It's been announced that NEWS member Kato Shigeaki (24) will make his debut as a novelist, and will release a youth novel titled "Pink to Gray" (Kadokawa Shoten) on January 28th. �He also announced that his name would be changed to "Kato Shigeaki" (???? to ?????? will be converted from Kanji to Katakana).

This will be the first time for any talento from Johnny & Associates, Inc. to publish a novel. �Kato also stated during an interview, "I will continue writing after this, and someday, I would like to win the Naoki Prize (Japanese literary award).", and revealed that he is planning to pursue both�careers as a talento and as a novelist simultaneously.

His debut novel "Pink to Gray" is a story about two best friends who enter into the entertainment industry, and one becomes a star, while the other is nothing more than an extra. �Kato appealed confidently, "I�guarantee�that it will have a shocking impact on whoever reads it." �Although he didn't major in literature and studied law, reportedly, he had always loved to write, and wanted to write a novel ever since he was 20 years old.

Kato also said about his name change, "To turn over a new leaf. �I put the wish to make a fresh start." �Back in October, two of the members, Yamashita Tomohisa and Nishikido Ryo left the group. �Kato revealed how he felt when the all six members had a talk in June, "I was shocked to hear about their withdrawal. �There was a possibility for the group to disband, but I'm glad we could maintain NEWS even with the four members. �I would like to make a new start as a group as well."

Source: Sanspo