NEWS member Shigeaki Kato announced the birth of his first child on November 10 through STARTO ENTERTAINMENT's official website.

"I am pleased to announce that my first child has been born," Kato shared. 

"Having welcomed this new life into my arms, I intend to move forward with an even greater sense of responsibility as a parent, an entertainer, and an individual. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has always supported me, and I will continue working hard to repay your kindness."

Born in Osaka in 1987, Kato made his debut as a novelist in 2012 with Pink and Gray while continuing his activities as a member of NEWS. His 2021 novel Alternate received the Eiji Yoshikawa Prize for New Writers and the High School Students' Naoki Prize.

In addition to his music and writing careers, Kato has been active in theater. He served as the original creator, screenwriter, and creative producer for the stage production AmberS, which premiered in April 2026.