While his acting career started in 1999, Yamashita's musical path took off in 2003 when he was chosen to be the leader and a primary vocalist for the band NEWS. While the plan was to make the band temporary, with the instant attention they drew, NEWS became a nationwide hit and is still one of Johnny's most successful pop bands today.
In 2005, Yamashita formed his second unit, Shuji to Akira with Kamenashi Kazuya of KAT-TUN for the promotion of the drama "Producing Nobuta", which the duo starred in. The band had a two year run before going on hiatus but still makes a yearly performance on New Year's Eve.
Spring 2006 brought the next recognition to Yamashita not only for his lead role in the drama "Kurosagi" but also for the release of his first and only single, Daite Senorita. The single smashed through the Oricon charts ranking #1 and sold over 600,000 copies - twice that of NEWS' sales per single. Despite his success, Yamashita said he would not go solo, and would remain a member of NEWS.
That same summer, Kitty GYM was formed by Yamashita and Thai brother duet Golf and Mike. They were soon joined by Kitayama Hiromitsu of Kis-my-ft2, Inoo Kei of J.J. Express, Totsuka Shota of A.B.C and Yaotome Hikaru of Ya-Ya-Yah. The temporary group, which was created as cheerleaders for Japan's women volleyball team that year, released the single Fever to Future under the name GYM which used the initials of the founding members.
Much to the surprise and delight of loyal Yamapi fans, Yamashita released a new single called loveless on November 18, 2009, soon thereafter releasing a PV to accompany it. From November until January, the singer embarked on his first solo tour, TOMOHISA YAMASHITA First Solo SHORTBUT SWEET ~Mijkai keredo ii jikan wo~.
Throughout the rest of 2010, Yamashita remained busy with NEWS but made time in the spring to record his new single, One in a million which was released in July. In plans for his upcoming 2011 international tour, Yamashita recently visited China, and was so overwhelmed by the positive response that he added a second date to his January tour.
Along with the January 2011 release of his solo album, SUPERGOOD, SUPERBAD and the single Hadakanbo he performed in Hong Kong on January 29th, which was followed by shows in March in Taipei. From there, his next stop was Korea and Thailand in April.
Although rumors have risen that perhaps Yamashita would leave NEWS to pursue his solo career full time, the singer has indicated that he does not have this intention, and prefers remaining a mentor and participant in the popular Johnny's group. Even with his heightening solo activity, it appears at this time, his feelings on this issue remains the same.
Since his leading roll in the drama "Producing Nobuta", Yamashita Tomohisa has been splashed across the big screen, CD covers and televisions. As a result, his fame has been spread worldwide. Producing music that ranges from pop to electronic, he has quickly been taking the world by storm with his new solo works.
Yamashita, known as Yamapi by friends and fans, has never been far from the lime light. A Johnny's boy since the tender age of 11, Yamashita has worked his way to stardom through multiple musical units, acting and multiple endorsements; even appearing with David and Victoria Beckham in a commercial in 2005.
