Raul

Maito Raul Murakami is a Japanese singer, model, actor, and TV personality. He performs under the stage name Raul and is a member of the idol group Snow Man under Starto Entertainment. Known for his tall stature and striking mixed-race features, Raul has become one of the most recognizable faces in J-pop. As of 2026, Snow Man is one of Japan's top-selling idol groups, with multiple chart-topping singles and albums. Raul also signed a professional modeling contract with Bananas Models in 2024, expanding his reach into the fashion world. Fans admire his cool yet warm stage presence and his ability to transition between idol performances and high-fashion shoots. [edit]

Raul grew up in Tokyo in a bilingual household, speaking Japanese and Spanish. His father is Japanese and his mother is Venezuelan, a background that set him apart in the Japanese entertainment industry. From a young age, he showed an interest in performing arts. He joined Johnny & Associates (now Starto Entertainment) as a trainee, undergoing rigorous training in singing, dancing, and performance. He was part of the junior group system before being selected as a member of Snow Man in 2019. His tall height and sharp features caught the attention of talent scouts early on, paving the way for his later modeling career. [edit]

Raul's breakthrough came when he was selected as a member of Snow Man, a nine-member idol group under Johnny & Associates. The group made their CD debut on January 22, 2020, with the single "D.D. / Imitation Rain," which sold over 1.8 million copies in its first week, breaking records for debut singles in Japan. Since then, Snow Man has released multiple consecutive number-one singles and albums on the Oricon charts, headlined major venues including Tokyo Dome, and held annual concert tours. Raul has also taken on acting roles in television dramas and variety shows. On June 21, 2024, he announced that he had signed as a professional model with Bananas Models, marking a significant step in his solo career. As of 2026, he continues to balance his idol activities with modeling assignments, appearing in fashion magazines and runway shows. [edit]

Raul is known for his tall, lean physique, sharp features, and versatile look that shifts between idol-cute and high-fashion model. His mixed heritage gives him a distinctive appearance in the Japanese entertainment industry. Media often describes him as having a "cool" image with a warm personality. His social media presence is professional and polished, with carefully curated posts that maintain his idol image. Snow Man's official fan club is called "Snow Man Official Fan Club," and individual member fans are often referred to by the member's color or name. Fans appreciate his unique background and his ability to excel both as an idol and a model. [edit]

Raul maintains a distinct position within the global entertainment landscape, recognized for bridging J-pop idol culture with high-fashion modeling. As of August 2026, the iFANN Global Fame Engine has evaluated his standing and determined that he currently holds no placement in the published rankings, meaning he is not listed among the top 1,000 most famous individuals or within specific Top-100 scope lists. This unranked status reflects a unique trajectory where his influence is concentrated in specialized sectors rather than broad global numerical dominance. His audience operates primarily through the collective support of the Snow Man fanbase, as no formal standalone fandom name exists exclusively for him; supporters identify simply as followers of the group. Despite the lack of a specific rank, his digital footprint remains substantial, with an Instagram following of approximately two million users who actively engage with his content. Fans frequently celebrate his participation in major international events, such as Paris Fashion Week, and track the commercial success of group releases like THE BEST 2020 - 2025, which achieved record-breaking sales figures. The community also supports his acting ventures, including roles in Honey Lemon Soda and Honeko Akabane's Bodyguards, while anticipating future projects like his upcoming photobook SWAN. While no specific solo campaigns or rituals are documented solely under his name, the organized nature of the broader fanbase ensures consistent visibility for his individual milestones in fashion and media.[edit]

Raul stands as one of the few idols from the Johnny's and Starto systems with non-Japanese heritage, owing to his Venezuelan mother, and speaks both Japanese and Spanish fluently. His stage name directly reflects this multicultural background. He holds the distinction of being the tallest member of Snow Man, a physical trait that facilitated his transition into professional modeling. In 2024, he became the first Snow Man member to sign with a professional modeling agency outside of his group activities. Born in 2003, he is among the younger members of the group, yet his rapid ascent from trainee to debutant in the competitive Johnny's system remains notable. A defining element of his public lore is the contrast between his youth and his imposing stature, often cited as a unique characteristic in biographies. His career trajectory includes a significant breakthrough when he starred in the live-action film adaptation of Honey Lemon Soda, establishing himself as a lead actor beyond singing. Another key moment occurred when he signed with a Paris-based modeling agency, marking a rare achievement for a Japanese idol of his age. In November 2025, he was featured in VOGUE THE ONES TO WATCH 2025, further cementing his status as a promising talent in the industry.[edit]

Raul's father is Japanese and his mother is Venezuelan. He has not publicly disclosed details about siblings or extended family. He grew up in Tokyo in a bilingual household. As of 2026, he lives in Japan and keeps his personal household private, in line with Japanese idol industry norms. [edit]

Raul is a member of Snow Man, alongside Hikaru Iwamoto, Tatsuya Fukazawa, Shota Watanabe, Koji Mukai, Ryohei Abe, Misaki Iwasa, Daisuke Sakuma, and Ryota Miyadate. He is managed by Starto Entertainment and signed with Bananas Models for modeling. [edit]

As a member of a major Japanese idol group under Starto Entertainment, Raul's personal life and dating history are subject to strict privacy protections. Idols in this system generally maintain a public image of being available to fans, and dating is often discouraged or kept private. As of 2026, there are no publicly confirmed romantic relationships. He is presumed to be single, as no credible sources have reported any relationships. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Raul's estimated net worth stands at $2 Million as of 2026. His primary revenue streams originate from his tenure as a core member of Snow Man, encompassing concert tours, album sales, merchandise distribution, and television appearances. Since executing a contract with Bananas Models in 2024, he has additionally generated income through professional modeling agreements, fashion show appearances, and brand endorsements. His contributions to acting roles in various dramas and films provide supplementary financial growth. Specific earnings figures for Japanese idols remain confidential, though industry assessments for established members of premier groups like Snow Man indicate a robust financial standing. His wealth has increased steadily since Snow Man's debut in 2020, driven by the group's consistent chart performance and expanding international fan base.[edit]