Toru began his journey in the entertainment industry at a young age. While still in elementary school, he co-founded the hip-hop dance group HEADS with his childhood friend and future bandmate Ryota Kohama. The group signed under Amuse, Inc. and debuted in July 2000 with the single "screeeem!", followed by "Gooood or Bad!" later that year. HEADS performed regularly in popular districts like Osaka's Kyōbashi and Tokyo's Akihabara, gaining attention within the Japanese dance and music scene.

HEADS released a total of six singles and one album before disbanding in 2002. Afterward, Toru and Ryota briefly joined a larger collective called GROUND 0 in 2003 to continue honing their skills, but this project was short-lived.

Parallel to his early music pursuits, Toru ventured into acting. In 2005, he played a significant role as Ryugo in the TV drama "Shibuya Fifteen (Sh15uya)" and made a cameo appearance in Kamen Rider Hibiki as a high school student. These experiences broadened his understanding of the entertainment world but ultimately reinforced his passion for music.

In 2005, motivated by a growing love for rock music, Toru decided to start a rock band—a major shift from his earlier dance background. He recruited Ryota as bassist, their upperclassman Alexander "Alex" Reimon Onizawa as a guitarist, and friend Yu Koyanagi as the drummer. Realizing the importance of a powerful vocalist, Toru persistently approached Takahiro Moriuchi (Taka) after witnessing his performance. After multiple refusals, Taka eventually accepted Toru's invitation, completing the initial lineup of what would become ONE OK ROCK.

Toru emerged as the band's leader and driving force, steering its musical direction. His persistence and vision played a defining role in the band's foundation and early growth. When Alex left the group in 2009, Toru transitioned from rhythm to lead guitar, further cementing his central role in shaping ONE OK ROCK's sound.

As leader and lead guitarist, Toru is a cornerstone of ONE OK ROCK's identity. His guitar work blends melodic layers with dynamic riffs, contributing to the band's signature mix of alternative rock, post-hardcore, and emotional ballads. Beyond performance, he takes an active role in songwriting and arranging, ensuring each project aligns with the band's evolving style.

Toru has cited a wide range of influences, including Foo Fighters, The Smashing Pumpkins, Enter Shikari, LINKIN PARK, Good Charlotte, Sleeping With Sirens, Nirvana, The Used, Avril Lavigne, and Biffy Clyro. These inspirations reflect in the band's fusion of Western rock energy with Japanese sensibilities.

Toru's choice of guitars has evolved over the years. In ONE OK ROCK's early days, he primarily used Gibson Les Paul Standard Black, later adding a Les Paul Custom Alpine White, which became iconic during the Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer era. Notably, this guitar was later signed by members of Fall Out Boy and Avril Lavigne.

From the JINSEI x BOKU = era onward, Toru shifted toward PRS (Paul Reed Smith) Guitars, favoring their tonal versatility. More recently, during the Eye of the Storm era and beyond, he has been seen using Fender Stratocasters, reflecting a lighter, more experimental sound that complements the band's newer material.

On December 28, 2021, Toru announced his marriage to actress and model Aya Ōmasa, sharing the news via Instagram. On January 8, 2025, the couple revealed that they are expecting their first child, a moment Toru proudly confirmed on social media.

He is also noted for being the only current member of ONE OK ROCK without any tattoos—a distinctive personal choice that sets him apart visually from his bandmates.