Masahiro Nakai had throat surgery to remove tumor

On June 27th, SMAP's Nakai Masahiro revealed that he had surgery earlier this month to remove a tumor in his throat.

Nakai had an uncomfortable feeling in his throat since about a year and a half ago. Because his voice had gotten so raspy, he went to see a doctor in late-May. Upon detailed examination, a tumor was found in his throat and the doctor told him that it could be cancerous. Consequently, he received surgery on "June 3rd or 4th".

Nakai was hospitalized for 5 days. He said that his hospitalization was the most fun he's ever had in his life because he didn't have to see anybody. Nakai also revealed that he had lost his father this February due to throat cancer.

On the same day, Nakai served as the host of TBS' music program 'Ongaku no Hi', and also performed a medley with his group. He didn't show any signs that he had undergone throat surgery.

Source: Oricon


"He didn't show any signs that he had undergone throat surgery."

I can hear the one-liners already.

SMAP's 55th single to be released in September

SMAP's 55th single will be released on September 9th.

The single will be a double A-side titled "Otherside / Ai ga Tomaru Made wa". "Otherside" was written by LEO Imai and composed by MIYAVI. It will be used as the new theme song for the group's program "SMAP�~SMAP" on Fuji TV. A collaboration live of SMAP and MIYAVI will broadcast on the August 17th episode of "SMAP�~SMAP".

Meanwhile, "Ai ga Tomaru Made wa" was both written and composed by Kawatani Enon (Gesu no Kiwami Otome., indigo la End). While Kawatani has previously provided two songs "Amanojack" and "Sukiyo" for SMAP's album "Mr.S", this will be her first time being in charge of their single.

The single will be released in 3 different editions: Limited Edition A, Limited Edition B, and Regular Edition. Limited Edition A DVD will contain the PV for "Otherside", while the Limited Edition B DVD will contain the PV for "Ai ga Tomaru Made wa". The Regular Edition will include a coupling track called "Breaking Dawn".


[Limited Edition A]

CD
01. Otherside
02. Ai ga Tomaru Made wa
03. Otherside�iback track�j
04. Ai ga Tomaru Made wa�iback track�j


DVD
�EOtherside�iMUSIC VIDEO�j


[Limited Edition B]

CD
01. Ai ga Tomaru Made wa
02. Otherside
03. Ai ga Tomaru Made wa�iback track�j
04. Otherside�iback track�j

DVD
�EAi ga Tomaru Made wa�iMUSIC VIDEO


[Regular Edition]

01. Otherside
02. Ai ga Tomaru Made wa
03. Breaking Dawn
04. Otherside�iback track�j
05. Ai ga Tomaru Made wa�iback track�j
06. Breaking Dawn�iback track�j

Source: natalie

Where is SMAPXELAINE when we need her?!!?

SMAP rumored to be breaking up

SMAP is said to be headed towards a breakup after their chief manager is set to leave their agency Johnny's Jimusho. As four of the members i.e. Nakai Masahiro, Inagaki Goro, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi and Katori Shingo are said to resign for the sake of following their chief manager who had been working with them for many years while Kimura Takuya is set to remain behind in Johnny's Jimusho, the group looks set to disband as it will be difficult for them to operate as SMAP under different management companies. Moreover, the breakaway members are expected to be unable to use the name "SMAP" anymore in their solo careers.

Although there is no concrete date on the breakup or when the members are leaving the company nor any official statement from the members themselves, the legal advisor of Johnny's Jimusho confirmed the news that SMAP's chief manager has resigned as a director of Johnny's Jimusho affiliate company "J Dream" which is managing SMAP. She is said to be leaving the company soon.

According to reports, discussions over the group's future lasted more than half a year and the decision was only made towards the end of last year. Despite the fact that the backing of their agency was a huge factor in SMAP's success, the chief manager who had been working with the group all this while was credited for "raising" the group to its status today especially since they did not do very well initially in their music careers. With the development of each member in their niche fields, SMAP slowly moved up the ranks to become a national idol group. In order to follow their manager, the four members are said to have decided to leave with her while Kimura who feels grateful to the president Johnny Kitagawa for choosing them to form the group, decided to stay behind after deliberating on the issue for a long time.

The first sign of internal conflict between the chief manager and the agency's management was hinted at early last year when an executive was interviewed and she had hinted that there was no room for infighting within the company and that there was a possibility that SMAP's chief manager may leave. In addition, despite the fact that this year is SMAP's 25th CD debut anniversary, there were no plans announced for a commemorative CD release or national concert tour which seemed to suggest that this was due to this issue.

With the news of SMAP's impending breakup, the impact is far-reaching as the group's activities stretch across various fields. For example, their signature variety programme "SMAPxSMAP" on FujiTV which started in 1996, is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. If the group indeed breaks up, the programme is likely to end its run. In terms of individual variety programmes, Nakai has 5 under his belt while Katori has 3, Kusanagi 2 and Inagaki 1. Nakai is more active in the TV variety scene while the rest of his members are more into acting. Kimura is in the midst of filming Miike Takashi's "Mugen no Junin" which is to be shown next year, Kusanagi and Katori both have dramas beginning this season i.e. "Specialist" and "Kazoku no Katachi" while Inagaki is due to begin his stage play "Koi to Ongaku FINAL ~ Jikan Gekijou no Kiseki~" from 6 February.

According to their official website, SMAP has two group CM deals with Seven & I Holdings and Universal Studios Japan which means that they will be affected if the group ceases to be. As for individual CM deals, Katori has 5, Kimura 4, Nakai and Kusanagi both have 3 each while Inagaki has 1. The group is also the supporter for the Paralympic Support Centre and tasked to promote awareness for the organisation.

Source: Nikkansports 1 / Nikkansports 2 / Nikkansports 3

Gotta love fan loyalty:

SMAP fans buy "Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana" CD to stop SMAP break up

In response to news of SMAP's impending break up on 13 January, there is a campaign going on in a bid to stop that from happening. Some SMAP fans have initiated the move to purchase SMAP's bestselling single to date i.e. "Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana" and push total sales to "triple million" so as to show the group that the fans want them to remain together and how much they support them. To date, the single has sold around 2.6 million copies so to hit the 3 million mark, another 400,000 copies or so need to be sold. The campaign hashtag is currently one of the top 10 trending Twitter topics now with tweets sharing information on how to buy the CD and getting the people around them to do the same. Based on checks done this morning, the CD is already sold out on various online sites such as Amazon Japan, Yodobashi.com, HMV and Tower Records.

Source: Livedoor News

gaijinmark wrote:

SMAP rumored to be breaking up

Or maybe not:

SMAP say they are staying together

SMAP members appeared "live" on tonight's broadcast of SMAPxSMAP (18th January) where they spoke for the first time on the controversy of their reported independence movement with their chief manager Iijima and apologised to everyone for causing them to worry. The members also pledged to stay together no matter what happens which is seen as a confirmation that the group will be staying put in their current agency Johnny's Jimusho.

At the beginning of the program, their hit single "Sekai ni hitotsu dake no hana" was played in the background along with past footage of the members and an introduction to messages sent by fans to the TV station. After this segment, the members appeared in black suits and ties and stood in one line facing the camera. Kimura Takuya stood in the middle while his fellow members stood beside him in the order of Nakai Masahiro, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, Kimura, Inagaki Goro and Katori Shingo. The five of them had their hands in front of them and were visibly tense on screen.

Kimura was the first to speak:
Today is 18th January 2016.
Last week, we SMAP have caused trouble to everyone with our own matter. As such, we have caused many people to be worried and inconvenienced by us. Under such circumstances and if left unresolved, SMAP might have disintegrated in mid-air. In view of this, the five of us have decided to come together and report to everyone what is going on since this is very important. We know that it is selfish for us to do this but we are glad to have been given this time to speak.

Inagaki followed up with his comments:
We are very sorry for the trouble caused to everyone this time. From now on, we will work very hard to let everyone see and support us thus we seek your continued support.

Katori was the next to speak:
We are very sorry for causing everyone to be worried and uneasy this time. (pauses for a moment). We will work together again to bring lots of smiles to everyone and we hope for your continued support.

Nakai then commented with the following:
With regard to this matter, we have come to realise very strongly just how much support SMAP has been getting so far. We are very sorry. Please continue to support us from now on.

Kusanagi followed up next:
We discovered a lot of things through everyone's words and are very thankful. This time, we are able to stand here because Kimura-kun helped us to create the opportunity to apologise to Johnny-san. It is assuring that the five of us can be together here.

Kimura ended the segment by saying:
Lastly, we will just think of looking ahead and going forward regardless of what happens. Everyone, please support us.

Source: Oricon / Huffington Post Japan

Thanks for posting this segment it clear everthing. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHINGO ALSO TO KATORI NERI MY FRIEND
_________________

Well, it's official now:

SMAP disbanding on December 31st

SMAP will be disbanding on 31 Dec this year as announced by their agency Johnny's Jimusho on 13 August. The five members Nakai Masahiro, Kimura Takuya, Inagaki Goro, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi and Katori Shingo will still remain in the agency and work on their solo activities from next year. Since news of the group's rumoured disbandment first surfaced in January this year, the group has been hardly seen together in public and speculation over their expiring contracts in September has fueled worry that the members might be going their separate ways by then.

According to Johnny's Jimusho, the members had been engaged in discussions since February until 10 August over their appearances on music programmes, concerts, projects and events relating to their signature variety show "SMAPxSMAP" which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and the group's 25th anniversary since their CD debut. Despite the fact that the agency's president Johnny Kitagawa stated clearly in May that he didn't think the group will disband and the same was mentioned in the SMAP fanclub newsletter sent out in June, some of the members had expressed their views that it was difficult for the five of them to be working together as a group. This led to the group withdrawing from the TBS music programme "Ongaku no Hi" in July and FujiTV's "FNS Uta no Natsumatsuri". In August, although there were efforts trying to give SMAP a break from group activities until the conditions could be adjusted to accommodate everyone's views, some of the members indicated that they would rather disband than to take a rest. As a result, the decision was made to end the group's 25-year-long career on the last day of this year. Johnny's Jimusho commented that even though not everyone has the same view on this issue, it is difficult for the group to continue to function if there are members who have indicated their wish to disband thus reflecting the fact that the differences which surfaced in January were never resolved.

The comments of the five members are as such:

Nakai Masahiro: To all fans and related personnel, we are announcing the disbandment of SMAP. I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience and worry caused to everyone who had cared for and assisted us so far. Please forgive us for this outcome.

Kimura Takuya: Honestly speaking, I feel regretful about this outcome of the group disbanding. However, we won't be able to do anything for the 25th anniversary concert nor group activities if the five of us cannot get together so this is a situation which I have to accept. For the fans and staff who had supported us so strongly and to ignore their wishes with the group's breakup, it is truly a miserable ending. At present, I find it difficult to come up with words to describe my feelings.

Inagaki Goro: To all fans and staff, I apologise for the worry and inconvenience caused by this. At present, it is difficult for the five of us to work together thus we have to come to this painful decision of disbanding. I hope that you can understand our wishes and thank you for the past 28 years.

Kusanagi Tsuyoshi: SMAP has chosen the path of disbanding. To the fans and related personnel who have supported us all this while for the past 28 years, thank you very much. Going forward, we will continue to work hard so it will be great if you can continue to support us warmly.

Katori Shingo: To all fans and staff, we SMAP are disbanding. I would like to express my gratitude towards all the people who have supported us. I apologise deeply for the sudden announcement.

And here is the statement released by the agency to the media:

To all members of the media

With regard to our artiste SMAP's group activities in future

Thank you for supporting SMAP as always. To date, much worry has been caused to everyone with regard to SMAP's activities going forward so we would like to report on the outcome of repeated discussions with the members. With respect to the members' wishes, please understand that this is why we are making the announcement through this written format.

SMAP who has been active as a group for the past 25 years, will be disbanding on 31 December 2016. In January this year, SMAP had indicated that they will stay in the agency thus our company had come together to try to make preparations to support the group's activities. For more than six months since February to 10 August, there had been repeated individual and group discussions about issues such as SMAP's appearances on music programmes, concerts to express thanks to fans and special events to celebrate their signature programme's 20th anniversary and the group's 25th anniversary since their CD debut. However, as discussions progressed, several members had expressed their views that it was difficult for the five of them to work together. In August, in order to give some time for members to consider their decisions and make adjustments to accommodate their wishes, a suggestion of taking a break from group activities was raised but was met with responses that it would be better to disband than take a break. Although this is a painful decision which is not unanimous among the members, it is decided that we will respect their wishes so as to respect the contributions and hard work of the members so far and that it is difficult for them to work as a group.

To the fans who had been eagerly anticipating the 25th anniversary concert and events and all related personnel who had supported the group so far, it is sad to be unable to meet your expectations and we apologise for our inability to make things happen.

Although SMAP will disband within this year, the five of them will continue to be our care and will work hard in their solo activities. Please look upon them favourably and continue to support them warmly.

Johnny's Jimusho

Sources: Nikkansports 1 / Nikkansports 2 / Nikkansports 3 / Sponichi

chiaki has a nice follow up here:http://doramaworld.blogspot.com/2016/08/smaps-impending-disbandment-after.html

Looks like much like when the Beatles broke up and Paul McCartney (unfairly) got a lot of the blame, Kimtaku is getting a lot of the blame for this. Probably also unfairly.

gaijinmark wrote:

chiaki has a nice follow up here:http://doramaworld.blogspot.com/2016/08/smaps-impending-disbandment-after.html Looks like much like when the Beatles broke up and Paul McCartney (unfairly) got a lot of the blame, Kimtaku is getting a lot of the blame for this. Probably also unfairly.

Kimutaku getting the flak is a bit ironic since I thought he'd have the most to gain from leaving SMAP.
_________________

玉木宏、藤木直人、佐藤健

blog

junny wrote:

Kimutaku getting the flak is a bit ironic since I thought he'd have the most to gain from leaving SMAP.

I think Kusanagi is on about the same level as Kimtaku as an actor, Shingo can probably keep making a living in dramas if his character isn't too much of a stretch. But for their sake, I hope Goro and Nakai saved their money.

gaijinmark wrote:

I think Kusanagi is on about the same level as Kimtaku as an actor, Shingo can probably keep making a living in dramas if his character isn't too much of a stretch. But for their sake, I hope Goro and Nakai saved their money.

Kusanagi is okay if he gets the right role. I don't know in which universe Goro and Shingo think they cut it as actors. Isn't Nakai more of a host, though?

Anyway, this split is long overdue. Except for the occasional Bistro SMAP episodes, I haven't really enjoyed seeing them as a group. They've always struck me as individuals forced to work together and not liking it much.
_________________

玉木宏、藤木直人、佐藤健

blog

SMAP to release 25th anniversary best hits album and music video compilation DVD in December

SMAP who is to disband on 31 December, will be releasing their third and last best hits album "SMAP 25 YEARS" on 21 December. The album is expected to comprise of 3 CDs containing 50 songs. From today, fans can vote for their favourites on this site (Japanese only) from a list of more than 400 songs in SMAP's singles and albums released to date. Multiple votes are allowed but you can only vote for one song at a time. The top 50 songs will be included in the best hits album. Voting will close on 4 October, 11.59pm Japan time.

In addition, there will be a music video clips compilation DVD to be released on 28 December which is titled "Smap! Complete Singles". There will be DVD and Blu-Ray versions containing all 63 music videos or live performances from SMAP's 55 singles. Note that this includes songs from double A-side singles as well so the number of songs is 63 instead of just 55.

Members of SMAP's fanclub will be receiving a 160-page photobook which is supposed to be the group's 25th anniversary souvenir and due to be delivered to them by 25 September.

Here are the details of the best hits album and music video DVD so do take note of the serial numbers if you are pre-ordering these online in order to ensure that you are getting the correct version:

1) SMAP 25 YEARS (First press limited edition)
Release date: 21 Dec 2016
Number of CDs: 3
Serial number: VICL-64693~5
Price: 3,900 yen + tax

2) SMAP 25 YEARS (Normal edition)
Release date: 21 Dec 2016
Number of CDs: 3
Serial number: VICL-64696~8
Price: 3,900 yen + tax

3) Clip! Smap! Complete Singles (Blu-ray Disc)
Release date: 28 Dec 2016
Number of DVDs: 2
Serial number: VIXL-175~6
Price: 6,800 yen + tax

4) Clip! Smap! Complete Singles (DVD)
Release date: 28 Dec 2016
Number of DVDs: 3
Serial number: VIBL-821~3
Price: 5,800 yen + tax

Sources: Nikkansports / Sanspo / Victor Entertainment

^ And here's the track list and the DVD/Blu-Ray video. It's a pretty long list, 3 CD's worth and 63 videos so I just included the link:http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2016/11/smap-reveal-track-list-for-25th-anniversary-best-of-album

Fuji TV to show re-runs of past SMAP movies and dramas

To commemorate SMAP's 25th anniversary since their CD debut, FujiTV will be showing reruns of past dramas and movies featuring the SMAP members between 19 November and 28 December. The feature titled "SMAP Graffitti" will show the following dramas series, SPs and movie. Numbers in brackets indicate the year when the drama/SP/movie was first shown:

HERO (2014)
Starring Kimura Takuya
Broadcast dates: 23rd to 25th November, 28th November to 2nd December and 5th to 9th December
Timing: 3.50pm to 4.50pm

Boku to Kanojo to Kanojo no Ikiru Michi (2004)
Starring Kusanagi Tsuyoshi
Broadcast dates: 12th to 16th December, 20th to 22nd December and 26th to 28th December
Timing: 3.50pm to 4.50pm (28th December's timing is 3.55pm to 5.45pm)

Issenchouen no Mishirokin (2015)
Starring Katori Shingo
Broadcast date: 19 November
Timing: 3.05pm to 5pm

Shin Naniwa Kinyudo (2015)
Starring Nakai Masahiro
Broadcast: 26 November
Timing: 3.05pm to 5pm

Kindaichi Kousuke Yatsuhakamura (2004)
Starring Inagaki Goro
Broadcast: 3 December
Timing: 3pm to 5pm

Boku ga boku de aru tame ni (1997)
Starring SMAP
Broadcast: 10 December
Timing: 3.05pm to 5pm
�@�@
Furuhata Ninzaburo vs SMAP (1999)
Starring SMAP
Broadcast: 17 December
Timing: 2.05pm to 5pm

Yo ni mo kimyou na monogatari SMAP no Tokubetsuhen (2001)
Starring SMAP
Broadcast: 24 December
Timing: 3pm to 5.30pm

Gekijouban HERO (2015)
Starring Kimura Takuya
Broadcast: 10 December
Timing: 9pm to 11.20pm

Source: Oricon

Saving the best for near the end?

Sheena Ringo to appear on next 'SMAP X SMAP'

Sheena Ringo will be making an appearance on the December 19 broadcast of Fuji TV's 'SMAP X SMAP'.

Ringo has provided the songs "Manatsu no Datsugokusha" and "Karei Naru Gyakushu" to SMAP, but this will be their first time working together on a show.

On the 'S-LIVE' corner of the program, Ringo and SMAP will perform "Seishun no Mabataki". Ringo provided this song to Chiaki Kuriyama in 2011 and did her own version of it in 2014.

This will be one of the last episodes of 'SMAP X SMAP'

Source: natalie

Goro Inagaki Tsuyoshi Kunasagi, and Shingo Katori to leave Johnny's Jimusho in September

Johnny's Jimusho announced on 18 June that former SMAP members Inagaki Goro, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi and Katori Shingo will be leaving the company with effect from 8 September when their current contracts end. On the other hand, the two remaining members Nakai Masahiro and Kimura Takuya will be renewing their contracts for another year. It was revealed in the statement that the trio made their intentions known to management on 1 June and the decision was subsequently acknowledged by the board of directors. Details of their future plans will be announced once they are finalised. The president Johnny Kitagawa also provided his comments on the issue along with the statement which is a rare occurence where he said that although the trio has decided to embark on a different path, his consideration and feelings for them will not change no matter where they are in future. On the other hand, the trio has not released any statement to date with regard to their impending departure.

Although Nakai was part of the group which wanted to leave the agency in January 2016, he did not leave with the rest as expected which was considered a surprise. According to various insiders, Inagaki, Kusanagi and Katori are expected to join the new agency which their former female manager had set up recently. Some of the staff members who had worked under the manager in the past will also follow their footsteps in leaving Johnny's Jimusho. As for the TV programmes and CMs which the trio are currently appearing in, it is expected that these may end sometime in mid September. Nonetheless, programmes such as NHK's "Bura Tamori" where Kusanagi is the narrator, are widely expected to continue without any changes.

Sources: Nikkansports 1 / Nikkansports 2 / Nikkansports 3 / Sanspo / Yomiuri Hochi

^ And since you're leaving, find your own websites!

Johnny's Jimusho announces the closure of websites for Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Shingo Katori

Johnny's Jimusho announced via its official website "Johnny's net" on 4 September that the official sites of former SMAP members Inagaki Goro, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi and Katori Shingo will be closed with effect from 8 September when their management contracts with the agency expire. In the announcement, the agency also thanked the fans for supporting the three of them over such a long period of time and asked for the public's continued support of the trio in future as they embark on the next stage of their careers.

Following the trio's departure from the agency, all of their regular TV programmes will continue airing with the exception of TV Asahi's variety show "SmaSTATION!!" featuring Katori.

Sources: Nikkansports / Sanspo

SMAP trio? Does that mean they're SMA or MAP?

Shingo Katori, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, & Goro Inagaki release new song

Shingo Katori, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, & Goro Inagaki released a new song on December 12th entitled, "#SINGING" under the name 'Atarashii Chizu join Music' via Amazon Music Unlimited.

Besides this song, their previously released songs "72", "Ameagari no Step", and "KISS is my life" are also available on Amazon Music Unlimited. Inagaki's first solo song in fourteen years, "SUZUNARI" will be available on December 21st.

Source: natalie

The ex-SMAPPIES are probably setting a precedence for the other aging groups (Tokio, Kinki Kids, V6) to follow?

I don't really their absence in the Red/White Song Festival but still, it's a reminder how hegemonic and entrenched Johnny and Associates's influence are in the local media.

It's just a coincidence that we're not seeing as much of them (yeah, right): http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201907180063.html