Kazunari Ninomiya

Ninomiya was born in Katsushika, Tokyo as the youngest child of his family, his sister is two years older than he is. His father and mother were both working as chefs when they met. When Ninomiya was born, his grandfather immediately came home and named him the heir to the family's windshield wiper factory, since he was his grandfather's only grandson. Ninomiya graduated from high school in March 2002 at the age of 18. Ninomiya's career began in the entertainment industry when Ninomiya's cousin sent in an application to Johnny & Associates without his knowledge, and his mother's prodding. After attending and passing the auditions, he joined the talent agency in 1996 aged 13. Prior to his debut with Arashi, Ninomiya started an acting career when he was cast as Chris for the stage play Stand by Me, which was based on the film of the same name. He has starred in numerous television drama, movie and stage production since then, and has been regarded as the actor of Arashi, described as an actor who can act with his mouth and eyes. Ninomiya has won a number of awards and nominations for his roles. Ninomiya announced he would become independent from the agency on 24 October 2023. Regarding his participation as member of Arashi, he said they would work together when they resume activities. On November 7, 2023, he announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he had established a company. He had announced before that he was making a website along with his sister. In the post in which he announced the company, he also said that "the website is also progressing". Husband of former long-distance runner Akemi Masuda, Yuuji Kiwaki, also participates in operating the newly established company Office Nino, inc. On December 16, 2023, he shared on X (formerly Twitter) his official website. He posted as a description on his profile that he had completed it. On June 7, 2024, Ninomiya announced the release of "DigiNino", a smartphone app, and the opening of his official fan club, "Office Nino Holdings", both on June 17. Nino hosts a variety show for TV Tokyo for the first time (and his first appearance in 26 years), "Geki kawa petto dai shūgō! Wan Nyan Ninoland", which is to air on August 31, 2024. He and his co-host, Shimofuri Myojo's Seiya Ishikawa appear as a CG dog and cat, respectively, in what is said to be "the ultimate pet program that delivers from the perspective of animals"; the concept of the show is a secret gathering in which animals have the main roles.