Who is Keito Kimura?
In Japan’s bustling entertainment scene, Keito Kimura stands out as someone who truly does it all. At 25, this Tokyo-born performer has made his mark both as a key member of FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE and as a rising star in Japanese television and film.
Born on August 16, 1999, Kimura belongs to a generation of Japanese entertainers who aren’t content with just one thing. His path from enthusiastic young dancer to versatile star shows the kind of dedication that makes Japanese pop culture so compelling worldwide.
What makes Keito Kimura special isn’t just his obvious talent—it’s how he’s grown as an artist. You can trace his evolution from those early backup dancing gigs to headlining major TV dramas, and it tells a story of someone who’s always pushing himself to do more.
Early Life and the Foundation of a Dream
Keito Kimura’s journey started in Tokyo, where a simple family connection would change everything. His mom worked at a local fitness studio, and that’s how seven-year-old Keito first got into dancing. Back then, it was just for fun—nobody could have predicted where it would lead.
Everything changed when young Kimura went to see EXILE perform live during elementary school. The show blew him away. Years later, he’d describe it perfectly: “The world of dance is so deep that the more steps I took, the more I got hooked.” That one performance planted a seed that would grow into an unshakeable dream.
That experience led his family to enroll him at EXPG Tokyo, the training academy that’s produced some of Japan’s biggest stars. For Kimura, EXPG wasn’t just about learning moves—it was about diving headfirst into a world where excellence was the baseline and dedication was everything.
The training environment at EXPG was intense but inspiring. Kimura found himself working alongside future stars like Sato Taiki, Sawamoto Natsuki, and even RIIZE’s Shotaro. His instructor Sekai, who would later become his FANTASTICS groupmate, helped shape not just his technique but his entire approach to performance.
Training Years and the Path to FANTASTICS
The years after joining EXPG brought both incredible highs and tough setbacks—exactly the kind of experiences that would make Kimura stronger. When he was just 11, he got his first real taste of the big leagues as a backup dancer for EXILE LIVE TOUR 2010 FANTASY. That experience was a game-changer.
“I definitely wanted to be the front man and perform in years to come,” Kimura remembered thinking at the time. He kept grinding, dancing backup for EXILE and Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS while adding acrobatics to his skill set.
But success wasn’t handed to him. In 2014, Kimura made it to the finals of the GLOBAL JAPAN CHALLENGE only to get eliminated. Instead of crushing his dreams, that disappointment lit a fire under him. “That frustration became a springboard for me to renew my determination to make a living in dance,” he explained later.
That setback actually opened doors. Kimura aced a special audition and earned a scholarship spot at EXPG. His fellow trainees from groups like THE RAMPAGE and BALLISTIK BOYZ took notice of his work ethic, and he built friendships that last to this day, including with OCTPATH’s Kose Naoki.
By 2016, Kimura’s persistence paid off when he joined EXILE GENERATIONS, the trainee group that would be his final stepping stone. Then came the moment he’d been working toward for years: on December 29, 2016, he was announced as a founding member of FANTASTICS.
Music Career with FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE
When FANTASTICS formed, they took an unusual approach to launching their career. Instead of dropping a single and hoping for the best, they hit the road first. From February to April 2017, the group’s “Musha Shugyo” tour took them to 50 shows across 18 venues in 14 cities, drawing over 30,000 fans who had never even heard a studio recording.
This strategy was brilliant. It let FANTASTICS build a real connection with audiences while Kimura and his groupmates perfected their chemistry on stage. For Kimura, whose background was all about precision and emotional connection, this touring period was crucial for finding his place in the group dynamic.
The group evolved again when they added two vocalists chosen from an audition that drew about 30,000 hopefuls. This led to another massive tour, “Musha Shugyo FANTASTIC 9,” which ran from April to June 2018—78 shows across 33 venues, pulling in around 75,000 viewers.
Finally, on December 5, 2018, FANTASTICS officially debuted with “OVER DRIVE.” For Kimura, this wasn’t just a career milestone—it was the fulfillment of a dream that started with a seven-year-old watching EXILE and thinking, “I want to do that.”
Within FANTASTICS, Kimura’s dance foundation and performance instincts have been essential to the group’s identity. His hip-hop base, R&B skills, and acrobatic training all contribute to what makes FANTASTICS special. Plus, his philosophy about performing—that smiling on stage can lift both the group and the audience—shows he gets what entertainment is really about.
Transition to Acting and Dramatic Breakthrough
While music stayed at the center of his world, Keito Kimura started eyeing acting opportunities that would eventually become just as important to his career. This wasn’t some sudden pivot—he’d been taking acting lessons since his FANTASTICS debut, preparing for the day he could bring his performance skills to dramatic roles.
His first acting gig came in early 2022 with a guest spot in episode four of “Moshimo, Ikemen Dake no Koko ga Attara.” Small role, sure, but it marked the start of something big. Working on set, collaborating with directors, becoming someone completely different from his stage persona—it opened up creative possibilities he hadn’t fully imagined.
The real breakthrough happened later that year when Kimura landed the role of Satoshi Onoe in the MBS drama “Ameiro Paradox” (known internationally as “Candy Color Paradox”). Based on a popular BL novel, this wasn’t just a main character role—it showed Kimura was willing to take on challenging, diverse parts that might surprise people.
“Ameiro Paradox” was a hit, introducing Kimura to viewers who might never have heard of FANTASTICS while proving he could handle serious dramatic work. The role showcased his ability to convey real emotional depth and vulnerability, qualities that perfectly complemented his dynamic stage presence. It also led to a lasting friendship with co-star Yamanaka Jyutaro from M!LK—they bonded over shared interests in fashion and wellness, including their mutual obsession with sauna culture.
From there, Kimura kept expanding his acting range. His appearance in “HiGH&LOW THE WORST X” proved he could handle action sequences, while various TV drama roles showed his versatility across romantic, comedic, and dramatic material.
The biggest milestone came in summer 2024 when Kimura scored his first solo lead role in the TBS drama “Sacchan, Boku wa.” Based on a popular manga, this role was huge—it positioned him as a leading man who could carry an entire production. Taking on that responsibility marked his complete evolution from group member to individual star.
Special Projects and Creative Ventures
Beyond FANTASTICS and acting, Keito Kimura has shown remarkable creativity through side projects that reveal different sides of his artistic personality. The most surprising might be his involvement in the parody visual kei band In The BLOOD EYES, where he plays drums under the stage name “Vader.”
When this project was revealed on April 1, 2021, plenty of people thought it was an April Fool’s joke. Nope—it was real, and it was brilliant. The visual kei aesthetic, with all its dramatic makeup and theatrical flair, is about as far from Kimura’s usual image as you can get. But that’s exactly the point. It shows he’s not afraid to experiment and push boundaries while adding drumming to his already impressive skill set.
Another major venture has been his participation in EXILE B HAPPY, a special unit created for LDH JAPAN’s KIDS B HAPPY project. Announced in June 2023, this unit brings together various EXILE TRIBE members to create content specifically for younger audiences. With EXILE TETSUYA as ambassador, the project reflects Kimura’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of performers and fans.
Kimura’s media presence got a major boost with the launch of “10kei Channel” in April 2023, a collaboration with KRY that includes both YouTube content and terrestrial TV broadcasts. Airing every Saturday at 23:54, the show gives fans a more personal look at Kimura’s personality while letting him develop his skills as a TV personality and content creator.
His stage work has been equally impressive. Leading “BREAK FREE STARS” in October 2023 marked his first starring theater role, while his ongoing involvement in the “BACK TO THE MEMORIES” series shows his dedication to live performance. These stage experiences have definitely contributed to his growth as an actor, teaching him how to command attention and convey emotion in intimate settings.
The release of his first photo book “Palette” in May 2025 represents another career milestone, offering fans a visual journey through his artistic evolution while establishing him as a solo brand beyond group activities.
Personal Life, Interests, and Character
One of the most appealing things about Keito Kimura is how genuine his personality evolution has been—fans have literally watched him grow up. Fellow FANTASTICS member Yagi Yusei has noted that Kimura has “changed the most since debut,” going from shy and quiet to more open and confident while keeping the thoughtful nature that makes him so beloved.
Kimura’s personal interests show someone whose curiosity goes way beyond performing. His passion for photography is well-known among fans, especially his habit of taking candid shots of his FANTASTICS groupmates. This hobby reflects both his artistic eye and genuine affection for his friends—he’s capturing moments that might otherwise disappear.
Fashion is another major interest, one he shares with close friend Yamanaka Jyutaro from M!LK. Their friendship, which started during “Ameiro Paradox” filming, extends to shopping trips and shared appreciation for style and aesthetics. You can see this interest in his public appearances and social media, where his choices reflect both current trends and personal taste.
His love for anime and manga, particularly the long-running series ONE PIECE, connects him to broader cultural conversations and shows his appreciation for storytelling across different media. This interest probably influences his approach to character development in acting roles—he understands the importance of narrative arc and character growth.
Kimura’s commitment to health and wellness shows up in several aspects of his lifestyle. His friendship with BE:FIRST’s RYOKI centers around their shared love of sauna culture, reflecting a broader interest in self-care and physical well-being. He maintains a disciplined approach to health, drinking lots of water and tea while taking an active interest in skincare.
Interestingly, Kimura has never worked a traditional part-time job, having dedicated himself entirely to entertainment from a young age. But he’s expressed curiosity about restaurant work, suggesting an appreciation for service industries and human interaction that informs his approach to fan engagement.
His perfume collection and that memorable bright orange sofa gift from Sekiguchi Mandy reveal someone who appreciates both sensory experiences and meaningful relationships. These personal details might seem small, but they paint a picture of someone who values both aesthetic pleasure and genuine human connections.
Future Prospects and Continuing Evolution
As Keito Kimura continues evolving as an artist, his trajectory suggests someone who refuses to be boxed in by conventional limits. His recent and upcoming projects show an artist hitting his creative stride, balancing FANTASTICS commitments with an increasingly prominent solo career.
The success of his lead role in “Sacchan, Boku wa.” has opened doors to more substantial acting opportunities, while his continued involvement with FANTASTICS keeps his musical foundation strong. This dual focus lets him reach different audiences while maintaining the versatility that’s become his calling card.
His expansion across various media platforms—from traditional TV to YouTube content creation—positions him perfectly for an entertainment landscape that increasingly values multi-platform presence. The “10kei Channel” project shows his understanding of modern fan engagement and willingness to embrace new forms of content creation.
Looking ahead, Kimura’s career seems ready for continued growth both in Japan and potentially internationally. His work in genres with global appeal, combined with his genuine personality and diverse skill set, suggests potential for recognition beyond Japan’s borders. As Japanese entertainment continues gaining international attention, performers like Kimura who can seamlessly move between different artistic mediums are especially well-positioned for success.
The entertainment industry’s shift toward multi-talented performers who can engage audiences across various platforms plays directly to Kimura’s strengths. His journey from seven-year-old dance student to multi-faceted entertainer reflects not just personal ambition, but an understanding of what modern audiences want from their favorite performers.
As he continues taking on new challenges and exploring different aspects of his artistry, Keito Kimura represents the future of Japanese entertainment: versatile, authentic, and unafraid to push boundaries while staying true to the foundational values that launched his career.
