Hiroki Uchi (内 博貴, Uchi Hiroki) (born September 10, 1986) is a Japanese idol singer, songwriter, actor and model. He was born in Habikino, Osaka Prefecture, Japan.

Biography

Uchi Hiroki auditioned for Johnny & Associates on May 1999, at the age of twelve. He had no interest in the entertainment industry, instead dreaming about professional baseball career, but was signed up to audition by his mother.

He became the vocalist of the junior’s group V. West. At this time, he had the TV show “Weekly V. West” with other members of the group. Three years later, on December 2002, Uchi became a member of Kanjani8, which was officially formed.

Around the same time, Uchi started filming his first drama, Doremisora. In 2003, Uchi and his best friend, another Kanjani8 member, Nishikido Ryo, were asked to join the band NEWS along with seven other members. The same year, Uchi took part in the drama Boku no Ikiru Michi, and was awarded the Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix as a best newcomer.

In 2004, Uchi made his debut with NEWS (The song: Kibou-Yell) and with Kanjani8 in the Kansai area, then nationwide.

Uchi is a contemporary Japanese sushi restaurant located in Austin, Texas which opened in 2003. The Japanese word "Uchi" translates to "house" in English, and the 2,700-square-foot (250 m²) space is a refurbished home. Owner and chef Tyson Cole's menu consists of hot and cool tastings, sushi and sashimi, makimono, yakimono and tempura, and a changing omakase based on seasonal items. In 2011, Cole won the “Best Chef, Southwest” award from the James Beard Foundation. Jeramie Robison is currently the Chef de Cuisine.

Sister restaurants

Uchiko

Uchiko, Tyson Cole’s follow up to his first restaurant, Uchi, opened its doors in July 2010. Translated as “child of uchi” from Japanese, Uchiko is located at 4200 North Lamar, just south of 45th Street in Central Austin. Sterling Ridings is the Chef de Cuisine and Yoni Lang is the Head Sushi Chef.

Uchi Houston

Uchi Houston opened in Feb 2012, located at 904 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77006. Kaz Edwards is the Chef de Cuisine.

Uchi Dallas

Uchi Dallas opened on June 1, 2015, located at 2817 Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75201. Nilton "Junior" Borges is the Chef de Cuisine.