Sho Sakurai Biography: TV Shows, Ethnicity, Songs, Age, Parents, Awards, Net Worth

Sho Sakurai is a prominent Japanese singer, rapper, songwriter, actor, news anchor, television host, and former radio host, best known as a member of the iconic boy band Arashi.

He joined Johnny & Associates at age 13 and debuted with Arashi in 1999, contributing as the group’s rapper and primary newscaster.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Sho Sakurai
• Born: January 25, 1982
• Age: 44 years old
• Birthplace: Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
• Nationality: Japanese
• Occupation: Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, Actor, News Anchor, Television Host
• Height: 1.71 m
• Parents: Shun Sakurai, and Mrs. Sakurai
• Siblings: Mai Sakurai, and Shu Sakurai
• Spouse: Unknown
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Sho Sakurai was born on January 25, 1982, in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, and grew up in Minato, Tokyo.

He is the eldest of three children of Shun Sakurai, a former government official and vice minister, and his mother.

His siblings are Mai Sakurai, a former Nippon TV journalist, and Shu Sakurai, a rugby player.

He attended Keio University and graduated in 2004 with a degree in economics.

His ethnicity is Japanese, and his religion is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Sho Sakurai began his entertainment career in 1995 when he joined Johnny & Associates at age 13, training as a Johnny’s Jr. before debuting with Arashi on November 3, 1999.

As the group’s rapper and lyricist, he contributed to their massive success with hits, concerts, and media dominance in Japan.

Even as Arashi achieved superstar status, Sakurai balanced idol activities with intellectual pursuits, including his news anchoring role starting in 2006 on News Zero, where he covered major events like the Beijing Olympics and earned respect for his articulate reporting.

He expanded into acting with roles in dramas such as Kisarazu Cat’s Eye (2002), Yattâman (2009), and The After-Dinner Mysteries (2011–2013), alongside hosting variety programs and specials.

Sakurai’s solo work includes rapping, songwriting for Arashi tracks, and occasional individual projects, while his news and hosting duties showcased his versatility.

After Arashi’s activities paused in 2020, he continued independently with News Zero (until recent transitions), hosting gigs, and personal ventures like his own website for inquiries launched in 2024.

Sho Sakurai remains a respected figure in Japanese media and entertainment, known for his eloquence, professionalism, and contributions to both pop culture and journalism.

His work with Arashi’s legacy, ongoing television presence, and endorsements (including past long-term ones like Morinaga ending in 2026) highlight his lasting impact across music, acting, and broadcasting.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @sho.sakurai_official

Personal Life

Sho Sakurai married a non-celebrity woman of the same age on September 28, 2021, announcing it via a letter on the fan club site alongside fellow Arashi member Masaki Aiba’s marriage.

The couple welcomed their first child in February 2023, with both mother and baby reported healthy.

Sakurai keeps his family life private, focusing public sharing on professional updates while expressing gratitude for fan support and balancing fatherhood with his demanding career.

Filmography

• Kisarazu Cat’s Eye (2002)
• Yattâman (2009)
• The After-Dinner Mysteries (2011–2013)
• Nemesis: Ougon Rasen no Nazo (2023)

Net Worth

Sho Sakurai has an estimated net worth of $10 million.

His primary sources of income include earnings from Arashi’s music sales, concerts, and royalties, long-term news anchoring on News Zero, acting roles in dramas and films, hosting variety shows, endorsements, and individual projects in Japan’s entertainment industry.