Sakuya

Sakuya of NCT WISH: The Playful Maknae with a Deep, Clear Rap Tone

Sakuya, born Fujinaga Sakuya, is a Japanese rapper and vocalist and the maknae (youngest member) of NCT WISH, SM Entertainment’s Tokyo-based, sixth and final NCT sub-unit. With a laid-back charm and a surprisingly deep rap tone for the group’s youngest member, Sakuya has carved out a distinct place in NCT WISH’s line-up. Here’s everything worth knowing about him.

From Ishikawa to the Idol Stage

Sakuya was born on November 18, 2007, in Ishikawa, Japan, though he grew up in Saitama. He was one of the later contestants introduced on NCT Universe: LASTART, SM’s 2023 survival show, appearing as the ninth trainee revealed to fans. After around a year of training, he earned his spot in the group’s official lineup and, being the youngest of the six, became NCT WISH’s designated maknae.

Debut and Promotions with NCT WISH

Sakuya officially debuted with NCT WISH on February 21, 2024, performing the group’s first single “Wish” at their Tokyo debut stage. As lead rapper and sub-vocalist, he’s known for his precise Korean pronunciation and a rap delivery that’s noticeably deeper and clearer than you might expect from the group’s maknae. He’s promoted across the group’s full discography since debut, from “Songbird” and “Steady” through “Poppop,” “Color,” and “Wishlist,” and has performed on NCT WISH’s Asia Tour “Log In” as well as their first standalone concert tour, “Into the Wish: Our Wish.”

Personality and Everyday Charms

Sakuya describes his own personality as curious, and members have pointed to his laid-back attitude as one of his most charming traits. He’s playful, quick to joke around, and known for walking surprisingly fast. Little details make him memorable too: he reportedly keeps 27 keychains hanging from his bag, adores bread (croissants are his favorite), and lists giving gifts and browsing the mart among his simple pleasures. If he weren’t a singer, Sakuya has said he’d want to be a swimmer, and he and groupmate Ryo are known to be close friends within the group.

What Makes Sakuya Stand Out

As NCT WISH’s youngest member, Sakuya brings a mix of playful energy and unexpected vocal maturity to the group’s stages. His rap tone gives NCT WISH’s songs an added texture, while his down-to-earth personality has made him a fan favorite for feeling relatable and genuine rather than overly polished. For fans drawn to the “youngest member with old soul energy” archetype, Sakuya delivers that in spades.