8] which has motivated him to take part in a few projects focusing on promoting the art of samurai and Japanese swords.