“There’s a particular kind of smile Yoshinori Masakado wears after achieving something hard-earned—like the one captured in an Instagram story after he bit into his first post-diet hamburger.“
Ae! group’s nationwide debut tour, “The Best Ae LIVE in the World,” left fans deeply moved and excited. As their first tour after debuting, the members delivered passionate performances, creating many moments of connection with the audience. Among them, Yoshinori Masakado’s stage presence particularly stood out.
Captivated by Masakado’s powerful vocals and expressive performance, many praised the depth of emotion he brought to the stage. His guitar skills were of course another highlight, adding an electrifying element to his performance.
One especially memorable moment among fans was when he lit a flame with a lighter, a striking visual that left the audience in awe. The cinematic quality of the moment resonated deeply, leaving many describing it as one of the most unforgettable scenes of the concert.
Masakado’s ability to blend his guitar playing with his vocals created a rich and immersive experience. His emotional delivery moved many, bringing some fans to tears. His guitar solo was another standout, with audience members describing the chills they felt as he played. The combination of his technical skill and heartfelt expression solidified his status as a key performer in Ae! group.
Beyond his musical talent, Masakado’s warm interactions with the audience made a lasting impact. He maintained eye contact, shared genuine smiles, and engaged fans in ways that made them feel personally connected to him. His thoughtful gestures and presence on stage reflected his deep appreciation for the support he receives, further strengthening the bond between him and the audience.
While the tour was a milestone, it was his solo transformation featured in the No. 896 issue of Tarzan magazine that recently stunned even longtime fans, revealing a new level of commitment, discipline, and self-discovery.
Showcasing a sculpted physique achieved through two months of disciplined training, his transformation sparked widespread admiration, excitement, and concern among fans. While many celebrated his dedication, others worried about the toll it might have taken on his well-being. Through his candid Tarzan interview, Masakado shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and personal growth that came with this experience.
Fans have a strong image of Masakado as someone with a relaxed and natural approach to food and health, so extreme dieting and intense training raised concerns among them. Some pointed out that he often enjoys sharing meals with his fellow members, making the strict regimen feel unusual for his character. Others worried about whether he was under unnecessary pressure to conform to fitness standards rather than maintaining his natural physique.
This was especially obvious during this birthday livestream where fellow member Seiya Suezawa appeared with a cake. While the oldest of the group made a show out of bringing a cake to the birthday boy, Masakado had to let him down and tell Seiya he couldn’t eat the cake because of his current diet. In the end, he did eat a bite of it (a strawberry) only because Seiya fed him, causing fans to gush about that instead.
Additionally, some fans shared that while they admired his commitment, they hoped he would not feel compelled to maintain such a strict routine permanently. Many emphasized that they love him for who he is and not just for his appearance, reinforcing their support regardless of how he chooses to approach fitness in the future.
Masakado’s journey to achieving his best physique was no small feat. He admitted that, despite having some prior gym experience, his approach had been largely self-taught until this challenge.
Masakado showed off his belly during Corona in 2020, admitting on a radio show that he had shockingly gained 7 kg. While he’s never been the type to constantly show off his body, fans have endearingly loved and admired his physique nonetheless. Fellow member Ken Kojima also has expressed multiple times that his ideal body is like Masakado’s.
As an idol, it’s given that clothes come off—involuntarily or on purpose—for either shoots or shows, and looking back, Masakado’s shirtless journey on YouTube might be the best example to showcase his journey to his current physique.
Video released in September 2023
Video released in November 2023
February 18, 2024
Video released in January 2024
Some fans expressed relief that he was featured in Tarzan rather than a specific issue of anan, which focuses more on gravure photography. However, Masakado himself has declared it his personal goal to appear in that particular issue, and when that happens, his fanbase may increase at the same rate it decreases due to the massive lethal effect it will have on his fans.
Many appreciated how his healthy and natural masculinity was highlighted, and they admired his dedication to self-improvement and particularly enjoyed the behind-the-scenes insights shared through interviews and social media. Some expressed delight at his humble and honest reflections on the challenges he faced during training, appreciating his sincerity and openness about the experience.
“Before, I would just use whatever machine was available—chest fly if that was open, lat pulldown if that was free. I wasn’t following any structured plan; I was just moving my body for the sake of it,” he shared in the interview with Tarzan. It wasn’t until he was offered the Tarzan shoot that he began a dedicated regimen, guided by professional trainers.
The idea for him to appear on this magazine’s cover was first proposed in late October last year, and over the course of two months, he committed to a rigorous workout routine. This routine included bench presses, push-ups, squats, lunges, side planks, and ab roller exercises. He also followed a strict meal plan, alternating between low-fat and low-carb phases to sculpt his body while maintaining muscle mass.
“At first, it felt hopeless,” he confessed. “But I could see my face and abs changing, so I stuck with it until the end.” The results were striking: a 7kg weight loss, a 5cm waist reduction, and a body fat percentage dropping to single digits.
Fans were both impressed and concerned. While his discipline was inspiring, many hoped that he wouldn’t feel pressured to maintain such an extreme routine permanently. Masakado, however, reassured them through his interview, expressing his intention to balance fitness with his natural lifestyle moving forward.
The sheer happiness radiating from him in the Instagram story the group posted once his diet restrictions were over was infectious, and his scrunched-up face in joy as he took a bite of a hamburger was endearing.
More than just a magazine feature, this transformation was a personal milestone for Masakado. Reflecting on his career, he revealed how each stage performance had gradually shaped his body.
“Looking back, every time I changed my body for a stage production, it set something in motion. My first stage role had me wearing one-tooth geta sandals, which strengthened my iliopsoas muscles. The next production got me into weight training, and the one after that pushed me to train even harder,” he said.
The idea of constant self-improvement resonated deeply with fans, who admired his perseverance and growth. With his newfound fitness, fans have started speculating about future opportunities for Masakado. His disciplined approach to training and ability to push his limits have led many to believe that he could possibly thrive in physically demanding variety shows or athletic competitions like SASUKE.
There is also growing excitement around potential brand collaborations, with fans envisioning him as a fitness ambassador or even as a model for sportswear and health-related campaigns. His feature in Tarzan has opened doors to possibilities beyond idol activities, expanding the scope of his career in unexpected ways.
“Maybe it’s the ‘never give up’ mentality I’ve developed through work. But I think I managed to push my limits a little further!”
This Tarzan feature was more than just a photoshoot—it was a testament to his dedication, resilience, and willingness to embrace challenges. While fans celebrate his hard work, they also remain hopeful that he prioritizes his health and finds a sustainable balance moving forward. Whether this experience leads him to more fitness-related ventures or simply serves as another milestone in his career, one thing is clear: Masakado’s drive for self-improvement is stronger than ever.
With his successful debut tour behind him, Yoshinori Masakado continues to reach new heights. This feature in Tarzan showcased his dedication to both his physical and artistic growth, highlighting his commitment to evolving as a performer. His role in the drama Moving In Kyoto has given fans a chance to see another side of his talent, demonstrating his versatility beyond the stage, and his second year as the ambassador for the Immersive Museum Osaka adds to his ever-growing arsenal of skills and charm.
Additionally, Masakado’s recent performance in Musashino Rondo has further showcased his acting prowess, captivating audiences with his ability to bring depth and nuance to his character. His role in this production highlighted his emotional range and stage presence, earning praise from both fans and critics for his seamless transition between music and acting. This project has solidified his reputation as a multifaceted performer, capable of leaving a lasting impression across different artistic mediums.
The highly anticipated production SUNA is a project that will further showcase his range as an actor. His fans eagerly await his future endeavors, confident that he will continue to impress and inspire with his passion and dedication. His growing popularity and undeniable talent suggest that this is just the beginning of an even more remarkable journey.
Don’t forget to follow Ae! group on all their official accounts to keep yourself updated with the recent news!
Article based on the full Tarzan interview, translated by Sabina for this article.
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