When it comes to STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, there’s something for everyone. It’s almost like a bowl of candy. Dig around a little, find your favorite candy, eat it, and you’ll leave with a smile on your face because you just ate your favorite candy.
Known to many, there are various Juniors working under the STARTO name, and some of these Juniors are grouped together, whether they appear on the official YouTube or not. SpeciaL is one of these groups.
The four-member group SpeciaL has consisted of the members Ren Hayashi, Tatsuru Matsuo, Yuki Wada, and Kodai Nakamura since May 24th, 2018. Together, they cover a set of skills, including ballet, acrobatics, singing, tap dancing, acting, etc. Their previous name was “Jr. SP,” but it was changed to “SpeciaL” on December 4th, 2022.
SpeciaL has been active for years back-dancing for their senpai groups like King & Prince, Hey! Say! JUMP, and Sexy Zone. In 2019, they participated in over 180 performances, which was the highest number in the agency to date. With their high-level skills essential to their stage performances, both as a group and as individuals, they are trusted by fellow Juniors, other groups, and their seniors.
In September 2023, they held their first starring stage play, “YABO BROS. & A LITTLE FOX!.” They also held their solo show during “Tozaiย Johnnysย Jr.ย Spring Paradise” last year.
Ren Hayashi
| Date of birth | Acrobats, dance, roller skating |
|---|---|
| Blood type | Type A |
| Birthplace | Kanagawa Prefecture |
| Height | 170 cm |
| Special skill | Acrobat, dance, roller skating, cigar box juggling |
| Member color | Pink |
Ren Hayashi is in charge of the acrobatics in the group and is also highly regarded among other Juniors for his skills.
It’s hard to not fall for Ren as he makes the world gravity-free with his acrobatic performances and captivating dance skills. The gap between his usual cute face and stunning performances has his fans fascinated and hooked.
Tatsuru Matsuo
| Date of birth | August 4, 2000 |
|---|---|
| Blood type | Type B |
| Birthplace | Kanagawa Prefecture |
| Height | 165cm |
| Special skill | Classic ballet, acrobatics, hair styling, positive thinking |
| Member color | Yellow |
Tatsuru Matsuo is in charge of ballet, and he started at the early age of three years old. Coming from a ballet family, it was no big-brainer that he would go abroad to study ballet in England at the Royal Ballet Academy.
Aside from ballet, Tatsuru is highly skilled in dance in general and acrobatics, often paired with Ren to perform during their shows. They both participated in the hand-selected group “Fairy Boys” by Hey! Say! JUMP’s Yuri Chinen for the gymnastics Olympics.
Hair styling is another skill of his that he is often seen helping his members or fellow Juniors out doing, and he even had a small series called “Tatsuru Salon” at the site ISLAND TV.
Yuki wADA
| Date of birth | July 23, 2001 |
|---|---|
| Blood type | O type |
| Birthplace | Chiba Prefecture |
| height | 173 |
| Special skill | His face, diabolo, things except acrobatics |
| Member color | Purple |
Yuki Wada, who has moles under both eyes, is the one in charge of visuals (face). However, he is also active as an actor, his recent work being the leading role in the LEGEND STAGE PRODUCE production of “Nightmare Hospital.”
Aside from his face being the main attraction, he’s challenged various things such as shadow paintings, diabolo, and guitar. Like his fellow members, his dancing and stage presence is top-tier.
Kodai Nakamura
| Date of birth | January 8, 2001 |
|---|---|
| Blood type | O type |
| Birthplace | Saitama Prefecture |
| Height | 174cm |
| Special skill | Singing, tap dancing |
| Member color | Green |
Kodai Nakamura is the member in charge of singing and has repeatedly shown his vocal prowess when the site ISLAND TV was active, especially with 7 MEN Samurai member Taiki Konno. He’s learned tap dancing since he was young.
Before joining the agency, he also played the Young Simba in the theater musical “Lion King.”
While SpeciaL might not be running as frontmen like their fellow Junior groups, they are nothing less than special. With high individual skills and stage shows, they play an integral part in the show, whether back-dancing or the main act.
Their original song, “Sensations,” is a perfect example of who they are as a group, but not the limit of what they can do.
No matter what the future holds, the fact that these four are incredibly talented and unique is undeniable. Without a doubt, the members of SpeciaL are nothing short of extraordinary. While some fans and enthusiasts might find the absence of solo acts disappointing, one undeniable truth remains: a stage without SpeciaL wouldn’t truly be special.