Yuma

Yuma was born in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, where he first developed his passion for dance and performance before eventually joining HYBE Labels Japan and debuting with &TEAM. Source: KProfiles

Yuma has one of the most extensive trainee histories among fourth- and fifth-generation idols. He trained under Johnny's Entertainment beginning in 2012, later moved to Avex from 2015 to 2018, and eventually joined HYBE Labels Japan, giving him experience with three of Japan's and Korea's most influential entertainment companies. Source: NamuWiki

During his time at Avex, Yuma was a member of the trainee project group α-X's (Across). Although the group disbanded in 2018 before officially debuting, the experience helped prepare him for his future career. Source: NamuWiki

Yuma began learning jazz dance after watching his older sister take lessons. Inspired by her, he started dancing at a young age and accumulated more than a decade of dance experience before debuting. Source: KProfiles

One of Yuma's most lasting contributions to &TEAM came before many fans even realized it—he created the hand gesture used during the group's official greeting, "We Link!" Source: NamuWiki

Yuma enjoys creating his own choreography and reportedly passed his &Audition – The Howling evaluation using self-choreographed dance, showcasing both his creativity and technical ability. Source: NamuWiki

Growing up in western Japan, Yuma naturally speaks with a Kansai accent and frequently uses Osaka dialect expressions like "nandeyanen," something fans find both charming and funny. Source: NamuWiki

Among Japanese entertainers, Yuma looks up to Nishikido Ryo and Tamamori Yuta, both of whom inspired him as he pursued an entertainment career. Source: KProfiles

Fashion is one of Yuma's biggest hobbies. Beyond simply wearing stylish outfits, he enjoys designing and making his own clothes, allowing him to express his creativity in another way. Source: KProfiles

Yuma is one of only two members of &TEAM who dislikes pineapple pizza, a surprisingly specific preference that fans often bring up during interviews and games. Source: kpopsingers.com

During his trainee years, Yuma trained alongside INI member Takumi Ozaki, who later debuted through Produce 101 Japan Season 2. Their shared trainee history highlights how long Yuma worked toward achieving his dream. Source: NamuWiki

Yuma lives by the personal motto: "One man's fault is another lesson." The saying reflects his belief that mistakes should become opportunities for growth rather than reasons to give up. Source: KProfiles

Fans often praise Yuma's creativity during performances. Whether contributing choreography ideas or experimenting with fashion, he consistently finds ways to express his artistic personality. Source: Member interviews, NamuWiki

Having trained under multiple agencies with very different systems, Yuma developed a versatile performance style that blends the strengths of Japanese idol culture with modern K-pop performance techniques. Source: NamuWiki

His Kansai humor makes him one of the group's natural entertainers. Fans enjoy hearing him casually switch into regional dialect during conversations with the other members. Source: NamuWiki

Yuma's long training period taught him patience and resilience. Rather than debuting quickly, he spent years refining his dance, vocals, and stage presence before finally achieving his dream with &TEAM. Source: KProfiles, NamuWiki

Because of his experience creating choreography, fellow members often appreciate Yuma's attention to movement details and performance quality during rehearsals. Source: NamuWiki

From beginning jazz dance as a young child to training under Johnny's, Avex, and HYBE, Yuma followed one of the most unique developmental paths among modern idols. Today, his creativity, humor, and artistic mindset continue to make him an indispensable member of &TEAM. Source: KProfiles, NamuWiki