Biography
Jin Akanishi debuted in March 2006 as a member of KAT-TUN, simultaneously releasing a single, album, and DVD, all of which topped the Oricon weekly charts. By April, the single had sold over one million copies.
In January 2010, his first Japanese feature film, "BANDAGE," premiered. Prior to the film's release, the single "BANDAGE" and the album "Olympos" were launched under the band name LANDS, with Jin as the lead vocalist. Both the single and album debuted at #1 on the Oricon charts. In February, Jin's solo show "You & Jin" was held at Nissei Theater, followed by "You & Jin U.S.A." in Los Angeles in June. In July, he left KAT-TUN to pursue a solo career. November saw the start of the "Yellow Gold Tour 3010," with performances in Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York. In December, Jin signed a global deal with Warner Music Group and announced his U.S. debut.
The "Yellow Gold Tour 3011" arrived in Japan in January 2011, playing at Saitama Super Arena, Osaka-Jo Hall, Nippon Budokan, and Kobe World Hall. His first solo single, "Eternal," released in March, reached #1 on the Oricon weekly charts. In November, Jin debuted in the U.S. with a collaboration featuring Jason Derulo on "TEST DRIVE," which topped the U.S. iTunes Dance Album chart. The track was also included on a mini-album released in Japan on December 7. The following single, "Sun Burns Down," also hit #1 on the iTunes Dance Album chart and debuted atop Billboard's "HOT SINGLE SALES" and "HOT DANCE SINGLE" charts. On December 28, his second Japanese single, "Seasons," was released.
March 2012 marked the simultaneous release of his first album "JAPONICANA" in Japan and the U.S., followed by the "Jin Akanishi US Tour Japonicana," which covered four major U.S. cities and one Canadian city.
In August 2013, the single "HEY WHAT'S UP ?" was released, followed by "Ainaru Houe" in October. November saw the release of his first Japanese album "#JUSTJIN," written and produced by Jin. Alongside the album release, the "Jin Akanishi's Club Circuit" tour began in November. In December, his first Hollywood feature film, "47RONIN," was released worldwide.
On July 4, 2014, Jin launched his own label, marking a new chapter. The single "Good time" was released in August, followed by the mini album "Mi Amor" in November. After these releases, he embarked on the sold-out "JINDEPENDENCE TOUR 2014." In September, Jin was a main guest at the Shanghai West Bund Music Festival, and he concluded his nationwide tour at Shanghai's Mercedes-Benz Arena.
In June 2015, Jin released the album "Me," followed by the "JIN AKANISHI LIVE TOUR 2015 Me," which sold out 19 venues across Japan. He returned to Shanghai in October to conclude the tour at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. In December, the live DVD and Blu-ray "JIN AKANISHI LIVE TOUR 2015 Me" was released. Jin received the "Most Popular Artist in Asia" and "Music of the Year" awards at Beijing's "2016 Starry Nights!"—a first for any Japanese artist.
In February 2016, Jin appeared as a special guest in the popular Chinese web drama "Midnight Taxi 2." In March, he was named "Asia's Most Popular Japanese Artist" at the 20th Chinese Music Awards (CMA). That year also saw the release of his album "Audio Fashion," which quickly topped the iTunes album charts in Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan. The lead track, "Summer kinda love," reached #1 on the iTunes music video charts. His song "We the Fire" topped Spotify Japan's Top Hits playlist as well as Spotify France's Pop Hits radar.
Following "Audio Fashion," Jin composed the musical score and performed in LESLIE KEE'S short film "PHANTOM," featuring YOHJI YAMAMOTO's 2016 fall/winter collection.
Starting July 9, 2016, Jin embarked on the sold-out "Audio Fashion" tour, which extended to over 22 shows including stops in Shanghai and Macau. As a special highlight, he performed at Makuhari Messe Hall.
On September 21, 2016, Jin released "Choo Choo Shitain," a successful collaboration with actor Yamada Takayuki under the unit name JINTAKA. This marked his fourth consecutive year being ranked on the list.
In April 2017, Jin was honored with "BEST MALE ARTIST" and "MOST POPULAR ARTIST JAPAN" at the 5th Vchart Awards held in China. The unit JINTAKA also received "Most Popular Duo Asia" for their debut single "Choo Choo Shitain" at the Chinese Music Awards in Macau. On May 5 and 6, Jin held a two-day special live event, "JIN AKANISHI LIVE 2017 in YOYOGI Résumé," at Yoyogi National Stadium First Gymnasium. In December, he released the album "Blessèd" and announced a nationwide tour starting February 2018. Additionally, "TC Candler" ranked Jin #66 in "The 100 Most Handsome Faces of 2017," marking his fifth consecutive year on the list.
