SHOTARO

Biography

Shotaro (大﨑 将太郎) is a Japanese rapper, singer, and dancer based in South Korea. He first gained public recognition in 2020 as a member of the South Korean boy band NCT, under SM Entertainment. After departing from NCT in 2023, he later re-debuted as a member of the boy group Riize, also managed by SM Entertainment.

Early Life and Education

Shotaro was born Osaki Shotaro on November 25, 2000, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, and was raised in the city of Zama. He began dancing at the age of five, inspired by his mother, who was also a dancer. During his childhood and adolescence, Shotaro trained in dance and performance, attending the EXPG Studio in Tokyo, where he developed foundational skills in dance and stage presence.

While still pursuing dance and performance opportunities in Japan, he appeared as a backup dancer for established artists and participated in commercial work.

Shotaro decided to pursue a career in music and performance professionally, leading him to audition for SM Entertainment. In 2019, he was scouted and invited to train with the company, moving to South Korea to begin his formal trainee period.

Career

2020–2023: Debut in NCT and Activities

Shotaro first came into the spotlight when he was announced as a new member of NCT in September 2020, alongside fellow trainee Sungchan, in conjunction with the release of NCT 2020: Resonance Pt. 1. He participated in NCT’s activities and contributed to group performances and promotions as part of NCT’s rotational structure.

During his time with NCT, Shotaro expanded his exposure through variety content and participation in group projects. Although he was included in NCT’s broader activities, he was not assigned to a permanent sub-unit during this period.

On May 24, 2023, SM Entertainment announced that Shotaro, along with Sungchan, would be departing from NCT to begin a new chapter in a forthcoming SM Entertainment group.

2023–Present: Riize

In mid-2023, Shotaro was officially announced as a member of Riize, a new boy group under SM Entertainment.

Riize debuted on September 4, 2023, with the single album Get a Guitar, marking Shotaro’s second major debut in the K-pop industry.

Within Riize, Shotaro serves as a rapper, singer, and dancer, known for his sharp performance skills, stage charisma, and proficiency in both rap and choreography. Riize quickly attracted attention domestically and internationally as one of SM Entertainment’s key new groups. 

Discography