Shinjiro Atae made J-pop history by sharing his truth with the world
This profile is part of Queerty’s 2023 Out For Good series, recognizing public figures who’ve had the courage to come out and make a difference in the past year.Name: Shinjiro Atae, 34Bio: This Japanese singer-songwriter, actor, dancer, and model was born to perform.
A love for movement at a young age led to his 2005 debut as a member of J-pop group AAA. Atae may have been the co-ed band’s junior member, but he quickly became a fan favorite with his beaming smile and precise moves.As the crew’s profile began to rise, so did Atae’s.
AAA (pronounced Triple A) nabbed eight top-10 hits on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, and Shinjiro became a mainstay with roles in Japanese film and television shows.
Still, a competitive spirit within the group took a toll on Atae, who had gotten “stuck in a marsh of negative thinking,” according to his memoir.Cue the trip that began to change everything.
