SixTONES’ Morimoto and Jesse Melt Staff Hearts with Their Lovable Goofiness

Morimoto’s reputation is skyrocketing

The Japan Academy Awards, announced on March 14, seemed to be aware of the negative feedback from last year’s results. This year, there was a noticeable lack of consideration in the selections.

When I interviewed entertainment industry professionals about their thoughts on the awards, there was one recipient who was frequently mentioned with the phrase, “This is understandable.” Surprisingly, it was Shintaro Morimoto (27) of the popular idol group SixTONES from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT (formerly Johnny’s), who won both the New Actor Award and the Popularity Award in the actor category.

“Morimoto plays a construction worker who is hiding a fugitive in the movie Shōtai (2024). He portrays a young man with no money or education, constantly being exploited. He realizes the truth about the protagonist, whom he had previously been helping, and in his desire for the reward money, he betrays him by reporting him to the police. However, he later has second thoughts and ends up helping the protagonist. Although he’s not an evil character, Morimoto brilliantly expresses the impulsive and weak nature of this character. It’s hard to argue against his winning the Newcomer Award,” said an entertainment columnist.

Morimoto also delivered a strong performance as a straightforward, passionate detective in the drama Icy – Momentary Memory Investigation, Hiiragi Team (Fuji TV), which ended on March 25. A TV magazine editor commented on his acting:

“Morimoto has been a popular idol since childhood, but now he’s gaining recognition as an actor. He’s particularly great at playing straightforward, passionate characters. This type of role wasn’t commonly seen with the old Johnny’s idols, so I believe there will be more offers for him in the future.”

Morimoto has blossomed as a new talent, but when I spoke with people who know him well, it seems that his real personality is also simple, bright, and lovable. A writer who has been covering SixTONES members since their teenage years shared an interesting episode about Morimoto.

 

“Morimoto-kun loves to eat. Even during interviews, he’s the first to check out the catering and says, ‘What should I eat?’ with excitement.

But he’s also worried about gaining weight. Once, in front of some fried chicken that was brought in, he said, ‘I want to eat it, but will I gain weight?’ He was clearly debating it. At that moment, Jesse, one of the members, came over and said with a smug look, ‘Did you know? It’s the rice that makes you gain weight. You can eat as much meat as you want, and it won’t make you fat.’

In the world of women’s magazines, it’s well-known that carbohydrates cause weight gain while protein doesn’t. Honestly, I thought, ‘Why is he saying that now, with such a proud look?’ But Morimoto-kun’s response was, ‘What! Really?!’ and then he cheerfully asked, ‘So it’s okay to eat the fried chicken then? Let’s eat!’ and started happily devouring it.

The other members just watched them with warm eyes, never poking fun. It’s proof that they are loved (laughs).”

Speaking of SixTONES, this year, member Hokuto Matsumura (29) won the Kinema Junpo Best Ten Best Actor Award for his role in the film Yamake no Subete (2024).

“His performance in the movie First Kiss 1ST KISS, which was released this year, has also received rave reviews. This role, unlike Morimoto, had him play a complicated and sensitive character, and his evaluations are skyrocketing. Unfortunately, he missed out on a win at this year’s Japan Academy Awards, but he’s sure to be nominated for some award next year.

In terms of buzz, SixTONES might appear to lag behind Snow Man or the ‘Typelo’ group timelesz, but they actually have a surprisingly solid foundation. They might have more potential for long-term success than any other group,” says an entertainment reporter.

Entertainment reporter Takayuki Jōshita talks about SixTONES’s future:

“SixTONES is a popular group, so I think they’ll last for at least 10 years as they are. But if each member continues to grow in their respective strengths outside of touring, they could become a group that enjoys popularity for 20 years, like Arashi. It may take some time, but acting in dramas and movies is the best route. They will also start their first variety show, Golden SixTONES (on Nippon TV) this April, so it’s exciting.”

We should keep an eye on their acting careers going forward.

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