Shotaro Osaki

Shotaro Osaki is a Japanese rapper and dancer based in South Korea, best known as a member of the SM Entertainment boy group Riize. Born on November 25, 2000, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, he first entered the K-pop scene in 2020 when he was introduced as a new member of NCT. After three years with the rotational group, he redebuted with Riize in September 2023. Shotaro is recognized for his sharp hip-hop dance skills and bright stage presence, which have made him a standout performer in the group. As of 2026, he continues to promote actively with Riize, focusing on group music, tours, and fan engagements. His personal Instagram account has amassed over 2.5 million followers, where he shares behind-the-scenes moments and connects with fans.[edit]

Shotaro grew up in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, in a household he has kept largely private. He started dancing as a child, training in hip-hop and street dance styles, and later attended a performing arts high school where he refined his technique. His passion for dance led him to participate in local competitions, where his freestyle abilities caught attention.

In 2019, SM Entertainment held auditions in Japan, and Shotaro successfully passed, moving to South Korea to become a trainee. His dance skills quickly set him apart in the company's rigorous training system. On September 20, 2020, SM announced that Shotaro would join NCT as a new member alongside Sungchan, marking his first public exposure. This announcement was the culmination of his training and the moment just before his professional debut.[edit]

Shotaro made his official debut in October 2020 with NCT U on the album NCT 2020: Resonance Pt. 1, performing on the track "Make a Wish (Birthday Song)." He continued with NCT through 2021 and 2022, participating in group albums like Universe and building a reputation as a skilled dancer.

In May 2023, SM announced that Shotaro and Sungchan would leave NCT to form a new group. On July 13, 2023, Riize was introduced, and the group debuted on September 4, 2023, with the single album Get a Guitar. Shotaro took on the role of main dancer and sub-rapper. Riize's first mini-album Riizing dropped in June 2024, featuring the hit "Boom Boom Bass," and the group won multiple rookie awards. Through 2025 and into 2026, Shotaro has focused entirely on Riize's activities, including tours, brand endorsements, and variety appearances, without any solo projects.[edit]

Shotaro is known for a youthful, energetic image that blends streetwear with polished K-pop styling. His dance-focused performances emphasize sharp, precise movements and charismatic facial expressions. Media outlets often describe him as the "dance machine" of Riize. His personal Instagram content is casual and behind-the-scenes, showing daily life and practice sessions. Riize's fandom is called BRIIZE, and fans engage in streaming goals, voting, and birthday projects. Shotaro's social media voice is friendly and upbeat, with short captions in Korean or Japanese sprinkled with emojis.[edit]

Shotaro Osaki stands as a prominent figure in the global K-pop landscape, yet his specific standing within the broader celebrity hierarchy remains unranked by the iFANN Global Fame Engine. As of August 2026, he does not hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list, reflecting a status where his fame is concentrated heavily within the dedicated fanbase rather than general public recognition. This absence from the rankings highlights the niche nature of his current stardom compared to global superstars who dominate search metrics and media consumption worldwide.

The audience surrounding Shotaro operates primarily through the collective energy of Riize's fandom, BRIIZE. While the group has cultivated a massive following since their 2023 debut, there is no formally documented name for a fandom specific solely to Shotaro himself. Fans engage with him through the group's established channels, participating in streaming goals and voting initiatives that support all seven members equally. Unlike veteran idols with decades of lore, Shotaro's fan interactions remain rooted in his immediate contributions to Riize's music and performances. The lack of individualized campaigns or named projects suggests that his personal brand is still maturing alongside the group's trajectory, with fans choosing to celebrate his sharp dance skills and bright stage presence as integral parts of the whole rather than isolating them into separate legendary narratives.[edit]

Shotaro Osaki made history as the first Japanese member to join NCT, signaling SM Entertainment's strategic push toward global expansion before transitioning to Riize in September 2023. He mastered the Korean language during his rigorous trainee period and now performs with full fluency. His stage name is simply his given name, omitting any surname, a choice that underscores his identity as a solo artist within the group dynamic. He shares a deep bond with Sungchan, having joined NCT together and later redebuted together in Riize, maintaining a close friendship throughout their careers. Before signing with SM, Shotaro won multiple dance competitions in Japan for his freestyle moves, showcasing talent that would later define his reputation as a "dance machine." Known for his signature smile and energetic personality, he often becomes the focal point of fan attention during live performances.[edit]

Shotaro has kept his family life private. He has not publicly named his parents or siblings, though he has mentioned his family in passing during interviews. He was raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, in a typical Japanese household. As of 2026, he lives in South Korea with his Riize groupmates, and no pets or additional family details have been shared.[edit]

Shotaro is closely associated with Sungchan, as they joined NCT together in 2020 and later redebuted together in Riize. He is managed by SM Entertainment, which he joined as a trainee in 2019. His Riize groupmates include Wonbin, Seunghan, Sohee, Eunseok, Sungchan, and Anton.[edit]

Shotaro Osaki has no confirmed public romantic relationships as of 2026. He has maintained a private personal life and has not been linked to any partners through credible sources. No dating rumors, engagements, or marriages have been reported. As of 2026, he is single and has not publicly addressed his dating life.[edit]

iFANN currently estimates Shotaro Osaki's net worth at around $2 million as of 2026. This figure reflects his earnings from NCT activities between 2020 and 2023, combined with his current work generating revenue with Riize. His primary income streams include a share of group music sales, streaming revenue, concert tours, and merchandise sales. Riize has secured brand endorsements in both South Korea and Japan, though individual payout details for the members remain private. Shotaro has no known business ventures or real estate holdings outside of his entertainment career.[edit]