Naoki Hinase manages the idol group TINGS under Brightest Agency, recruited by his cousin, president Yuki Hinase, following the previous manager’s departure. Initially hesitant due to past managerial setbacks, he accepted the role after witnessing Haru Nabatame’s unwavering passion through his unique ability to detect a person’s “shine” when they lie—a trait enabling him to gauge sincerity and latent potential. He now channels this insight to steer TINGS toward avoiding disbandment by securing a 2,000-seat sellout for their pivotal anniversary concert.

His rapport with top idol Hotaru, who inspired TINGS, thrives on playful antagonism: she mockingly demands he “commit seppuku” during calls, while he retorts with the nickname “Kei,” hinting at a deep, albeit undefined, history.

As manager, Naoki navigates the group’s internal friction, including mediating clashes between members Momiji Ito and Yukine Gionji after their brief exit to form duo YukiMoji. His pragmatic strategies blend support with structure, targeting individual vulnerabilities and fostering cohesion by aligning actions with each member’s unspoken motivations.

Details about his personal life, family beyond Yuki, or expanded storylines in other media remain undisclosed as of current records.