As an artist

He was inspired by bands Hikaru Genji and SMAP to answer a recruiting call of Johnny & Associates and was accepted. In 1992, he played several stage plays (Playzone and Mask) together with other Tokio members. He first played tambourine during Tokio's early performances as SMAP's background dancers. Just prior to Tokio's debut, the band's rhythm guitarist, Hiromu Kojima, left the band and was replaced by Tomoya Nagase.

In 1997, Nagase collaborated with American R&B group 3T to record the Japanese version of Eternal Flame, which was used as the theme song for the Japanese drama D×D, in which he starred. The single was released under the artist name "Tomoya with 3T" and reached #12 on the Oricon charts. Nagase lists Guns N' Roses as his favorite band.

As an actor

Nagase has had parts in over 40 dramas. His first lead role was in Hakusen Nagashi (1996). More lead roles followed including Ikebukuro West Gate Park, Mukodono!, and Tiger & Dragon. Mukodono! was his first comedic role. In My Boss My Hero he had another comedic role. He received an "Ishihara Yuijiro Award" in 2002 as "The Best Newcomer" for his role in the movie Seoul.

Endorsements

Nagase has endorsed many various brands with the band Tokio and by himself. He is currently a brand ambassador for Fujicolor and Lotte Toppo. With Tokio, he has endorsed among others Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Eneos, a brand for Nippon Oil. As an actor, he has also endorsed UFO Nissin noodles, Lotte Coolish drinks, Subaru, Morinaga, Suntory Dry beer, Mazda, All Nippon Airways, NTT docomo, Hitachi Wooo, and Uniqlo.

Personal life

Nagase dated J-Pop singer and former actress Ayumi Hamasaki from the beginning of both of their acting careers.[5] In 2001, they publicly announced their relationship. In 2007, the media circulated rumors that the couple were about to get married; however, on July 13 of that year, Ayumi Hamasaki announced that they had broken up. Though Hamasaki did not explain the reason for the split, she stated that they had parted amicably and the two remained friends.