Syoya Kimata

Syoya Kimata is a Japanese singer, dancer, actor, and model. He is best known as a member of the global boy group JO1, formed through the reality survival show PRODUCE 101 JAPAN in 2020. With JO1, Kimata has released multiple chart-topping singles and albums, all debuting at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart. The group has won several major awards, including the Japan Gold Disc Award for Best 5 New Artists and the MAMA Award for Favorite Asian Artist. Kimata is also an exclusive model for the fashion magazine non-no and has ventured into acting with roles in dramas and films. He is recognized for his sharp, bishonen visuals and calm stage presence, which have earned him a dedicated fanbase within the JAM fandom. As of 2026, Kimata continues to tour with JO1 and expand his solo activities.[edit]

Kimata grew up in Aichi Prefecture and attended local high schools. Before entering the entertainment industry, he worked part-time at a live music venue called HOLIDAY NEXT NAGOYA, handling stage setup and production. This behind-the-scenes experience sparked his interest in performing. A fan of the K-pop group EXO, he was inspired to become an idol. In 2019, he auditioned for the survival show PRODUCE 101 JAPAN, where he finished in 12th place, narrowly missing the debut group. However, his participation caught the attention of producers, and he was later selected as a member of JO1.[edit]

Kimata debuted as a member of JO1 on March 4, 2020, with the single Protostar. The group quickly rose to fame, with all subsequent singles achieving number one on the Oricon chart. In 2021, JO1 earned a Guinness World Record for the most viewed music video for an original song in 24 hours for Tiger. Kimata made his acting debut in the 2021 drama Short Program. In 2023, he starred in his first feature film, Winding Path, which premiered at film festivals. He appeared in the 2024 drama Ishiko to Haneo: Sonna Koto de Uttaemasu?. As of 2025, JO1 released their 12th single WHERE DO WE GO and the album NEVADA, followed by the NEVADA Arena Tour. Kimata also became an exclusive model for non-no magazine in 2022, solidifying his presence in fashion.[edit]

Kimata is known for a bishonen visual with sharp features and a slim build, often described as cool-cute. His style mixes streetwear with delicate, feminine accents. In group content, he is the quiet, observant member who occasionally surprises with witty remarks. His Instagram posts are curated, often in black-and-white or moody color palettes, with short, poetic captions. The media portrays him as serious and hardworking, emphasizing his role as the visual member of JO1. Fans appreciate his calm demeanor and the contrast between his appearance and personality.[edit]

Syoya Kimata commands a distinct presence within the global J-pop landscape, anchored by his role as a visual and performance pillar of JO1. While the collective fanbase is formally recognized as JOCHUM, research confirms no specific sub-fandom name or unique ritual set exists exclusively for Kimata himself; his audience engages with him through the broader group's activities rather than through isolated campaigns or birthday projects attributed solely to his individual brand. The media frequently highlights the contrast between his sharp, bishonen aesthetic and his deep, resonant voice, a dynamic that defines his public persona more than any specific viral incident or legendary stage moment. Although he has participated in high-profile ventures such as the anime Fanfare of Adolescence and the drama Shō mo Nai Bokura no Renai-ron Show, these credits are treated as professional milestones rather than folklore. In October 2025, while the group navigated internal shifts following the departure of Shosei Ohira, Kimata maintained a steady trajectory without personal controversy. iFANN notes that despite the group's extensive touring, including a historic first United States tour in 2025, specific data regarding Kimata's individual fame metrics remains uncollected. Consequently, Syoya Kimata does not currently hold a ranking position on the global fame index.[edit]

Syoya Kimata is a self-proclaimed otaku with a keen interest in Japanese idol groups and anime, a fact that often surfaces in his candid interactions. He possesses a distinctive habit of biting his lower lip when concentrating, a mannerism that has become a recognizable trait among observers. His deep, resonant speaking voice creates a striking contrast with his delicate, feminine visual concept, a gap that fans have long appreciated. Uniquely among his peers in JO1, Kimata previously worked as a part-time venue staff member before ascending to idol status. Individual supporters sometimes refer to themselves informally as Syoyanists. He maintains a particularly close bond with fellow members Ruki Shiroiwa and Sho Yonashiro. While his career includes notable acting roles such as Shinji Kudo in the anime Fanfare of Adolescence and Yū Ogura in the live-action drama Shō mo Nai Bokura no Renai-ron Show, no specific viral legends or crowd-disrupting anecdotes have emerged from his individual history. The most significant documented event remains his eighth-place finish on Produce 101 Japan, which secured his debut in March 2020. This origin story serves as the primary narrative anchor for his career, distinguishing his path without the addition of mythical elements or extraordinary public incidents.[edit]

Kimata has not publicly disclosed details about his parents or siblings. He is known to be close with his family. He has a dog named Miku.[edit]

Kimata is a member of JO1 alongside Junki Kono, Ren Kawashiri, Takumi Kawanishi, Shion Tsurubo, Keigo Sato, Ruki Shiroiwa, Sukai Kinjo, Sho Yonashiro, and Shosei Ohira. He is particularly close with Ruki Shiroiwa and Sho Yonashiro. He was mentored by trainers on PRODUCE 101 JAPAN, including A-NON and Kenji Urai.[edit]

As of 2026, Syoya Kimata has no confirmed public dating history. He has never been linked to anyone romantically, and he keeps his private life strictly separate from his public persona. He is currently single.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Syoya Kimata's net worth stands at $2 Million as of 2026. This financial standing is primarily derived from his extensive activities with the boy group JO1, encompassing album sales, sold-out arena and dome concert tours, merchandise revenue, and appearance fees. Additional earnings stem from his exclusive modeling contract with non-no magazine. The group's endorsement partnerships with major brands such as Coca-Cola Japan, ABC-Mart, and SoftBank further contribute to his income stream. Compensation from his acting roles in various dramas and films also adds to his accumulated wealth. Since his debut in 2020, Kimata's net worth has shown consistent growth, supported by JO1's sustained chart dominance and his expanding solo opportunities.[edit]

Kimata has won several awards with JO1, including the Japan Gold Disc Award for Best 5 New Artists (2021), MTV Video Music Awards Japan for Best Dance Video (2022) and Best Group Video (2023), MAMA Award for Favorite Asian Artist (2023), and Asia Artist Award for AAA Best Artist (2023).[edit]