Number_i’s Yuta Kishi Turns 30 — Former King & Prince Members Send Birthday Wishes

Fans thrilled by the long-awaited reunion

Yuta Kishi, a former member of King & Prince and now active in Number_i, celebrated his milestone 30th birthday on September 29. Marking this important life event, his former groupmates publicly celebrated with him.

About six months after leaving King & Prince on May 22, 2023, Kishi resumed activities under TOBE, the company led by Hideaki Takizawa (43). Together with former King & Prince members Sho Hirano (28) and Yuta Jinguji (27), he formed Number_i, releasing their first digital single, GOAT, on January 1, 2024.

Debuting with a hip-hop style distinct from their King & Prince image, the group has continued to explore original music and even performed at international festivals.

On the night of September 28, Kishi began a surprise Instagram live stream to celebrate his birthday with fans, including a countdown. Watching the stream, former King & Prince member Genki Iwahashi (28) commented, “I’ll give you a birthday present next time!!”

Realizing what had happened, Kishi read Iwahashi’s account name aloud and replied, “Ah, genki_iwahashi is watching! Thank you so much, seriously, I want you to really give me a present. Since I’m 30, I want the best thing. Please! Really, thanks.”

“Genki Iwahashi debuted with King & Prince in May 2018. However, in November of the same year, he went on hiatus to focus on treatment for panic disorder and ultimately left the group on March 31, 2021, without making a full comeback. Since then, he has pursued solo work as a singer and actor, taking a separate path from the three members of Number_i who left King & Prince later. For that reason, fans were overjoyed on social media to see Kishi and Iwahashi interact again. Additionally, at exactly midnight on the 29th, Iwahashi updated X (formerly Twitter) with a post saying ‘Happy birthday good night.’ While he didn’t mention Kishi by name, he included a purple heart—the color representing Kishi—to celebrate.” (Entertainment writer)

Furthermore, on the afternoon of his birthday, a surprise live stream suddenly started on Kishi’s Instagram account. Hirano and Jinguji appeared on screen in tuxedos, announcing a surprise for Kishi without letting him know. They had apparently rented a limousine for him and greeted the unsuspecting star, shouting “Happy Birthday!” and popping party crackers.

“During the live stream, Hirano and Jinguji playfully tried to kiss Kishi on both cheeks, but he refused, leaving the attempt unfinished—creating a thrilling moment. This was actually inspired by a scene from a fan club video celebrating Kishi’s birthday. Although it turned into a bit of a playful stunt during the live stream, the fact that they could go so far in celebrating with a kiss shows just how much Kishi is loved by his members.” (Same source)

A truly beloved leader

Meanwhile, even current King & Prince member Kaito Takahashi (26) mentioned Kishi’s birthday during his own live stream. During a surprise Instagram live on the 30th, he said:

“Kichikun, happy 30th birthday! From your Happiness brother.”

“‘Happiness’ is a word Kishi often uses in his streams and performances, striking a pose while saying it. Takahashi, remembering this, affectionately called him ‘Happiness brother.’ He continued thoughtfully, ‘Turning 30 is amazing. Being 26 and 30 is quite a difference, right? The left side changes, the numbers. So, ah! I realized Kishi-kun is actually an older brother.’”

Fans on social media reacted enthusiastically:

“I can’t believe I heard ‘Kichikun, happy 30th’ on Kai-chan’s surprise live! Yesterday we saw Kishi’s genki iwahashi too—so much happiness in a row!”

“Kai-chan mentioned Kishi’s name and Genki appeared in the live comments—Kishi really is a beloved leader.”

“So happy Kaito celebrated Kishi’s birthday, and Iwach also congratulated him—it’s all connected.”

“Kai-chan really wanted to say this. Still loving Kishi, wishing him happy birthday this makes me almost cry with happiness.”

Since Number_i’s formation, they haven’t yet had a full-stage collaboration with Iwahashi or current King & Prince members Takahashi and Ren Nagase (26). Fans wonder if the day will come when this long-awaited collaboration finally happens.