Joining SM and NCT

Shotaro joined SM in 2019 after he was DM cast through Instagram by SM Entertainment Japan. At the same time, Taro had also just landed the job of being a backup dancer on GACKT’s 20th Anniversary KHAOS Tour. Typically, trainees are quick to fly out to South Korea to begin the training process, however, given the circumstances, Shotaro decided to seize his opportunity and tour with GACKT. As the world began to shut down due to COVID-19, the tour had to abruptly end. During this time, Taka-sensei, who is Shotaro’s dance teacher and mentor, reached out to him numerous times to ensure he had any gigs he could during these hard times.

Shotaro had made up his mind and decided to leave for South Korea. His family was a bit apprehensive as Shotaro was the firstborn and eldest son. He calmed his family's worries by telling them he would only be gone for 1 year. After 1 year, if he can’t debut, he would come back home.

Shotaro’s trainee period is mysterious and short-lived as he has not spoken much about this time, nor did he have much of a trainee period. In just a few months after arriving in South Korea, Shotaro was set to make his debut in NCT in October 2020.