Arashi no Mirai

je-anniversaries:

Jan 31st ♥ 香取慎吾 (Katori Shingo)

Shingo-kun joined the agency in 1987. He was selected to become the youngest member of SMAP a year after that, releasing their first single in 1991. Shingo has ever since acted in several doramas.

Katori was once known for cross-dressing as the character “Shingo Mama” on the variety show Sata Suma; he even released a top-selling CD single “Shingo Mama no Oha Rock”, done in character. Shingo Mama’s trademark phrase is “Ohhā!” (morning!). From 2000-2001, Shingo Mama promoted the use of ohha as part of a Ministry of Education campaign to encourage family communication.

He went on to host his own English-oriented show “SmaSTATION!!” that featured mostly journalists discussing world news, as well as translation and vocabulary quizzes, where Shingo faced off against other celebrities in a battle of English comprehension.

Shingo Katori can also be seen conversing with Quentin Tarantino in the beginning of Sukiyaki Western Django. Overall, he is well known for his bright personality and his wide range of acting roles since he’s not afraid of stay in character for any show required.

Happy 35th Birthday! お誕生日おめでとう！