Tomoya Nagase
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Tomoya Nagase (長瀬 智也 Nagase Tomoya?) is a Japanese singer and actor born on November 7, 1978. He is the youngest member of TOKIO, a Johnny Entertainment musical group. He is the primary vocalist, in addition to playing the guitar alongside TOKIO's leader, Joshima Shigeru. Nagase is known as Nagase, Tomoya, Naga-kun, Tomo-kun, Baby or Tomobaby. He recently broke up with his long-time girlfriend, Ayumi Hamasaki, one of Japan's most popular pop singers.
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[edit] Childhood
Nagase was born in Aoba-ku, Yokohama. His father was a professional motorbike-rider. Nagase was sent to nursery at the age of 6 months because no one could look after him. His parents later divorced.
[edit] Career
[edit] As a member of TOKIO
He was inspired by bands Hikaru Genji and SMAP to answer a recruiting call of Johnny Entertainment and was accepted.
In 1992, he played several stage plays (PLAYZONE and MASK) together with other TOKIO members. He first played tambourine during TOKIO's early performances as SMAP's background dancers.
On September 21, 1994 TOKIO officially debuted as a band and released their first single ever titled LOVE YOU ONLY that was sold for over half of million at that moment.
[edit] As an actor
Nagase had parts in 42 dramas. His first lead role was in Hakusen Nagashi (1996). More lead roles followed including Ikebukuro West Gate Park, Mukodono!, and Tiger & Dragon. Mukodono! was his first comedic role. In My Boss My Hero he had another comedic roll. He received a special award "Ishihara Yuijiro Award" in 2002 as "The Best Newcomer" for his role in a movie, Seoul.
Nagase is also brand ambassador for several products, among them Fujicolor and TOPPO.
