U (Yu Shirota)

U began experimenting with music as a mere elementary student. Inspired by his sister, he learned over time to play piano, saxophone and guitar. By his teenage years, he was composing his own music and held performances at his school.
Some of U’s earliest experiences with show business came from his work with television and musicals. He starred as Tuxedo Kamen in numerous “Sailor Moon” musicals starting in 2002. In 2004, U joined D-BOYS, a popular Watanabe Entertainment male actor’s group, and by 2005 appeared in the television drama “Pink no Idenshi.” Following this, U held both leading and supporting roles in numerous movies and television dramas. He is best known for his role in “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e” and “ROOKIES.”
In 2008, amidst a flurry of television drama roles, U announced during a D-BOYS event his intention to graduate from the group. While he appeared in miscellaneous events of the group over the next year, he officially graduated July 6, 2008.
2009 and 2010 were busy years for U in terms of television appearances. In late 2010, his solo musical career was underway. U debuted under avex records with the digital release of the songs Sisyphus in Spanish and a cover of Cuando se ama by the Italian singer Laura Pausini. Both became available to European and Oceania fans via iTunes in February, 2011.
U’s official Japanese debut occurred on May 4, 2011. He released a three version self-titled single which immediately reached the Oricon daily charts at #16. He began event promotions through Nagoya, Kawasaki and Fukuoka, with the last event ending on May 8th.
With his website available in Japanese, Spanish and English, it is clear that U intends to spread his music and talent to fans worldwide. As his debut takes off, you can be sure to hear more about him in the near future.
Official Website: http://www.yu-shirota.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/U_and_YOU
Blog: http://blog.watanabepro.co.jp/shirotayu/index.html
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/YuShirota.Official

U,Yu Shirota