Shotaro

Shotaro is a Japanese singer and dancer based in South Korea. He is a member of the K-pop group RIIZE, known for his main dancer role and charismatic stage presence. Since debuting and transitioning to RIIZE, Shotaro has established himself as a captivating performer within the K-pop industry. Fans connect with his distinctive dance skills and energetic performances, which consistently make him a standout artist. He continues to showcase his versatility and impact on the global music scene.[edit]

Osaki Shotaro, born on November 25, 2000, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, was raised in his hometown, where he developed an early and profound connection to dance. From a very young age, Shotaro found himself captivated by movement, often mimicking the intricate choreographies he watched on television. This innate passion evolved into a dedicated pursuit during his teenage years, leading him to begin formal dance training. He immersed himself particularly in hip-hop and street dance styles, honing his natural rhythm and developing a sophisticated command of movement. Alongside his burgeoning dance skills, Shotaro also cultivated a keen interest in K-pop, finding inspiration in prominent groups such as EXO and NCT. It was this dual passion for dance and K-pop that solidified his ambition to pursue a career within the vibrant and competitive industry.

As he continued to refine his craft, Shotaro began to share his talent more broadly. He gained a significant following on TikTok by regularly posting captivating dance covers, which served as a dynamic showcase of his exceptional skill and innate musicality. These videos, demonstrating his natural rhythm and polished technique, quickly caught the discerning eye of scouts from SM Entertainment, one of South Korea's leading entertainment agencies. Recognizing his immense potential, SM Entertainment extended an invitation for Shotaro to audition. His successful audition marked a pivotal moment, leading to his recruitment as a trainee within the esteemed company.

Shotaro's journey as a trainee was remarkably swift. Unlike many who undergo extensive periods of development, his training duration was relatively brief. This rapid progression was a clear testament to his exceptional dance ability and undeniable potential, allowing him to debut in NCT just months after being introduced to the public . He participated in the group's large-scale album, *Resonance*, marking his official entry into the K-pop scene. This rapid rise underscored his readiness and talent, establishing him as a promising new idol.[edit]

Shotaro's career took off when he was introduced as a new member of NCT in September 2020. He debuted through the NCT 2020 project, performing on tracks like "Make A Wish" and participating in the group's million-selling album Resonance. His dance skills were immediately recognized, and he became a standout performer in NCT's performance units.

In 2023, Shotaro left NCT to debut in RIIZE, SM Entertainment's new boy group. RIIZE debuted in September 2023 with the single "Get A Guitar," which was well-received by fans and critics. The group quickly gained a strong following, and Shotaro's role as main dancer was highlighted in their performances. RIIZE has since released additional music and built a reputation as one of the promising rookie groups of the 4th generation. [edit]

Shotaro is widely regarded as one of the strongest dancers of the 4th-generation K-pop scene, known for his sharp, precise movements and charismatic stage presence. Media often highlights his 'duality'—a gentle, polite, and shy personality off-stage contrasting with a powerful, commanding presence on-stage. His signature style blends youthful streetwear with high-fashion pieces, often accessorized with simple jewelry. RIIZE's official fandom name is BRIIZE, who celebrate his dance covers and practice videos with compilation edits and birthday projects. On social media, his voice (via group accounts) is cheerful, thankful, and interactive, frequently expressing gratitude to fans. Fans perceive him as humble and hardworking, with a baby-faced visual that adds to his appeal.[edit]

Shotaro currently holds no documented placement in the iFANN global fame rankings, as the organization has not yet collected sufficient data to assign a specific ordinal position for this individual. While the group RIIZE enjoys rapid digital traction, Shotaro's personal ranking remains uncalculated pending further evaluation by the iFANN Editorial Team. The fandom surrounding his work is formally known as RIIZING, a designation that functions as both the community title and the official name for fan club activities. This collective distinguishes itself through high organizational capacity and swift mobilization capabilities, traits inherited from SM Entertainment but amplified by the group's record-breaking debut trajectory. Fans frequently engage with Shotaro's unique cultural background, often highlighting his role as a Japanese member who brings distinct perspective to the ensemble. Specific instances of engagement include polls where fans voted him as their preferred foreign language teacher, reflecting an appreciation for his approachable nature. The interaction between Shotaro and the RIIZING community is characterized by warmth and relatability, with supporters noting his skilled dancing and candid moments on variety shows. Despite the lack of a formal personal fandom name separate from the group, the infrastructure supports significant initiatives, and the audience remains deeply invested in his professional journey and personal lore.[edit]

Shotaro stands among the few Japanese idols to debut under SM Entertainment within a major group configuration. His personality is defined by a soft-spoken and polite demeanor off-stage, which contrasts sharply with his powerful presence during performances. He shares a close friendship with fellow RIIZE member Sungchan, another former NCT trainee who transitioned alongside him. In his leisure time, he enjoys sushi and playing video games, and he has cited EXO's Kai as his primary dance role model. A central legend in his career involves his departure from NCT U in August 2023 to join the newly formed group RIIZE, a move that marked a significant narrative shift in the K-pop landscape. Fans often retell the story of this rebirth, symbolizing resilience as he and Sungchan left a long-running unit to become the core of a fresh start. Another notable chapter in his lore occurred when political friction forced him to miss concerts due to geopolitical tensions. Further adding to his personal history is a medical incident involving torn ankle ligaments; despite the injury, he continued participating in festivals while avoiding choreography. These events blend professional triumph with personal vulnerability, forming the core of his iconic narrative.[edit]

Details about Shotaro's family are not publicly disclosed. He has not shared information about his parents or siblings in interviews or on social media. He maintains a private personal life, focusing on his career and group activities. [edit]

Shotaro is closely associated with his RIIZE bandmates, especially Sungchan, with whom he moved from NCT to RIIZE. He has also worked with various NCT members like Taeyong and Mark during his time in NCT. As an SM Entertainment artist, he has performed alongside other SM acts like aespa and Red Velvet at company events. [edit]

Shotaro has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. As a K-pop idol, his agency typically keeps his personal life private. There have been no credible reports of dating, and he has stated in interviews that he is focused on his career. As of 2026, he is reported to be single. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Shotaro's net worth is estimated at $1 Million as of 2026. This figure reflects his earnings accumulated during his tenure with NCT and RIIZE, encompassing album sales, concert tours, and brand endorsements. As a member of RIIZE, he participates in the group's profit sharing from music releases, merchandise, and public appearances. His personal income receives additional support from individual activities such as photoshoots and variety show appearances. While his net worth remains modest compared to more established stars due to his relatively recent entry into the industry, it is projected to grow as RIIZE continues to expand its popularity.[edit]