Yuta Nakamoto, who often goes by just YUTA, is a standout Japanese idol in the K-Pop scene, celebrated for his dynamic performances and cross-cultural impact. As a key member of NCT and its sub-unit NCT 127, he has become a crucial bridge between Japanese and Korean pop culture, all while building an exciting solo career. His journey traces an evolution from a determined trainee to a multifaceted global performer.

From Osaka to Seoul

Born in Kadoma, Osaka, Yuta grew up in a close-knit family with his two sisters. A natural athlete, he was passionate about soccer and played competitively for over a decade, dreaming of going pro. Those plans changed when he saw the legendary group TVXQ! perform on television, sparking his new dream of becoming an idol.

In 2012, Yuta secretly auditioned for SM Entertainment’s first global audition in Japan. Against 10,000 other participants, he was one of only three selected. He moved to Seoul later that year to begin training and officially joined the pre-debut team SM Rookies in 2013. This period involved intense training in singing, dance, and language, preparing him for his future on the global stage.

Making His Mark with NCT 127

Yuta debuted as a member of NCT’s Seoul-based sub-unit NCT 127 in 2016. The group made a powerful entrance with their single “Fire Truck.” Their debut mini-album, NCT #127, introduced an industry-shifting experimental sound mixing hip-hop, R&B, and electronica that would become their signature. Yuta’s charisma, sharp dance skills, and multilingual charm quickly made him a standout. From that moment forward, he became a key cultural link in the group.

As NCT 127 rose to global fame, Yuta helped lead their charge into international markets. Successful albums like Neo Zone and Sticker charted highly, and through larger projects like RESONANCE, he showcased his vocal growth and stage confidence in various collaborative units.

Building a Solo Presence

Alongside his work with NCT, Yuta cultivated a strong solo media career. In 2020, he launched his own Japanese radio show, YUTA at Home, on Tokyo’s InterFM897. The show became a nationwide hit, known for its relatable and deep conversations about identity and artistry. It also helped strengthen his bond with Japanese fans, especially during NCT 127’s promotions for their Japanese EP Loveholic.

Yuta stepped into acting in 2022, making his film debut in High & Low: The Worst X (Cross) as Ryo Suzaki. This role marked a serious entry into Japanese cinema, and the film was a box office success, cementing his star power at home. In 2023, he took the lead role in the television drama Play It Cool, Guys, based on a popular manga.

The Impact of the Depth EP

Yuta officially launched his solo music career in late 2024 with the EP Depth. This project was his first official solo release under SM Entertainment. The EP explored introspective themes through atmospheric rock and electronic sounds. The lead single, “Off The Mask,” combined layered synths with vulnerable lyrics about authenticity, highlighting Yuta's desire to show his unfiltered self after years in a group.

The Depth EP featured tracks like “Drown in Me,” “Blaze,” and “Even If,” which included self-written lyrics about fear, love, and personal change. This project across the board had cohesive sound and personal storytelling that was something rare in the K-Pop industry to the level in which he showed. He soon embarked on his first solo tour, Hope, performing in major Japanese cities including Fukuoka, Nagoya, Tokyo, and Osaka. Alongside the EP, Yuta also published a photo essay book titled Now, which blended tour imagery with his reflections on creativity and personal growth.

Ongoing Momentum

The year 2025 has been a prolific one for Yuta's solo endeavors. On May 14, he released “TWISTED PARADISE,” his first standalone Japanese single. The song's genre-bending style, which mixed grunge basslines with pop-rock choruses, presented a sharper, more rebellious side of his artistry. The accompanying music video further pushed his aesthetic evolution, featuring Yuta in a surreal dreamscape as both protagonist and critic.

Yuta’s artistic identity is defined by a fusion of depth and polished performance. Vocally, his smooth tone complements a dynamic stage presence marked by precise dance moves and edgy charisma. He often cites bands like One Ok Rock and artists like Michael Jackson as major influences on his genre-fluid approach.

Legacy

Yuta stands as one of the most internationally recognized Japanese entertainers in K-Pop history. As a trailblazing Japanese idol under SM Entertainment, he set a new standard for cross-national representation in the industry.

Whether through his powerful performances with NCT 127, the intimate self-exploration of his solo work, or his achievements in film and radio, Yuta continues to push the boundaries of artistry and personal exploration as an idol. His career is a masterclass in not just bridging cultures, but in actively reshaping the role of a transnational entertainer in today's music world.

Check Out These Tracks

“When I’m Not Around”
“Walk” by NCT127
“PRISONER”
“BAD EUPHORIA”
“Superhuman” by NCT127

Edited by Pranjal Ghosh

YUTA Shows How Authenticity Wins in K-Pop