TOKYO CLASSIFIED ARTICLE

Article By: Cathy Frances
Photo By: Matt Wilce
Original Online Article: http://www.tokyoclassified.com/BigInJapan/374/biginjapaninc.htm

According to the Chinese astrology, a horse is ambitious, hardworking and happy to be in the spotlight. So it comes as little surprise that Tomoya Nagase, lead singer with Tokio, Japan's most successful pop-idol band next to SMAP, is a horse. Tokio was formed in 1991 but leapt to prominence in September 1994 when Nagase joined the band and the hit single "Love you only" was released. 

Since then, they have gone on to have numerous hits, including (dubious) titles like "Boku no ojisan," "Ai wa nude," and "Spicy Girl"- occasionally assisted by such music moguls as Michael Jackson, who produced their "Children's Holidays." 

The horse's courage proved useful when Nagase was stung by a bee during a live concert. As if this wasn't enough to contend with, the guitar amp failed during his solo performance, but he continued in true Freddie Mercury-the-show-must-go-on style, assisted by fellow band member Taiichi improvising on the piano. 

One of the reputed reasons for Tokio's success is that not only can all the members actually sing and play their instruments - a shocking revelation in the world of J-pop-but they also write their own songs as well as act. Nagase pursues his cosmic love of challenges through various dramatic roles, most recently playing a husband joining his wife's family and taking her name in the TV drama "Muko Yoshi." 

Until recently Nagase was always the youngest person on the set. Now, at 22, he finds himself taking more senior roles, but he resists growing up. "I am worried that adults have nothing to really enjoy with all their heart... that if their work is taken away there'll be nothing left." 

Even though filming on location takes a lot more time, he prefers it to the studio. One of the roles that had the greatest influence on his life was the TV drama "Hakusen Nagashi: Ring - the last chapter" that involved fishing on Lake Kizaki. Since then, he's become a fishing fanatic and heads to the water at every opportunity. "I'm hot tempered, so I think it may be suitable for me," he says. "I went berserk the first time I actually caught a fish!" When he isn't fishing, acting or singing, he's playing billiards: "Be careful! I'm very good!" is the modest quote straight from the horse's mouth. 

In love, a steed enjoys the chase more than the conquest. And with his sultry good looks, long hair and "dirty-smart" fashion sense, there's no shortage of admirers. At 19 he thought 20 would be a good age to marry. Now he thinks 23 or 24 would be better, although "30 may be more appropriate." His ideal girl should be "cheerful, considerate and pleasant." Nothing very remarkable in that, but she should also like Guns N' Roses, be able to cook (especially sushi), like pets, be a good listener and punctual. Don't be late for a date: "I won't wait more than three minutes," says the talkative talent.