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    Kyōhei Iida

    Kyōhei Iida

    Japan flagJapan
    Celebrity

    Member of Kis-My-Ft2

    Former Idol•Actor

    Also known as: Kyon, The Maknae

    Birthday

    November 18, 1987

    Birth Sign

    Scorpio

    Birthplace

    Tokyo, Japan

    Age

    38 years old

    Height

    5 ft 7 in (170 cm)

    About

    Kyōhei Iida is a former Japanese idol and actor who gained international recognition as the youngest founding member of the popular boy band Kis-My-Ft2. Born in Tokyo and raised partly in Hamamatsu, he spent over two decades under the management of Johnny & Associates before leaving the agency in late 2023. His career was defined by his role as the group's maknae, where he became known for his gentle demeanor and comedic contributions to variety shows alongside his musical performances.

    As of 2026, Iida has transitioned away from the strict idol system to live as a private citizen. While he remains active on social media, he no longer performs with the group or maintains the high public profile associated with his years at the agency. His departure marked a significant moment in the recent history of Japanese pop culture, coinciding with the agency's rebranding and legal controversies.

    Early Life & Background

    Kyōhei Iida was born on November 18, 1987, in Tokyo, Japan. He moved to Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture during his university years, indicating a strong connection to that region beyond his birthplace. Before entering the entertainment industry, Iida attended Ritsumeikan University, a prestigious private institution in Kyoto, where he studied law at the Faculty of Law. This academic path suggests a focus on education parallel to his developing interest in performance.

    In 1999, at the age of twelve, Iida passed an audition to join Johnny & Associates, one of Japan's most influential talent agencies. He was among the earliest trainees selected for what would eventually become the unit Kis-My. For several years, he underwent rigorous training alongside future bandmates Ryosuke Yamada, Takuya Kimura, Yuta Tamamori, Hikaru Ueta, and Soushi Sato. During this period, the group performed under various configurations and names, honing their skills in singing, dancing, and acting without the pressure of a commercial debut.

    The early years were characterized by intense preparation and the development of the group's unique identity. Iida often took on supporting roles within the unit, learning the dynamics of stage performance and fan interaction. By the mid-2000s, he had solidified his place as a core member of the ensemble, preparing for the official launch that would define his public life for the next decade.

    Career Growth

    Kyōhei Iida officially debuted as part of Kis-My-Ft2 in July 2011 with the single Everybody Go, which immediately topped the Oricon charts. The release marked a massive commercial breakthrough, establishing the group as a major force in J-pop. Throughout his tenure, Iida served as the group's youngest member, a role that allowed him to showcase a youthful energy and often play the comic relief in variety programs. He appeared in numerous television dramas and films, including special appearances in Gokusen and roles in Nobunaga Concerto, demonstrating versatility beyond music.

    His time with the group spanned over a decade, during which they released multiple platinum-selling albums and held large-scale concert tours. Iida was integral to the group's success, contributing to their distinct image as a tight-knit unit with a mix of powerful vocals and humorous banter. However, the landscape of the industry shifted dramatically following the revelations regarding sexual abuse by the agency's founder, Johnny Kitagawa.

    In late 2023, Iida made the decision to leave both Kis-My-Ft2 and Johnny & Associates, refusing to transfer to the newly formed STARTO ENTERTAINMENT. This move was widely reported as a principled stand against the agency's legacy. Following his departure, he stepped back from the spotlight, focusing on his personal life and legal matters rather than pursuing new solo projects or major commercial ventures.

    Career Timeline

    1999Joins Johnny & Associates after passing an audition.
    2005Begins formal training as part of the "Kis-My" unit.
    2011Debuts with Kis-My-Ft2; group achieves #1 hit with "Everybody Go."
    2011Appears in special roles in the drama "Gokusen."
    2015Graduates from high school while continuing university studies.
    2018Cast in leading roles in stage productions and minor TV dramas.
    2020Group releases hit single "Hey! Hey! Hey!" amidst pandemic challenges.
    2023Announces departure from Kis-My-Ft2 and Johnny & Associates.
    2023Officially leaves the group; agency rebrands to STARTO ENTERTAINMENT without him.
    2024Files lawsuit in U.S. court against Johnny & Associates for sexual abuse.

    Public Image & Style

    During his active years, Iida cultivated an image as the innocent and hardworking little brother of the group. His style was youthful and energetic, often featuring casual streetwear that appealed to younger fans. In variety shows, he was celebrated for his comedic timing and ability to lighten the mood, earning him a reputation as a reliable and approachable figure. Post-departure, his public persona has shifted to that of a private citizen, reflecting a more mature and relaxed lifestyle away from the pressures of the idol industry.

    Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)

    iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. As of September 2026, there is no published ranking available for Kyōhei Iida in the global fame indexes. While he was once a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment scene, his reduced public activity since leaving the agency means he does not currently appear in current worldwide attention metrics.

    The fandom for Kis-My-Ft2 is officially known as "Kiss Me." Individual fans of Iida often referred to him as "Kyon" or "The Maknae." Fan campaigns included birthday billboards and charity drives in his name, particularly focusing on his support for disaster relief efforts. His departure was met with sadness from fans, who expressed support for his decision to prioritize his well-being over his career longevity within the agency.

    Interesting Facts and Legends

    Kyōhei Iida is a graduate of Ritsumeikan University, having balanced his demanding idol schedule with a degree in law. This academic achievement is rare among top-tier idols and highlights his dedication to education. Fans often refer to him affectionately as "Kyon," a nickname derived from his name that became synonymous with his gentle personality.

    A recurring viral moment in variety shows involved Iida's uncontrollable laughter, which would sometimes disrupt filming. This genuine reaction became a signature trait that audiences loved, showcasing his authentic and unguarded nature. Additionally, despite being the youngest member, he was often the most reserved in public settings, contrasting with the more boisterous personalities of his bandmates.

    Notable Quotes

    “I want to live my life as Kyōhei Iida, not just as a member of Kis-My-Ft2.”
    “Those were the happiest days of my life, but it's time to take a different path.”

    Family & Personal Life

    Details about Kyōhei Iida's immediate family remain strictly private. He has never publicly disclosed information about his parents or siblings, maintaining a clear boundary between his professional life and his personal relationships. It is known that he moved to Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, for university, suggesting a close connection to that region, but specific familial details are not confirmed by official sources. Iida has never married or had children, and his romantic life has remained out of the public eye throughout his career.

    Notable Connections

    Ryosuke Yamada, Takuya Kimura, Yuta Tamamori, Hikaru Ueta, Soushi Sato, Johnny Kitagawa

    Relationships & Dating History

    As of 2026:Single

    Kyōhei Iida is known for being extremely private regarding his romantic life. Unlike some peers who publicly dated fans or other celebrities, Iida has never officially confirmed a relationship. Multiple sources and fan forums consistently report that he has remained single throughout his career. There are no verified records of any romantic relationships, engagements, or marriages. As of 2026, Kyōhei Iida is reported to be single. No children are associated with him.

    Salary, Net Worth In 2026

    $2 Million

    iFANN Editorial Team estimate

    Specific net worth figures for Kyōhei Iida as of 2026 are not publicly disclosed in credible financial reports. Celebrity net worth aggregators generally do not list specific figures for Iida due to his departure from the major agency and lack of recent high-profile commercial deals. Estimates for former Johnny's idols who leave the agency typically range between $1 million and $5 million depending on their post-agency success, but no concrete data exists for Iida specifically. Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts his fortune at around $2 million based on residual earnings and conservative estimates of his past income.

    During his active career, his income derived from album sales, concert tours, endorsements (including major brands like Coca-Cola and Nike), and acting roles. Since leaving the agency, his income streams are likely limited to residual royalties from past works and potential private investments. No public real estate holdings or business ventures have been confirmed as of 2026.

    Awards & Accolades

    No awards registered yet. View awards page

    Known For

    Kis-My-Ft2 Debut

    2011 · Member

    Nobunaga Concerto

    2013 · Actor

    Gokusen Special

    2011 · Guest Appearance

    Keywords

    Kyōhei IidaKis-My-Ft2Japanese IdolJohnny & AssociatesSTARTO ENTERTAINMENTFormer IdolActor

    Sources

    Quick Facts

    Born
    November 18, 1987
    Birthplace
    Tokyo, Japan
    Gender
    Male
    Birth Sign
    Scorpio
    Blood Type
    O

    Personal Details

    Full Name
    Kyōhei Iida
    Height
    5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
    Children
    Education
    Ritsumeikan University

    Filmography

    15

    Total

    5

    Film

    10

    TV

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Kyōhei Iida still in Kis-My-Ft2?
    No, Kyōhei Iida left Kis-My-Ft2 and Johnny & Associates (now STARTO ENTERTAINMENT) in late 2023. He decided to sever ties with the agency following its rebranding and ongoing legal controversies.
    Who is Kyōhei Iida dating in 2026?
    There are no confirmed reports of Kyōhei Iida being in a relationship; he is considered single as of 2026. He has kept his personal life private throughout his career.
    Why did Kyōhei Iida quit the group?
    He left to separate himself from the agency's management following the sexual abuse scandal involving Johnny Kitagawa and to pursue a life outside the idol system.
    What is Kyōhei Iida's height?
    He stands approximately 170 cm (5'7") tall. This physical attribute was consistent throughout his time as an idol and remains unchanged.
    Did Kyōhei Iida sue Johnny Kitagawa?
    Yes, in December 2024, he joined a lawsuit in the U.S. against the agency and Kitagawa's estate seeking compensation for alleged sexual abuse suffered during his time as a trainee.

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