Lead

Members

Shinya Taniuchi / 谷内伸也 D.O.B.: September 23, 1987 Birthplace: Osaka, Japan

Keita Furuya / 古屋敬多 D.O.B.: June 13, 1988 Birthplace: Fukuoka, Japan

Akira Kagimoto / 鍵本輝 D.O.B.: August 20, 1988 Birthplace: Nara, Japan

Past Members

Hiroki Nakadoi / 中土居宏宜 D.O.B.: July 26, 1985 Birthplace: Osaka, Japan

Hiroki Nakadoi, Shinya Taniuchi, and Akira Kagimoto all attended Osaka's "Caless Vocal and Dance School" and became good friends. By March 2002, they began doing live street performances, on the streets of Shiroten, Osaka; under the dance unit name of "remix". By May 2002, they renamed the group from "remix" to "flow". After having the name change, the three decided to recruit a fourth member.

Meanwhile, on April 13, 2002 - the "Kyushu/Fukuoka Starlight Audition" was held in Okinawa, Japan on a search for new talent. At the time, thirteen-year-old Keita Furuya and another contestant were declared winners out of the 8,751 hopefuls that had auditioned. Flow tracked down Keita and he soon joined the now four member group "flow" as of May 18, 2002.

On May 23, 2002 - The group underwent another and final name change, officially becoming "Lead", as they hoped to become a leading group of the age.

Around early July 2002 - They held their first live street performance as a four member group "Lead" at Osaka Castle Park. Giving the public a taste of not only their dancing, but singing and rapping as well. The event was a huge success with around 7,000 attendees. Lead also became the opening act for budding group w-inds. for their first live tour - "1st Message", and performed in front of a 120,000 people each opening.

Lead then soon released their first debut single "Manatsu no Magic (Mid Summer Magic)" on July 31, 2002.

That same year, Lead had won 'Best Newcomer' on the 44th Japan Record Awards.