Shō Hirano

Shō Hirano is a Japanese singer and actor who is currently a member of the boy band Number i. He is known for his sharp dance moves and versatile acting, having starred in hit dramas like An Incurable Case of Love and the Kaguya-sama: Love Is War films. As of 2026, he leads Number i, which has amassed millions of fans across Japan and Asia. His Instagram following exceeds 4.5 million, reflecting his enduring popularity as both a performer and a style icon.[edit]

Shō Hirano was born on January 29, 1997, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Raised in Nagoya as the eldest of three siblings, his childhood was characterized by a blend of athletic endeavor and a budding interest in the performing arts. During his junior high school years, Hirano was a keen sportsman, actively participating in competitive baseball and swimming. It was also around this time, at the age of twelve, that he began to cultivate his artistic talents by taking dance lessons, a pursuit that would soon become central to his future career.

A significant turning point in Hirano's life occurred in 2010. Without his knowledge, his mother secretly submitted an application for him to Johnny & Associates, Japan's prominent talent agency. Despite the unexpected nature of the submission, the then thirteen-year-old Hirano successfully navigated the rigorous audition process, officially joining the agency as a trainee. This marked the beginning of an intensive period of development, where he trained diligently alongside other aspiring performers. His natural aptitude and hard work quickly set him apart, leading to his selection in 2012 for the junior unit Mr. King. As a member of this group, Hirano gained invaluable early experience, performing on stage and refining his skills while supporting more established acts. This period was crucial for him to develop his stage presence and versatility. His talents soon extended beyond music and dance; in 2015, he made his acting debut in the television drama Kurofuku Monogatari, a role that provided him with early exposure and showcased his potential in a different medium. He continued to immerse himself in the life of a Johnny's Jr., diligently honing every aspect of his craft, from vocal performance and intricate choreography to dramatic interpretation, as he prepared for his eventual professional launch. This dedicated journey culminated in his highly anticipated official debut in 2018, when he emerged as a member of the boy band King & Prince with the release of their chart-topping single "Cinderella Girl."[edit]

Hirano debuted as a member of King & Prince on May 23, 2018, with the single "Cinderella Girl," which sold over 570,000 copies in its first week and topped Oricon's charts. In 2020, he starred as Dr. Tendo Kairi in the romance drama Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo (An Incurable Case of Love), a breakout role that won him multiple acting awards. He then led the film adaptations of Kaguya-sama: Love Is War in 2021 and 2022, both box office successes. On May 22, 2023, he left King & Prince and Johnny & Associates to pursue greater creative freedom. That October, he co-founded the group Number i with Yuta Kishi and Genki Iwahashi under the agency Tobe. The group released its debut album in 2024 and embarked on a nationwide tour. As of 2026, Hirano is preparing for his first solo drama role since the split, a lead part in an upcoming TBS series.[edit]

Hirano's public persona balances a cool, charismatic stage presence with a clumsy, sincere off-stage personality, a contrast fans call "gap moe." His fashion blends streetwear with luxury brands, and he frequently appears on magazine covers like an·an and ViVi. Media outlets praise his natural dance ability and vocal range, while fans admire his humility and hard work. The Number i fandom is called "Number_i_low" (ナンバーアイロー); as a former King & Prince member, his earlier fans were part of "Tiara." On Instagram, he posts professional photos and casual selfies with short, friendly captions, rarely sharing personal details. This selective openness keeps fans engaged while maintaining a boundary around his private life.[edit]

Shō Hirano commands a dedicated following that transcends the traditional boundaries of Japanese idol fandom, anchored by the collective identity of Number_i known as GOD_i. This organization is characterized by its high degree of coordination and commercial influence, demonstrated by their immediate chart-topping success with the single GOAT and the group's subsequent signing with Atlantic Records for global expansion. Fans actively engage through specific hashtags like #Number_i_LYs and maintain a vibrant online presence that supports the group's transition from a domestic phenomenon to an international act. While individual fanbases exist in regions like Thailand, the primary organized force remains the unified GOD_i community, which has successfully propelled Hirano into luxury brand ambassadorships and major global tours. Despite his prominence in the industry, 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). Consequently, no numerical rank or score can be assigned to Shō Hirano at this time.[edit]

Fans often refer to him as "Sho-chan" or "Hirano-kun," though media outlets have occasionally bestowed the title "The Prince of J-Pop" upon him for his regal stage demeanor. A hidden talent lies in his martial arts background; he holds a black belt in judo, a discipline he practiced since elementary school. His quirks include being an avid gamer who streams sessions of Apex Legends, while his culinary preferences lean heavily toward sushi and away from natto. A running gag among viewers is his tendency to accidentally drop items during variety shows, a mishap fans affectionately dub "Sho's magic trick." He also designed merchandise for Number_i, revealing a creative eye beyond performance. Beyond these facts, legends surround his dramatic split from King & Prince, a narrative fans retell as a rebirth rather than a departure. Another story highlights his transformation into a rugged "Cowboy for the Modern Age," a persona shift cemented by a Vogue feature. Finally, lore persists regarding his extravagant lifestyle, particularly a collection of high-end timepieces ranging from Rolex to Harry Winston that fascinates his audience.[edit]

Hirano is the eldest of three children, with a younger sister and a younger brother. He was raised in Nagoya by his parents, who supported his entertainment aspirations. His mother famously submitted his Johnny's audition application without telling him. As of 2026, he lives in Tokyo and keeps his family life private. He has not publicly mentioned any pets. He has stated in interviews that he values family traditions and often returns to Nagoya during holidays.[edit]

Hirano frequently collaborates with Yuta Kishi and Genki Iwahashi, his former King & Prince bandmates and current Number i co-members. He starred opposite Mone Kamishiraishi in the drama An Incurable Case of Love and worked with Kanna Hashimoto on the Kaguya-sama films.[edit]

Hirano has no confirmed public romantic relationships as of 2026. He has never been linked to a partner in a substantiated dating, engagement, or marriage capacity. The media has occasionally speculated about co-stars, but no credible sources have confirmed any pairings. He is known for keeping his personal life extremely private, rarely discussing relationships in interviews. As of 2026, he is considered single.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Shō Hirano's estimated net worth in 2026 stands at $4 Million. This figure accumulates through diverse revenue streams including music sales, acting roles, endorsements, and business ventures. During his tenure as a former member of King & Prince, he earned significant income from album and single sales, concert tours, and merchandise, with the group's debut single selling over 570,000 copies in its first week alone. His lead performances in dramas such as An Incurable Case of Love and the Kaguya-sama: Love Is War films commanded substantial fees. Commercial partnerships with major brands including Kose Cosmetics, ANA, and SoftBank further bolstered his financial standing. Since co-founding Number_i under Tobe, he holds a stake in the group's commercial activities, encompassing album sales, tours, and merchandise. His net worth has grown steadily since his debut, with a notable increase observed after his solo career launch.[edit]

Hirano has won multiple acting and popularity awards. He received the Breakthrough Actor award from Oricon in 2018, and as a member of King & Prince, he won New Artist of the Year at the Japan Gold Disc Awards in 2019. His performance in An Incurable Case of Love earned him Best Actor at the TV Guide Drama Awards and Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021. He also won Newcomer of the Year at the Elan d'or Awards in 2021.[edit]