NEWS member Kato Shigeaki (24) will soon make his debut as a novelist through the release of a youth novel titled “Pink to Gray” (Kadokawa Shoten) on January 28th. The star has also announced that his name will be changed to “Kato Shigeaki” (加藤成亮 to 加藤シゲアキ will be converted from Kanji to Katakana).

This will be a first for a Johnny & Associates, Inc. artist to publish their own novel. Kato revealed during an interview, “I will continue writing after this, and someday, I would like to win the Naoki Prize (Japanese literary award).“, further adding that he plans to continue his career as an artist and as a novelist.

His debut novel “Pink to Gray” tells about two best friends who enters the entertainment industry together, but only one finds success while the other becomes an extra. Kato confidently stated, “I guarantee that it will have a shocking impact on whoever reads it.” Kato did not major in literature but has always had a passion for writing and has been wanting to write a novel since he was 20.

Regarding his name change, Kato explained, “To turn over a new leaf. I put the wish to make a fresh start.” Back in October, two NEWS members, Yamashita Tomohisa and Nishikido Ryo, withdrew from the group. Kato shared his thoughts on discovering this fact when all six members met up to discuss the topic in June. He said, “I was shocked to hear about their withdrawal. There was a possibility for the group to disband, but I’m glad we could maintain NEWS even with the four members. I would like to make a new start as a group as well.”

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