Sho Yonashiro
JO1’s Okinawa-born leader, vocalist, lyricist and actor. Sho anchors an eleven-person group with a low, steady voice and the kind of calm that makes a complicated room feel manageable.
Profile
| Full name | Sho Yonashiro (與那城 奨) |
|---|---|
| Born | October 25, 1995 |
| Birthplace | Okinawa Prefecture, Japan |
| Height | 180 cm |
| Blood type | O |
| Group | JO1 |
| Role | Leader · vocalist · lyricist · actor |
| Agency | LAPONE Entertainment |
| Status | Active · 2020–present |
From Okinawa to Produce 101 Japan
Sho entered Produce 101 Japan without the longest public entertainment résumé in the final lineup, but his vocal color and composed presence gave the eventual group something it needed: weight. Viewers selected him for JO1, and the members later trusted him with leadership. JO1 debuted in March 2020 with PROTOSTAR and “Infinity.”
Leadership in a large group is less about occupying every center position than about keeping eleven personalities legible. Sho often handles greetings, long-form interviews and the tonal reset after louder members finish causing affectionate chaos.
Voice and songwriting
Sho’s lower register gives JO1 songs contrast against the group’s brighter tenors. His best passages sound grounded rather than ornamental, particularly in ballads and songs that need a warm final lift.
His official work list credits him as a lyricist on JO1 songs including “My Friends,” “YOLO-konde,” “NEWSmile” and “Bon Voyage.” He also wrote “Breaking Champions” with other LAPONE artists and the solo song “Promise.” That writing record matters because it moves his profile beyond the generic leader label: he helps shape the words JO1 uses to address its audience.
Outside the group, he appeared as a guest vocalist on SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]’s “OUTSIDERS” and joined HY for “366 Days feat. Sho Yonashiro.” Those collaborations make practical use of the deep, reassuring tone fans recognize immediately.
Acting and screen work
Sho starred as Haruhiko Takechi in the Amazon anthology drama Short Program and played Sota Nakamoto in WOWOW’s Fence. He also appeared in the film OUT as Keigo Nagashima. These are credited roles, not rumor-board casting wishes.
His television work ranges from variety appearances to music and culture programs. The range fits his public role: JO1 can send him into a noisy studio or a formal conversation and reasonably expect the segment to stay upright.
Personality, fandom notes and useful context
- Okinawa file: his birthplace is central to the way official and fan profiles describe his relaxed warmth and regional pride.
- Oldest member: age does not automatically create leadership, but Sho combines seniority with patience and clear communication.
- JAM connection: he regularly frames JO1 milestones as shared achievements with the fandom rather than trophies delivered from above.
- English ability: he has used English publicly, including narration work for the National Theatre Okinawa’s official channel.
RaeRae take
Sho has the energy of the person holding the group itinerary while ten other men discover a side quest. He does not flatten JO1’s chaos; he gives it a safe place to land. Then he opens his mouth, drops one of those low notes, and reminds everybody that “responsible leader” is not the same thing as background furniture.
YouTube tracking history
Official solo releases credited to SHO through JO1’s PLANJ project.