EXILE of Exile Tribe

  • I. Introduction:

    EXILE is a Japanese dance and vocal group managed by LDH JAPAN and signed to rhythm zone under Avex. Originally formed as an evolution of J Soul Brothers, EXILE has grown to become LDH’s flagship act and the central group of the larger performance collective EXILE TRIBE.


    The group was officially established in 2001, following the departure of vocalist SASA from the original J Soul Brothers lineup. Remaining members HIRO, MATSU, ÜSA, and MAKIDAI were joined by new vocalists ATSUSHI and SHUN, forming a six-member unit. They made their major debut on September 27, 2001, with the single “Your eyes only Aimai na Boku no Katachi.”


    As of June 2025, EXILE consists of 16 members, including 11 active, 1 on hiatus, and 4 who have officially retired from group activities.


    Official Logo:


    II. History:

    Origins and Formation

    EXILE traces its roots to HIRO’s early music career, beginning with his 1989 debut in the pop group ZOO. In the early 1990s, he envisioned a vocal and dance collective called Japanese Soul Brothers, a unit that participated in dance competitions and supported international acts like Bobby Brown. Following ZOO’s disbandment in 1995, HIRO continued to develop the concept. By 1999, J Soul Brothers was formed with HIRO, ÜSA, MATSU, MAKIDAI, and SASA, marking their official music debut.


    In 2001, SASA departed the group, and vocalists ATSUSHI and SHUN were added. Shortly after, the group was renamed EXILE, and they made their major debut with the single “Your eyes only Aimai na Boku no Katachi.”


    Rise to Prominence

    EXILE quickly gained popularity with a blend of R&B-influenced dance music and powerful ballads. Their breakthrough came with a remake of ZOO’s "Choo Choo TRAIN," and they achieved their first Oricon chart-topper with “real world.” Collaborations with artists like GLAY further solidified their place in Japan’s music scene.


    Following SHUN’s departure, new performers AKIRA and TAKAHIRO joined, helping usher in a new era of success. The group saw multiple chart-topping releases, massive album sales, and back-to-back wins at the Japan Record Awards for songs like “Ti Amo,” “Someday,” and “I Wish For You.”


    Expansion and Leadership Transition

    In 2009, EXILE merged with Nidaime J Soul Brothers, expanding to a 14-member lineup. This marked a turning point for the group, broadening their sound and performance scale. HIRO retired as a performer in 2013 but remained as leader and producer. The group continued to evolve through large-scale auditions and fresh additions from LDH’s younger units.


    Anniversaries and Reinvention

    EXILE celebrated its 15th and 20th anniversaries with major tours, best albums, and special projects. While key members such as Matsumoto Toshio, ÜSA, MAKIDAI, and later Kuroki Keiji retired, the group adapted, showcasing both legacy and reinvention. ATSUSHI, a central figure in EXILE’s vocal identity, temporarily stepped away before later rejoining.


    Recent Developments

    The group entered a new phase with the release of albums PHOENIX and POWER OF WISH, and a series of dome tours. Members increasingly balanced EXILE activities with other group or solo ventures. Graduations and lineup shifts continued, including Mandy Sekiguchi and Iwata Takanori stepping down to focus on individual careers. Despite these changes, EXILE maintained a strong presence, performing internationally and preparing for new releases.


    Legacy

    As the centerpiece of LDH and the EXILE TRIBE collective, EXILE has played a defining role in shaping modern J-Pop’s performance culture. Their consistent reinvention, large-scale productions, and wide-reaching influence have earned them recognition as one of Japan’s most successful and enduring male groups.

    III. Members:

    Stage Name: Kenchi
    Birth Name: Teratsuji Kenichiro (寺辻健一郎)
    Position: Performer, actor
    Birthday: September 28, 1979
    Zodiac Sign: Virgo
    Height: 180 cm (5 ft 10.8 in)
    Blood Type: O
    Nationality: Japanese
    Twitter: @kenchi_official | @permanent_blue
    Instagram: @kenchitachibana
    Facebook: @kenchitachibanaofficial
    Weibo: @KenchiTachibana

    		Stage Name: Atsushi
    Birth Name: Sato Atsushi (佐藤篤志)
    Position: Singer, Songwriter
    Birthday: April 30, 1980
    Zodiac Sign: Taurus
    Height: 175 cm (5 ft 8.8 in)
    Blood Type: A
    Nationality: Japanese
    Twitter: @__EXILE_ATSUSHI
    Instagram: @exile_atsushi_official
    Facebook: @exileatsushi
    Youtube: @exileatsushildh | @exileatsushitv3673
    Weibo: @exileatsushiofficial
    Tiktok: @exile_atsushi_official

    		Stage Name: Tetsuya
    Birth Name: Tsuchida Tetsuya (土田哲也)
    Position: Performer, actor
    Birthday: February 18, 1981
    Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
    Height: 175 cm (5 ft 8.8 in)
    Blood Type: O
    Nationality: Japanese
    Twitter: @epi_tetsuya
    Instagram: @exile_tetsuya_epi
    Facebook: @exiletetsuya

    		Stage Name: Akira
    Birth Name: Kurosawa Ryohei(黒澤良平)
    Position: Performer, Actor
    Birthday: August 23, 1981
    Zodiac Sign: Virgo
    Height: 185 cm (6 ft 0.8 in)
    Blood Type: A
    Nationality: Japanese
    Twitter: @EXILE_AKIRA_LDH
    Facebook: @Naoki Kobayashi
    Youtube: @naokisdreamvillage7995
    Instagram: @exileakira_official

    		Stage Name: Nesmith
    Birth Name: Nesmith Ryuta Karim (ネスミス・竜太・カリム)
    Position: Performer, actor
    Birthday: August 1, 1983
    Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
    Height: 181 cm (5 ft 11.2 in)
    Blood Type: O
    Nationality: Japanese – American
    Twitter: @ex_nes_official
    Openrec.tv: @nes_channel
    Instagram: @exile_nesmith_official

    		Stage Name: Naoto
    Birth Name: Kataoka Naoto (片岡直人)
    Position: Performer, Actor, Fashion Designer
    Birthday: August 30, 1983
    Zodiac Sign: Virgo
    Height: 169 cm (5 ft 6.5 in)
    Blood Type: B
    Nationality: Japanese
    Twitter: @Naoto_EX_3JSB_
    Instagram: @exile_naoto_
    Tiktok: @honestboy_official
    Youtube: @exilenaototv7440
    Weibo: @3JSBNAOTO

    		Stage Name: Naoki
    Birth Name: Kobayashi Naoki (小林直己)
    Position: Performer, Actor
    Birthday: November 10, 1984
    Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
    Height: 187 cm (6 ft 1.6 in)
    Blood Type: O
    Nationality: Japanese
    Twitter: @NNaoki_works_
    Instagram: @naokikobayashi_works
    Facebook: @Naoki-Kobayashi-955666181210637
    Youtube: @naokisdreamvillage799

    		Stage Name: Takahiro
    Birth Name: Tasaki Takahiro (田﨑敬浩)
    Position: Singer, performer, actor
    Birthday: December 8, 1984
    Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
    Height: 180 cm (5 ft 10.8 in)
    Blood Type: O
    Nationality: Japanese
    Twitter: @TAKAHIRO_Staff
    Instagram: @exiletakahiro_official
    Youtube: @exiletakahiroldh

    		Stage Name: Shokichi
    Birth Name: Yagi Shokichi (八木将吉)
    Position: Singer, performer, actor
    Birthday: October 3, 1985
    Zodiac Sign: Libra
    Height: 183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
    Blood Type: N/A
    Nationality: Japanese
    Twitter: @SHOKICHI_927
    Instagram: @exxxile_shokichi

    		Stage Name: Sekai
    Birth Name: Yamamoto Sekai (山本世界)
    Position: Performer
    Birthday: February 21, 1991
    Zodiac Sign: Pisces
    Height: 175 cm (5 ft 8.8 in)
    Blood Type: B
    Nationality: Japanese
    Twitter: @sekai_official_
    Openrec.tv: @sekai_channel
    Threads: @exile_sekai_official
    Instagram: @exile_sekai_official

    		Stage Name: Taiki
    Birth Name: Sato Taiki (佐藤大樹)
    Position: Performer, Actor
    Birthday: January 25, 1995
    Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
    Height: N/A
    Blood Type: A
    Nationality: Japanese
    Twitter: @taiki__official
    Instagram: @taiki_sato_official
    Weibo: @SatoTaiki佐藤大树

    IIII. Retired Members

    HIRO — Leader / Retired Performer

    Matsumoto Toshio (松本利夫) — Retired Performer

    ÜSA — Retired Performer

    MAKIDAI — Retired Performer

    IIIII. Former Members

    SHUN — Founding Member (2001–2006)

    Kuroki Keiji — Member (2009–2022)

    Sekiguchi Mandy — Member (2014–2024)

    Iwata Takanori — Member (2014–2025)

    IV. Discography:

    Studio Albums

    [2002.03.06] our style

    [2003.02.13] Styles Of Beyond

    [2003.12.03] EXILE ENTERTAINMENT

    [2006.03.29] ASIA

    [2007.03.07] EXILE EVOLUTION

    [2007.12.12] EXILE LOVE

    [2009.12.02] Ai Subeki Mirai e

    [2011.03.09] Negai no Tou

    [2012.01.01] EXILE JAPAN

    [2015.03.25] 19 -Road to AMAZING WORLD-

    [2018.07.25] STAR OF WISH

    [2022.01.01] PHOENIX

    [2022.12.07] POWER OF WISH


    Best Albums

    [2005.01.01] PERFECT BEST

    [2008.03.26] EXILE CATCHY BEST

    [2008.07.23] EXILE ENTERTAINMENT BEST

    [2008.12.03] EXILE BALLAD BEST

    [2012.12.05] EXILE BEST HITS -LOVE SIDE / SOUL SIDE-

    [2016.09.27] EXTREME BEST


    Other Albums

    [2003.09.10] The other side of EX Vol.1 (remix album)

    [2004.03.31] Shuku Million Shokai Album Sanmai-Gumi BOX SET ~Appreciation to the million breakthrough~ (box set)

    [2009.03.25] EXILE PERFECT YEAR 2008 ULTIMATE BEST BOX (box set)

    [2019.02.11] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2018-2019 "STAR OF WISH" Set List (digital album)

    [2023.11.29] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2022 "POWER OF WISH" ～Christmas Special～ (Live Selection) (digital live album)


    Singles

    [2001.09.27] Your eyes only ~Aimai na Boku no Katachi~

    [2001.12.12] Style

    [2002.02.20] Fly Away

    [2002.04.17] song for you

    [2002.08.07] Cross ~never say die~

    [2002.11.13] EX-STYLE ~Kiss you~

    [2003.02.05] We Will ~Ano Basho de~

    [2003.05.28] Breezin' ~Together~

    [2003.07.09] LET ME LUV U DOWN

    [2003.11.06] Choo Choo TRAIN

    [2003.11.12] Eternal...

    [2003.11.19] ki・zu・na

    [2003.11.27] O'ver

    [2004.05.12] Carry On / Unmei no Hito

    [2004.06.30] real world

    [2004.08.18] HEART of GOLD

    [2004.12.01] HERO

    [2005.08.24] EXIT

    [2005.12.14] Tada... Aitakute

    [2006.03.01] YES!

    [2006.12.06] Everything

    [2007.01.17] Lovers Again

    [2007.02.14] Michi

    [2007.05.16] SUMMER TIME LOVE

    [2007.08.29] Toki no Kakera / 24karats -type EX-

    [2007.11.21] I Believe

    [2008.02.27] Pure / You're my sunshine

    [2008.09.27] The Birthday ~Ti Amo~

    [2008.11.26] LAST CHRISTMAS

    [2009.04.15] THE MONSTER ~Someday~

    [2009.07.22] THE HURRICANE ~FIREWORKS~

    [2009.11.11] THE GENERATION ~Futatsu no Kuchibiru~

    [2010.06.09] FANTASY

    [2010.09.15] Motto Tsuyoku

    [2010.10.06] I Wish For You

    [2011.02.09] Each Other's Way ~Tabi no Tochuu~

    [2011.09.14] Rising Sun

    [2011.11.23] Anata e

    [2012.06.20] ALL NIGHT LONG

    [2012.07.25] BOW & ARROWS

    [2013.04.03] EXILE PRIDE ~Konna Sekai wo Aisuru Tame~

    [2013.06.19] Flower Song

    [2013.09.25] No Limit

    [2013.10.23] EXILE PRIDE ~Konna Sekai wo Aisuru Tame~ (Special Edition)

    [2014.07.23] NEW HORIZON

    [2015.03.04] Jounetsu no Hana

    [2015.08.19] 24karats GOLD SOUL

    [2015.12.09] Ki・mi・ni・mu・chu

    [2016.08.17] Joy-ride ~Kanki no Drive~

    [2020.01.01] Ai no Tame ni ~for love, for a child~

    [2020.12.16] SUNSHINE

    [2021.04.27] PARADOX

    [2025.09.27] Get-go!


    Digital Singles

    [2009.02.17] THE NEXT DOOR

    [2010.06.16] One Wish

    [2018.02.02] PARTY ALL NIGHT ~STAR OF WISH~

    [2018.03.02] Melody

    [2018.04.06] My Star

    [2018.05.04] Turn Back Time

    [2018.06.01] Awakening

    [2018.07.06] STEP UP

    [2019.01.03] Love of History

    [2021.05.27] One Nation

    [2021.07.01] HAVANA LOVE

    [2022.05.27] BE THE ONE

    [2022.07.01] POWER OF WISH

    [2023.04.26] Reason


    Pre-release Digital Singles

    [2011.11.16] Beautiful Life

    [2013.05.29] Flower Song

    [2015.11.11] Ki・mi・ni・mu・chu

    [2019.12.11] Ai no Tame ni ~for love, for a child~

    [2020.11.03] SUNSHINE

    [2020.11.23] RED PHOENIX

    [2021.03.24] YELLOW HAPPINESS

    [2021.03.28] PARADOX


    Split Singles

    [2005.07.20] GLAY x EXILE - "SCREAM"

    [2006.11.22] EXILE & Koda Kumi - "WON'T BE LONG"

    [2007.08.29] Sowelu, EXILE, DOBERMAN INC - "24karats -type S-"

    [2010.05.19] Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra & EXILE - "Houshuku Kyoku Kumikyoku "Taiyou no Kuni""


    Music Video Collections

    [2002.03.20] EXPV 1

    [2003.03.05] EXPV 2

    [2004.03.31] EXPV 3

    [2012.01.01] EXILE MUSIC VIDEO BEST


    Live Concerts

    [2004.09.29] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2004 "EXILE ENTERTAINMENT"

    [2006.03.29] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2005 ~PERFECT LIVE "ASIA"~

    [2007.10.17] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2007 EXILE EVOLUTION

    [2009.03.18] EXILE LIVE TOUR "EXILE PERFECT LIVE 2008"

    [2009.10.28] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2009 "THE MONSTER"

    [2010.12.01] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2010 FANTASY

    [2012.03.14] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2011 TOWER OF WISH ~Negai no Tou~

    [2013.10.16] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2013 "EXILE PRIDE"

    [2014.03.31] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2013 "EXILE PRIDE" 9.27 FINAL

    [2016.04.13] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2015 "AMAZING WORLD"

    [2019.07.31] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2018-2019 "STAR OF WISH"

    [2022.08.31] EXILE 20th ANNIVERSARY EXILE LIVE TOUR 2021 "RED PHOENIX"

    [2023.11.29] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2022 "POWER OF WISH" ~Christmas Special~


    Variety

    [2009.04.29] EXILE GENERATION SEASON 1 BOX

    [2009.03.18] EXILE GENERATION SEASON 2 BOX

    [2009.03.18] EXILE GENERATION SEASON 2 SPECIAL BOX

    [2010.04.14] EXILE GENERATION SEASON 3

    [2010.04.14] EXILE GENERATION SEASON 4

    [2010.04.14] EXILE GENERATION Christmas SP

    [2011.01.26] EXILE GENERATION SEASON 5

    [2011.01.26] EXH ~EXILE HOUSE~

    [2011.06.01] HIRUXILE 1st half Box

    [2012.01.18] HIRUXILE 2nd half BOX


    Compilations/Others

    [2004.01.28] DJ YUTAKA - EPISODE I (#6 "self belief")

    [2011.06.01] Sandaime J Soul Brothers - J Soul Brothers (#11 "24karats STAY GOLD" - EXILE feat. Sandaime J Soul Brothers)


    V. Works:

    Filmography

    Television

    [2009.01 - 2010.03] EXILE GENERATION

    [2009.04 - 2010.03] EXH ~EXILE HOUSE~

    [2010.01 - 2021.09] Shuukan EXILE

    [2010.04 - 2011.03] Hiruxile

    [2010.04 - 2010.09] EXE

    [2010.10 - 2012.09] EXILE Tamashii

    [2012.11 - 2013.03] EX-LOUNGE

    [2021.10.02] EXILE to Odorou


    Publications

    Books

    [2003.03.20] EXILE BOND OF SIX

    [2007.03.01] EXILE ROAD TO CHAPTER 2 -Dai Ni Shou e no Michi–

    [2011.11.26] EXILE Yume no Mukou no Kokorozashi


    Other

    [2012-present] Shitte, Kanen Project (知って、肝炎プロジェクト) - Special supporter


    VI. Concerts/Tours:

    Tours

    [2003.04.28-2003.07.01] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2003 Styles Of Beyond

    [2004.05.14-2004.07.14] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2004 "EXILE ENTERTAINMENT"

    [2005.09.24-2005.12.18] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2005 ~PERFECT LIVE "ASIA"~

    [2007.05.11-2007.08.05] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2007 EXILE EVOLUTION

    [2008.10.02-2008.10.28] EXILE SHOWCASE LIVE 2008

    [2008.11.29-2008.12.31] EXILE LIVE TOUR "EXILE PERFECT LIVE 2008"

    [2009.05.09-2009.08.16] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2009 "THE MONSTER"

    [2010.07.17-2010.09.26] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2010 FANTASY

    [2011.11.26-2011.12.25] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2011 TOWER OF WISH ~Negai no Tou~

    [2013.04.16-2013.09.27] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2013 "EXILE PRIDE"

    [2015.09.11-2015.12.27] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2015 "AMAZING WORLD"

    [2018.09.15-2019.02.11] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2018-2019 "STAR OF WISH"

    [2020.01.19-2020.02.25] EXILE PERFECT LIVE 2001▶︎2020

    [2022.02.26-2022.05.26] EXILE 20th ANNIVERSARY EXILE LIVE TOUR 2021 "RED PHOENIX"

    [2022.07.06-2022.12.21] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2022 "POWER OF WISH"


    Concerts

    [2006.09.22] EXILE VOCAL BATTLE AUDITION 2006 ~ASIAN DREAM~

    [2014.04.27] EXILE PERFORMER BATTLE AUDITION FINAL in NIPPON BUDOKAN


    Overseas Concerts

    [2023.12.09] EXILE LIVE 2023 in TAIPEI


    Online Concerts

    [2020.12.29] LIVE×ONLINE BEYOND THE BORDER "EXILE"


    Concerts Featured In

    [2012.04.14-2012.07.01] EXILE TRIBE LIVE TOUR 2012 ~TOWER OF WISH~

    [2014.09.03-2014.12.28] EXILE TRIBE PERFECT YEAR LIVE TOUR TOWER OF WISH 2014 ~THE REVOLUTION~

    [2016.07.22-2016.10.03] HiGH&LOW THE LIVE

    [2019.12.31] LDH PERFECT YEAR 2020 COUNTDOWN LIVE 2019▶︎2020 "RISING"

    [2020.12.31] LIVE×ONLINE COUNTDOWN 2020▶︎2021 "RISING SUN TO THE WORLD"

    [2021.03.10-2021.06.28] EXILE TRIBE LIVE TOUR 2021 "RISING SUN TO THE WORLD"

    [2021.12.31] LIVE×ONLINE COUNTDOWN 2021▶︎2022

    [2022.05.21] iCON Z 2022 ~Dreams For Children~


    Fanclub Events

    [2005.12.31] EXILE COUNTDOWN LIVE 2005-2006 CLOSED CIRCUIT

    [2007.08.xx] "EX FAMILY" in HAWAII ~Live Tour Uchiage 2007~ ("EX FAMILY" in HAWAII 〜ライブツアー打ち上げ2007〜)

    [2010.09.27] EXILE LIVE TOUR 2010 FANTASY Goya-sai ~EXILE Tamashii~ (FANTASY後夜祭 〜EXILE魂〜)

    [2012.07.xx] FAN CLUB TOUR 2012 "EX FAMILY" in HAWAII

    [2019.02.09] EXILE TRIBE FAMILY SPECIAL LIVE "STAR OF WISH" ~Hoshi ni Negai wo~ (EXILE TRIBE FAMILY SPECIAL LIVE "STAR OF WISH" 〜星に願いを〜)


    Fan Meetings

    [2021.09.27] ABEMA×LDH 2021 Special Fan Meeting EXILE TRIBE STATION in YOKOHAMA

    [2021.12.16] ABEMA×LDH ONLINE X'mas LIVE PARTY

    [2022.04.08] ABEMA×LDH EXILE SPECIAL FAN MEETING 2022


    The information presented in this lexicon is sourced from the EXILE page on the EXILE TRIBE Fandom website

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