Ren Kawashiri

Ren Kawashiri is a Japanese idol, singer, and dancer, best known as a member of the global boy group JO1. He is recognized for his sharp dance skills and charismatic persona, which have made him one of the group's most popular members. As a sub-vocalist and lead dancer, Kawashiri has contributed to JO1's success, including multiple chart-topping singles and albums, and performances at major venues like Tokyo Dome. The group has received multiple Japan Gold Disc Awards. Kawashiri also appears regularly on variety shows and has released a successful solo photobook. As of 2026, JO1 continues to achieve chart success. His fanbase admires his dedication and professionalism, and he maintains a significant presence on social media.[edit]

Ren Kawashiri was born on March 2, 1997, in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Growing up in Fukuoka, he developed an early and strong passion for dance. From a young age through his teenage years, he dedicated himself to training, specializing in street dance and K-pop choreography, honing the skills that would later become central to his public persona.

After completing high school, Kawashiri pursued a different professional path, attending beauty school and successfully graduating as a licensed barber and hairdresser. For several years, he worked diligently in a salon in Fukuoka, building a loyal clientele and gaining valuable experience in the beauty industry. Despite this career, his deep-seated passion for performance remained a driving force.

In 2019, Kawashiri made a pivotal decision to audition for PRODUCE 101 JAPAN, a highly anticipated survival reality show designed to form the lineup of a new boy group. To fully commit to this life-changing opportunity, he took a leave of absence from his barber job and relocated to Tokyo. Throughout the rigorous competition, his exceptional dance skills and captivating stage presence quickly set him apart. He steadily advanced, ultimately finishing in an impressive 6th place, which secured his spot as a founding member of the new group, JO1. This achievement marked his breakthrough into the entertainment industry and his rise to national recognition.[edit]

Kawashiri debuted as a JO1 member on March 4, 2020, with the single Protostar, which topped the Oricon Singles Chart. The group won Best New Artist at the 35th Japan Gold Disc Award in 2021. JO1 released their first studio album The Star in 2022, followed by EPs Kizuna and Midnight Sun. In 2023, they held their first dome tour, performing at Kyocera Dome and Tokyo Dome. The group expanded internationally with the HITCHHIKER world tour in 2024. Kawashiri became a fixed cast member on the variety show Kami no Ko in 2024. In 2025, he released his solo photobook Ren, selling over 30,000 copies in its first week. As of 2026, JO1's single Where Do We Go? debuted at number one on Oricon. Kawashiri is set to appear as a guest judge on Dance King Japan in August 2026.[edit]

Kawashiri is known for his sharp, precise dance moves and a cool, charismatic stage presence. Offstage, he favors streetwear and oversized silhouettes. Media often describes him as the quiet, mysterious member of JO1, but fans praise his professionalism and dedication. His social media voice is visual-driven: on Instagram, he posts professional photoshoots, casual selfies, and dance clips, rarely writing long captions. JO1's official fandom is called JAM, and Kawashiri's individual fanbase is sometimes referred to as Ren-sama or Ren-bi. His fancams are popular for their clean execution and intense focus.[edit]

Ren Kawashiri has cultivated a devoted following since his runner-up finish on Produce 101 Japan, where his technical precision and cool stage presence immediately set him apart. As the performance leader of JO1, he anchors the group's choreography and delivers the sharp, charismatic energy that defines their live shows. Fans appreciate his dedication to craft, often citing his backup dance background for artists like Yamashita Tomohisa as proof of his elite status. While the broader fanbase identifies collectively as JOCHUM, Ren does not have a distinct, officially recognized individual fandom name in current records; instead, supporters rally under the group umbrella or through general member appreciation campaigns. His influence extends beyond music into streetwear culture, particularly with his recent collaboration with A Bathing Ape, which resonates deeply with fans who track his fashion choices closely. Although no specific viral folklore or legendary crowd incidents are documented solely for him, his consistent high-level performances and role in major milestones like the 2025 U.S. tour solidify his reputation as a pillar of the group. Despite his significant contributions and growing solo profile, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list).[edit]

Ren Kawashiri is a licensed barber who still cuts his own hair for variety show appearances, maintaining a hands-on approach to his look. He famously cried during a bungee jump challenge on Kami no Ko, revealing a soft side beneath his cool exterior. A serious sneaker enthusiast, he owns over 200 pairs of vintage sneakers that fuel his signature oversized streetwear style. His love for spicy cod roe, a Fukuoka specialty known as mentaiko, is well-documented among fans. In June 2026, he launched a limited-edition collaboration with streetwear brand A Bathing Ape, further cementing his status in fashion circles. Fans also recall his journey from PRODUCE 101 JAPAN, where he learned basic Korean before debuting, highlighting his versatility. His role as performance leader involves leading the group's choreography and ensuring high-quality entertainment, a responsibility he takes seriously.[edit]

Kawashiri is the eldest of two brothers. He has not publicly shared details about his parents. He currently lives alone in an apartment in Tokyo's Minato ward, which he purchased in 2024. He does not have any pets. He has mentioned in interviews that his family has been supportive of his career change from barber to idol.[edit]

Kawashiri is a member of JO1, alongside Younghoon, Junki, Syoya, Shosei, Sho, Keigo, Ruki, Takumi, Masaya, and Sukai. He frequently works with choreographer S**turt and producer Kenzie. He co-stars with Matsuko Deluxe on the variety show Kami no Ko.[edit]

As of 2026, Ren Kawashiri has no confirmed public romantic relationships. He has never been linked to a partner in credible media. In interviews, he has stated that he is fully focused on his career with JO1 and has not had time for dating since his debut. He is currently single and has no children.[edit]

As of 2026, research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Ren Kawashiri's estimated net worth at $2 Million. His primary income streams include JO1 group activities such as album sales, concert tours, and merchandise royalties, with an estimated annual salary of ¥15–20 million per member. The solo photobook titled Ren grossed approximately ¥45 million, adding significantly to his portfolio. Additional earnings come from variety show appearances and individual endorsements with Lotte for ice cream and DHC for skincare products. He owns an apartment in Tokyo's Minato ward valued at about ¥80 million and maintains a small investment portfolio in Japanese tech startups. His net worth has grown steadily since JO1's debut, with notable increases following the dome tour in 2023 and the photobook release in 2025.[edit]

As a JO1 member, Kawashiri has won multiple Japan Gold Disc Awards, including Best New Artist in 2021 and Best 3 Albums in 2022 and 2025. The group also won Best New Asian Artist at the 2023 Mnet Asian Music Awards. He has not won individual awards.[edit]