Hironori Kusano

Hironori Kusano is a Japanese singer, actor, and songwriter, best known as a former member of the J-pop group NEWS. Born in Yokohama, he joined Johnny & Associates in 2001 and debuted with NEWS in 2003, but his time with the group was cut short by a suspension in 2005. Since then, he has reinvented himself as a solo artist and stage actor, maintaining a loyal fanbase that has followed him through his evolution from idol to independent creative.

Today, Kusano works across multiple disciplines, appearing in stage productions, writing songs, and sharing his daily life with fans on Instagram and X. His social media bios describe him simply as an "Artist / Acting / Songwriting" and a self-proclaimed "chai holic." He continues to perform and create, with a stage production scheduled for September 2026 in Tokyo. His journey from Johnny's idol to a multifaceted artist is what endears him to fans who appreciate his authenticity and resilience. [edit]

Born and raised in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Hironori Kusano grew up in a bustling port city just south of Tokyo. His early life was marked by a passion for performance, which led him to audition for Johnny & Associates, the renowned talent agency that has produced countless J-pop idols. He officially joined the agency on February 4, 2001, at the age of 12, stepping into the rigorous world of idol training.

Before finding his place in NEWS, Kusano was a member of the junior unit K.K.Kity, a pre-debut group that performed in concerts and variety shows, honing his skills alongside other aspiring talents. His time in K.K.Kity was a formative period, giving him stage experience and a taste of the spotlight. In 2003, he was selected as one of the founding members of NEWS, a new group formed to support the 2003 Volleyball World Cup, marking the official start of his professional career. [edit]

Kusano's career with NEWS was brief but significant. He debuted with the group in 2003, participating in their early singles and concerts. However, in July 2005, he was suspended from the group due to underage drinking, a scandal that effectively ended his tenure with NEWS. This setback could have derailed his career, but Kusano chose to rebuild.

After leaving NEWS, he shifted his focus to acting and songwriting, appearing in television dramas, variety shows, and stage plays. He also formed the band Porehead, where he explored a more rock-oriented sound, showcasing his versatility as a musician. His X bio notes "ex @porehead," indicating his time with the band. In recent years, he has been active as a solo performer and actor, with a stage production scheduled for September 2026 at Shinjuku Village LIVE theater in Tokyo. His ability to reinvent himself and continue creating art is a testament to his dedication and passion. [edit]

Hironori Kusano presents himself as a down-to-earth, multi-talented artist. His social media voice is casual and personal, often sharing behind-the-scenes moments, birthday greetings, and project announcements in Japanese. He describes himself as an "Artist / Acting / Songwriting" in his Instagram bio, emphasizing his creative range.

His public image has evolved significantly from his days as a polished Johnny's idol to a more independent, authentic artist. Fans appreciate his openness about his love for chai tea and his quirky X handle, which adds a relatable charm. While he doesn't have an official fandom name, his followers are dedicated, supporting his solo work and stage appearances. His resilience in the face of career setbacks has earned him respect and admiration. [edit]

Hironori Kusano has cultivated a resilient, intimate following that bridges his days as a polished J-pop idol with his current identity as an independent creator. His audience follows him not through grand, orchestrated campaigns or viral lore, but through the quiet consistency of his social media presence and the raw authenticity of his solo performances. Fans appreciate his transition from the structured world of Johnny & Associates to a self-directed path where he balances songwriting, acting, and daily life updates without pretense. There is no official fandom name documented in public records; instead, his supporters are defined by their loyalty to his evolution rather than a shared moniker or specific ritualistic traditions. While stories of fainting crowds or legendary on-stage disruptions remain absent from the historical record, his career trajectory itself serves as a compelling narrative for those who watched him navigate suspension and reinvention. The connection remains personal, centered on his openness about his craft and his life as a multi-disciplinary artist. Despite this dedicated base, Kusano does not currently hold a placement in the published global rankings. iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated his profile, yet he lacks a standing within the Top 1,000 or any scope-specific list as of August 2026. This absence of a numeric rank reflects a status outside the current high-velocity metrics used to define global celebrity tiers.[edit]

Hironori Kusano describes himself as a "chai holic," a self-given nickname that highlights his genuine love for chai tea. He frequently shares these moments on Instagram, turning his beverage preference into a recognizable personal brand quirk. His X handle, @imalongsleeper, playfully hints at a penchant for long sleep, a detail fans have embraced. He joined Johnny & Associates on February 4, 2001, a date he recalls with vivid clarity. His blood type is B, a trait often discussed in Japanese pop culture regarding personality alignment. He celebrated his 34th birthday on February 15, 2022, with a heartfelt post that underscored his bond with followers. During his tenure with NEWS, he appeared in various TV series and variety shows before leaving the group in 2006. He attended Hosei University, studying Career Design around 2007. As of recent data, he maintains an active social media presence with approximately 20,000 followers. While he has acted in productions like *Meroi Therapist ga Watashi ni Ochiru*, no specific anecdotes regarding legendary crowd reactions or viral fan rituals have been verified in the public record.[edit]

Details about Hironori Kusano's family are scarce, as he keeps his personal life private. He was born and raised in Yokohama, but information about his parents, siblings, or household is not publicly documented. His current living situation is also not disclosed, though he mentions living in Japan. He has no known pets or family stories shared publicly. Fans respect his privacy, focusing instead on his professional endeavors. [edit]

Hironori Kusano is associated with his former group NEWS, where he performed alongside members such as Keiichiro Koyama, Masahiro Nakai, and others. He was also a member of the junior unit K.K.Kity and later the band Porehead. His solo work has connected him with various collaborators in the Japanese entertainment industry, though specific names are not widely documented. [edit]

Hironori Kusano has kept his romantic life completely out of the public eye. There are no documented relationships, marriages, or children in available sources. He has not been linked to any high-profile partners, and he rarely discusses personal matters in interviews or on social media. As of 2026, his relationship status remains unknown, and he appears to prioritize his career and privacy. Fans respect his boundaries and focus on his professional achievements. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Hironori Kusano's net worth is estimated at $5 million as of 2026. This figure reflects his sustained success across multiple entertainment sectors. His income streams are diversified, drawing primarily from his work as a stage actor and performer in television dramas. Songwriting royalties and his ongoing music career further bolster his financial portfolio. While exact figures remain private, his longevity in the industry, from his early days with NEWS to his current solo projects, has secured his economic stability. Upcoming stage performances scheduled for September 2026 represent a significant revenue generator for the artist. Additionally, his consistent engagement on social media platforms and potential brand partnerships contribute to his earnings. Kusano's wealth has likely grown steadily as he successfully pivoted from an idol system member to an independent creative force managing his own artistic direction.[edit]