NAOTO

Biography

Kataoka Naoto, widely recognized by his stage names NAOTO and EXILE NAOTO, is a multifaceted performer and actor from Japan. He is a prominent member of the renowned group EXILE and serves as a key figure in Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS, where he holds the position of leader for the hip-hop collective HONEST BOYZ®. Naoto was initially part of the second generation of J Soul Brothers, known as Nidaime J Soul Brothers, before the group transitioned into EXILE in 2009.

In 2010, he took on the leadership role for the newly established J Soul Brothers III, further solidifying his influence in the music scene. His acting career began to gain traction when he portrayed Tomonori Kashiwagi in the Fuji TV drama "Last Cinderella" in April 2013. That same month, he showcased his first leading role in the Tokyo TV drama "Night Hero NAOTO," where he played a fictionalized version of himself.

In addition to his television work, Naoto has ventured into film, with his movie "Dancing Mary" premiering at the prestigious Sitges Film Festival in 2019 and scheduled for release in 2020. With a diverse career that spans music and acting, NAOTO continues to make a significant mark in the entertainment industry.