Wataru Yokoo

Wataru Yokoo is a Japanese singer, actor, and haiku poet best known as a core member of the popular boy band Kis-My-Ft2. Born on May 16, 1986, in Kanagawa Prefecture, he has established a unique dual identity within the J-pop industry as both a high-energy stage performer and a refined culinary artist. His official nickname is "Watter," but fans affectionately call him "Shi-sho" or master due to his exceptional cooking skills that have become a defining trait of his public persona.

As of 2026, Yokoo remains an active force in Japanese entertainment, balancing group duties with solo ventures in acting, variety shows, and his own cooking program. He holds the distinctive position of representing the "Y" in the group's name and continues to cultivate a loyal following through his versatile talents and humble demeanor. [edit]

Yokoo was born into a family in Kanagawa Prefecture where his early years were shaped by a deep fascination with food and poetry. Unlike many idols who enter rigorous dance academies immediately, his path began through the Johnny & Associates training system, which he joined in the early 2000s. Before achieving mainstream fame, he spent years refining his craft as part of the initial "Kis-My-Ft" lineup, a precursor group that eventually evolved into the final six-member configuration of Kis-My-Ft2.

During these formative years, Yokoo distinguished himself not just for his potential as a dancer or vocalist, but for his surprising aptitude in domestic arts. While other trainees focused solely on performance, he gained attention within the agency for his cooking abilities, often preparing meals for staff and fellow members during long practice sessions. This early development of his culinary skills laid the groundwork for the "master chef" image that would later become central to his career. He attended local schools in the Kanagawa area while undergoing vocational training in performance and domestic arts, a combination that set him apart from his peers before his official debut in 2011. [edit]

Wataru Yokoo's professional career launched officially when Kis-My-Ft2 debuted on August 10, 2011, with the single Everybody Go. The group quickly rose to dominate the Oricon charts, selling millions of albums and becoming one of Japan's most commercially successful acts. Within this framework, Yokoo carved out a niche as a versatile performer, participating in acting roles, variety show appearances, and solo musical projects that showcased his range beyond idol singing.

A pivotal moment occurred in 2012 when he formed the sub-unit Busaiku alongside Ryosuke Hashimoto and Takashi Kitahara. Focusing on traditional Japanese festival music and dance, Busaiku allowed Yokoo to display his energetic stage presence and leadership qualities. He served as a leader for the group, further cementing his status as a reliable figure within Starto Entertainment. His acting career also flourished with notable roles in the drama Furîta, ie wo kau (2010) and the comedy series Heisei Busaiku Salaryman (2014). In 2023, he starred in the film Kis-My-Ft2: Heartbreaker, highlighting his comedic timing and ability to portray relatable characters.

In recent years, Yokoo has expanded his brand through his passion for cuisine. He frequently hosts cooking segments on variety shows and launched his own YouTube program titled What The Tel! '86 in late 2024. The show features him preparing everything from traditional Japanese meals to international dishes, showcasing his culinary range to a direct audience. This solo venture has allowed him to connect with fans outside the group's activities while maintaining his reputation as the "man of the kitchen" in the idol world. [edit]

Wataru Yokoo presents a unique public image that blends the high-energy charisma of a J-pop idol with the grounded, nurturing persona of a home cook. Media outlets often describe him as the "culinary expert" of Kis-My-Ft2, a title that has endeared him to audiences looking for a more wholesome and relatable idol. His style on variety shows is characterized by humility and a gentle sense of humor, contrasting with the flashy performances of his groupmates. On social media, particularly Instagram and his dedicated YouTube channel, he projects a calm, instructional tone that emphasizes the joy of feeding others and bringing people together through food. [edit]

As of the October 2026 rankings, iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Wataru Yokoo individually. While he is a well-known figure within the J-pop community, he does not currently hold a published placement in the Global Fame Rankings or appear on the September 2026 September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. His fame is deeply rooted in the massive success of Kis-My-Ft2 rather than individual global metrics.

The fanbase surrounding Yokoo is enthusiastic and engaged, though there is no formal, officially recognized fandom name distinct from the general group supporters. Fans often refer to themselves as supporters of "Watter" or simply as followers of his cooking content. A significant portion of fan culture revolves around his culinary expertise, with fans actively creating and sharing their own versions of his recipes found on his YouTube channel. Notable fan campaigns include birthday billboards featuring his image and charity drives organized in his name, demonstrating a strong emotional connection to his work and personality. [edit]

Yokoo's nickname "Shi-sho" translates to "master" and stems directly from his legendary cooking skills within the agency. Fans often retell stories of him preparing elaborate full-course meals for production crews during variety show recordings, impressing even seasoned chefs. Another quirky fact is his role as a haiku poet; he frequently shares short poems on social media that reflect his observations on daily life and food. His member color in Kis-My-Ft2 is orange, symbolizing energy and warmth. Additionally, he is known for his meticulous approach to recipes, often testing them multiple times before sharing them with fans on his YouTube channel. [edit]

Yokoo was born into a family in Kanagawa Prefecture, though details about his parents and siblings remain private. He maintains a low profile regarding his personal household, keeping his family life away from the spotlight. As of 2026, he lives a quiet life with his unidentified spouse, having announced their marriage in January 2023. The couple keeps their relationship private, consistent with the strict privacy policies often maintained by Johnny & Associates (now Starto Entertainment) regarding the marriages of its idols. There are no publicly confirmed reports of children from this union. [edit]

Ryosuke Hashimoto, Takashi Kitahara, Johnny Kitagawa, Kis-My-Ft2, Busaiku[edit]

Wataru Yokoo kept his personal life largely private throughout the majority of his career until a significant announcement in January 2023. On January 26, 2023, he publicly declared via his official website and social media channels that he had married. The statement expressed deep gratitude to fans and supporters without revealing the identity of his spouse, adhering to the strict privacy norms often observed by Johnny & Associates regarding the marriages of its idols. There are no credible reports of previous romantic relationships, engagements, or divorces prior to this event. As of 2026, Wataru Yokoo is confirmed to be married to an unidentified partner, and the couple continues to maintain a low profile regarding their family life. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Wataru Yokoo's net worth at approximately $5 million. This figure reflects his earnings as a senior member of one of Japan's top-selling boy bands, derived from album sales, concert tours, and lucrative endorsement deals with major Japanese brands. His income stream has diversified significantly in recent years through his solo ventures, including revenue from his YouTube channel What The Tel! '86 and merchandise sales related to his cooking brand. While specific contract details are managed privately by Starto Entertainment, his financial trajectory has remained steady and robust, supported by his enduring popularity and versatility across music, acting, and culinary content. [edit]