Report from today's Sexy Zone new single presentation event

[faded_lace]

From News @ Asahi TV.

Today, July 15th, Sexy Zone's Sato Shori (17), Nakajima Kento (20), and Kikuchi Fuma(19) held a presentation event for their new single in Tokyo's Yoyogi National Gymnasium. In front of 10,000 fans, they performed their new song for the first time, and announced that that same song would not include Matsushima Sou (16) and Marius Yo (14) but would instead be comprised just of Sato, Nakajima, and Kikuchi. The fan's shocked voices, crying out "Ehhhh???" rose up in the venue. Nakajima commented, "We want to move forward showing the fans many forms," while Kikuchi asked the fans to understand, saying, "If we work hard just the three of us, and each become stronger before returning to 5、I think the possibilities for our group will instantly increase." From here on, centered on the three with Sato, there's the chance that they'll become a fluid group with members being switched in and out, and Nakajima expanded what might be expected, saying, "It's possible that next year, we'll put out solos and stuff, too." In May, two derivative groups incorporating Marius and Matsushima respectively were born, and all five will appear in the summer concert starting on July 23rd.

I'm going to refrain from making a comment right now, because I don't want to let my emotions get the best of me, but as you might guess, I'm pretty much livid. All I'm going to say is, we'll have to wait and see how things pan out.

And just as I thought things were looking up, too.

[EDIT] snow has kindly translated a tabloid article about this event here. Please read the translator's notes on the actual translation and keep in mind, though, that these tabloids basically make up facts to sell copies. I think the jury's still out on whether this will continue in the future, but I figured for completeness, I'd add this more "sensationalized" view. Please, though, remember that this article is a tabloid, and not a reliable news source.

Comments

[yararanger.livejournal.com]

Thank you for working on getting this out promptly even though it's so distressing *hugs* x_x

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. It's basically the least I can do… get the word out. Sorry the translation is rushed and sucks.

This is what I look like right now:

[yomimashou.livejournal.com]

I really can't believe they're doing this, especially when things were going so much better. I really hope it's just a one-time thing, and that things will get back on track soon, but... yeah, right now I'm just really angry at Johnny's/whoever decided this.

But thank you for posting the translation ♥

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

One word: Ijima.

Honestly if this is just a one time thing, I'll forgive and forget. But if they do any solos and shit, I don't know. I can't take that. That's not what Johnny's is.

No problem… It's the least I can do, honestly.

[rorychan.livejournal.com]

I'm blaming this all on Ijima. It's a known fact that she dislikes them and never wanted them to debut, while Johnny did. She has been doing bad things with those 4 Kisumai members too. She takes her personal feelings too far into business matters. She's doing everything she can to stir things up since she can't take them out of the group.

The other mebers actually seemed sad about this whole situation.

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

Wow, I'm glad I found someone else who feels exactly the same way I do about Ijima. I feel like I hear a lot of waffling about her, and I'm just like. No. GTFO right now.

You can definitely tell Fuma's upset from his comment, but I don't know about Kento. In my opinion he's always been too good at doing exactly what the management wants.

At any rate, this is what I want to do to Ijima…

[golden-mushroom.livejournal.com]

That's so disappointing :( Marius and Sou get fucked around so much. I feel so sorry for them and the other members too

Thanks for translating though xx

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

I feel exactly the same way. But you're welcome-- I'm glad to help.

[snow.livejournal.com]

afaik there was no official comment about them becoming a "fluid group;" whoever wrote that article is trying to start something. (i think. i hope??)

things HAVE been looking better lately so i am honestly confused about what the ultimate goal is with this single. i have no problem with the existence of sexy boyz/sexy show since it's a way for marisou to actually get screen time, which lbr they DON'T get with sz, and maybe i can convince myself that this is an opportunity for them to focus on gaining experience in the derivative units before the main group comes back together. maybe. after all, they were not involved in bad boys - didn't even appear on the cover - and nothing permanent happened after that single. so... maybe.

i am somewhat comforted by what fuma said but still very upset for marisou who do not deserve this kind of treatment from their management. i am struggling about whether or not to buy this single bc i want to support the other three but i don't know how else to show my sadness about this decision other than by not buying it.

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

I've seen it in every news report in different but similar wording (for example, here and here, and to a slightly lesser extent here) so it's possible that there was a press conference after the show, or something. "流動的" and "常にメンバーが入れ替わる" seem to be common buzzwords that worry me. But I hope that you're right. >__< It could just as well be the management trying to start something…


Yeah, I feel the same way, but at the end of the day, I don't like them being so easily and quickly mingled with Juniors. It's sort of a double-edged sword, in my opinion (sort of like KisuMai's Busaiku unit), because it breaks them away from the rest of the group in image and makes them seem more "kiddie" and less "sexy" or "adult-like." I know that Marius being so young and Sou living so far can be somewhat to blame in terms of schedule, and it might easier to put them with juniors, but in the long run, I'd like to see those units die out after this summer and Marius and Sou to be more integrated with the rest of the group. I totally agree with you that things have really and truly been looking better, though, so I'm frankly floored by this. The Sexy Second tour gave me such hopes. I guess I'll have to wait and see what the summer concert is like… did you go to Sexy Second/are you planning to go to the summer con?

I feel the same way about Bad Boys, too, but I just hate keeping the same cyclical thought pattern of "well nothing bad happened last time something awful happened for Marius and Sou…" It just sucks in the long run.

And yeah, I feel the same way here too. It's really a mess and as a fan of the group I'm pretty torn up, as well.

[doctoggy.livejournal.com]

:(

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

:( indeed. Sorry for getting so emo on you.

[xanithofdragons.livejournal.com]

wtf? Fluid group? How is that supposed to work? I don't know how they think this won't end up in a mess... or if management even cares if it'll be a mess. I feel really bad for Sexy Zone fans. T_T

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it really is a mess. As far as I can tell, Ijima is just out of her mind these days. I think what that's supposed to mean is that there might be different arrangements of members or solos or duets, not like… that they're removing or adding anyone. But who the fuck knows.

Thanks for the support… I feel really bad for us right now too T___T;;;; But most of all, I feel bad for the guys. They really shouldn't be subjected to this.

[mayura-news.livejournal.com]

I am just so disappointed right now. Kento said he wanted 2014 to be a 5 members year, clearly Fuma does not agree with the decision... and the fandom is really pissed (Sexy Zone fans on Twitter are basically saying they won't buy the CDs)... I really can't get WHY the management believes it's a good idea to split the group. Kobe was already bad enough, I am not really a fan of the Gamushara Sexy Matsuri concept... I thought it was getting better with KQJ and stuffs...

I am really sad for the boys (all of them) and for the fans. I hope it's just a one shot concept, seriously.

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

Yes to all of this. I totally agree. King and Queen and Joker was so great, moving in the right direction, and the Sexy Second concerts in Yokohama Arena felt so much like they were getting more equal. I don't think literally anyone is happy about this, except, of course, horrible Ijima. As for the Matsuri… I assume that they wanted Marius and Sou in it to draw in more fans, but I also want Sexy Boyz and Sexy Show to end quickly. It's nice that they get to perform, and all, but it's not okay to split them away from the 5 member group and put them exclusively with Juniors.

I totally agree. Hopefully this won't happen again.

[verdict9.livejournal.com]

Thank you for translating!
Wow such news... I never understand if Sou and Marius was too young to debut then why? If SZ was originally this 3 I wouldn't feel sad for Mari and Sou. (They are both talented and I hope this thing don't broke their souls)

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

You're welcome, I'm happy to help.

Yeah, it makes no sense. Additionally, at debut, Sou was older than Morimoto Ryutaro was at debut, so it's not really like he was particularly young at the time. It honestly is completely ridiculous, and I feel really bad for all of them.

[luvmimialia.livejournal.com]

You speak my mind..seriously Iijima, what were you thinking?!!!
anyways, thanks for translating

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

Seriously, I have no idea what is wrong with that woman.

You're welcome, I'm happy to help.

[himaori.livejournal.com]

Well, from the day Sexy Zone are under Ijima's hand, things have got much messier and uglier. I have a bad feeling when Marius and Sou were put with the Jrs for Summer Festival, that SZ would become like this. And now it's happening. I don't know why any group that she takes on always ends up like this. Kisumai and SZ. When Kisumai were Jrs, things were much better than now, and SZ were alo better off when they first debuted as I believe at that time Johnny-san produced and still managed them by himself.

I also have a feeling that Ijima wants to put Marius and Sou together with other Jrs in one group and get them debuted for next year. Marius is my favortie from SZ and it's quite sad and upset to see such things happen. *Sigh* Why Ijima? What's wrong with her?

Julie or Ijima is always a bad choice to put our beloved boys into their hands.

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I really hate Ijima for everything she's done to Sexy Zone ever since she got control over them in 2012. It's really upsetting and frustrating, and I'm sure it's upsetting for the guys, too.

I don't think that that's really a possibility for a few reasons, firstly because since having dual groups didn't really work for Nishikido or Uchi, and secondly because Marius and Sou have contracts to Sexy Zone. In Johnny's, the only real way to end a contract seems to be:
1) Come to a mutual agreement, with the artist wanting to leave the group (example: Yamapi, Nishikido)
2) Break Johnny's rules and have the contract broken (example: Koki)
3) Have the contract come to term and both sides mutually agree to end the contract (example: Jin leaving JE)
I don't think that Marius and Sou would ever agree to leave Sexy Zone, so I don't see that happening. Additionally, if Marius and Sou were to debut with the 2015 volleyball group, their ages are so high that people like Jinguji and Genki wouldn't be able to debut because the average age would be too high. I can't see them choosing to re-debut people who are already debuted over debuting Jinguji and Genki, to be perfectly honest.

I don't know what Ijima's problem is or why she has to ruin every group she gets recently, but personally, I have no problem with Julie.

At any rate, I hope things get better for Sexy Zone.

[kapiru.livejournal.com]

So it's finally happened -_- I expected it since the documentary Stand&Run like only FumaKenShori was in Vegas to do a video clip.
I hoped Bad Boys was the last one like that with only the three of them, seems like not~

Thanks for the translation,I think Fuma,Kento&Shori are as disappointed as us .
I agree with beach_bum1303S I think I will not buy this one.

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think a lot of us had been afraid of this for a long time but had been hoping it wouldn't happen.

You're welcome and I think a lot of fans agree that they don't want to support this.

[chynnawitch.livejournal.com]

No no no no no! WHY!!!!???? T_T

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

I don't know, I'm really upset by this news, too.

[rim1789.livejournal.com]

It s been almost 12 hours since I saw the new and I m still furious.

I don't even get what they re aiming for...I saw the ''fluid'' comment, in many places, but I didn't see it in reports for fans. Are they exagerating ? Or is JE going to do some sort of AKB48 thing, or rather Nogizaka46 senbatsu in which for every single they will choose (management) who get to participate ? This looks even more messy than the 2020 Jrs thing they tried to do

I was all for MatsuShow and Sexy Boyz, if only because MariSou would have activities. I was angry at fanevent announcement with only 3 of them, and Kobe...But nothing like this. This makes me rage.

I felt that Mari was feeling more down than he usually is, on his JWEB...He isn't so '' dark'' usually. I mean, he seemed pretty down, when he really isn't usually (but for that time when he was worried that Fuma may not actually like him)

Up to now, despite most of my band being under Ijima, I liked her a bit more than Julie who I pretty much despise for her management ...But right now, they are exactly the same for me, and I just want to punch them both.

And overall I don't even understand where this is going and why. Why suddenly did they seem to backtrack when KQJ happened and YokoAri happened ? I don't get it.

I feel bad for the 3 others, because it's clear they don't want that...Not with what they all said previously...

I m not getting this single, and I hope the sales will drop :( because that's the only way we can truly show that we re against that. I feel bad for the 3 oldest, but I m sure they would understand /: And I can't help but hope sales will crash.

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think the "fluid" and "members changing" might be an exaggeration by the news sources. The first place I saw it was Nikkan Sports, and everyone knows they're about as reliable as a high school rumour, so I don't know how much stock can be put in that. But it really worries me that the management seems so interested in mimicking AKB's management tactics. They're different groups with largely different fan bases and styles, and I think that it's absolutely ridiculous that they might try to copy AKB.

I'm really worried for Marius, too… struggling with culture shock and language barriers, and heck, just being fourteen is hard enough, he doesn't need this on top of it all (but recently it's been seeming that things are getting better between Marius and Fuma? At least from what Marius has been saying in magazines and stuff as of late. But Sou can be pretty negative about himself, too, so I feel really bad for him, too. I hope they don't get too depressed.

I haven't had much problem with Julie, but after Ijima destroyed KisuMai and is working on destroying Sexy Zone, it's really made me hate her. I don't understand what she thinks she's achieving by doing this.

I agree that it seemed like things were getting so much better… and now this. I feel bad for all of them, but I agree… I think the older three would understand if sales drop for this single.

Ugh. This is a mess. I hope that this ends soon.

[monokorobo.livejournal.com]

I told myself I would not cry and fuck... this souldn't be happening, them should be together, I really love the younger ones, I really love all them interacting and while watching SZC I thought it was getting better but... this...
I really hope they will change some thing in the single and make it double A or whatever so MariSo can be there, I really hope they decide to make the b-sides something better than the single song, but still it's really horrible what they are doing.
I read some fans wanting the slip and some others getting annyoyed at fans who complain too much about MariSo but it's something so.... HORRIBLE. Not just for them as idols but as persons, to the fans, to the group, this is something that won't make them sell more, so WHY?

Somewhere else I read that the manegement clarified that MariSo didn't withdraw from the group, I really hope thi is the last time, or I will go to japan just to burn the manegement...

I'm still thinking if getting the single... I will wait till there's more info about it to decide but...

I really would want to go and give my support to them, hope they don't have much a hard time...

And apart from this single, the couver for Sexy Second spring tour is just 3nin too....

Everything is so.... AHHHHHHH Told myself I wouldn't cry... ahhhhhh I'm in emo mood too...

well... thanks for the trans!

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

I agree, it's really not fair to any of the guys or to the fans.

You're welcome.

[chapstickmurmur.livejournal.com]

All signs pointed to this but you never really believe that this would actually happen because that's just not how JE works. Well, not until now anyway. There's no reason to segregate a "5" member group into "the older 3" and "younger2" especially when that wasn't the original concept like it was with HSJ.

This is so frustrating and even more so as I can't see how JE as a company will benefit from this profit-wise. The only thing this has down is upset fans and hurt Marius and Sou. They're not like BUSAIKU who can just brave it out, their just kids and they must feel so rejected by this decision and I just hate it.

JE has always had favourites amoung it's boys but never like this, this is just downright bullying. If everything's just going to be based solely on popularity and how largely your face gets to be displayed on a CD cover based on your degree of popularity then maybe everyone should just be soloists. Obviously nobody likes groups like TOKIO, SMAP or Arashi who've stuck it out together as a group and the chemistry that they have with eachother. Yamapi's and Yuma's singles are all selling like hotcakes because they were able to lose the deadweight of the people they used to be grouped with.

the new single, which will be released on september 17th, will be entitled “never give up.”
Lol what irony.

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

I totally agree with pretty much everything you said; your comparison of SMAP/TOKIO/Arashi with Yamapi and Yuma is sort of something I've been trying to say for years. I don't understand why Johnny's doesn't realize what's making them popular isn't just one or two "hot guys," but the group dynamics.

That is ironic. >__<;;

This is sort of sad and unrelated, but I really like your icon.

[l-no-sekai.livejournal.com]

Saw this coming from pretty long ago, but I didn't really think that this condition will really come.
I wonder what has been happening after lady diamond, because everything was just really fine back then, until the stupid idea of pushing the oldest three in the third single floated. Things got even worse when only the oldest three appeared in the cover in real sexy. And even got even worse when the management decided to release three versions of the single for bbd & kqj, with the oldest three initial as the versions' name. Seeing how three versions of the oldest three are just enough to make a decent sales, now they decide to forget So & Mari? Let's hope that they won't make it even even even worse by putting juniors in the jacket instead of MariSo.

Hope that the management will also release So & Marius version of the single, and let's see, I'm definitely getting my copy for that version as my protest instead of the oldest three's version. Damn you management *fliptable*

Anyway, thank you for translating and sorry for being displeased so much in your entry *bow*

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

What happened after Lady Diamond was that Sexy Zone passed into Ijima's hands, unfortunately. But it's really upsetting to think of all the horrible things that have happened to the boys since then.

Seems unlikely-- I don't know if you saw the new post that I just made, but they released the information for the single. It doesn't seem like Marius and Sou will be involved at all.

You're welcome, I'm glad to help. And no need to apologize, I'm grateful so many people are discussing this issue.

[db5konly.livejournal.com]

Hi, had seen articles like this floating around. And saw people commenting about Ijima? Im not really sure who she is though, is she like the new head of Johnny's now?

I kinda jus focus on the groups, hahahahahas. oops.

I kinda always thought that marisou is featured less often due to scheduling problems since marius is underage and sou is graduating soon so he has to focus on his studies.

Im not sure about how the members feel but I felt like they were a tight knittted group base on their interviews and their interactions with each other espcially on sexy zone channel. Felt like Kento is e version of kame in the group.

I only knew that Johnny's had two factions for management though.

am a bad fan i guess....u.u

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

Ijima is one of the two factions. Johnny is still the head of the company, but Ijima and Julie are fighting to succeed him. Ijima is the person who broke up KisuMai, and who is now breaking up Sexy Zone.

Sou now lives in Tokyo and is going to Horikoshi, the same school where most of Hey!Say!JUMP and KAT-TUN and Yamapi and many others went. Horikoshi is a private school geared towards idols and celebrities where attendance is not necessary and idols are free to skip school for work as much as necessary. As for Marius, his parents seem pretty willing to sign off letting him stay out late, so while being underage is a problem, it never held back, say, Yamada Ryosuke when he was underage.

It seems like all the members are pretty upset about this, so I hope that it doesn't continue this way.

[ltgmars.livejournal.com]

Fucking Iijima.

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

Yeah, pretty much my thought as well.

[kusumi-koharu.livejournal.com]

wtf ;___; Marius is the main reason I even pay attention to Sexy Zone.
I just want to cry for him omg i'm sure he is heart broken right now. ( p_q)
this is so stupid, and i'm so angry and just lakjdflsdulisajdf;jisdf;oijoifoifo;id ugh

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the worst part in my mind is knowing how much it must be hurting the guys themselves. Marius and Sou must be so upset, and the older three didn't seem at all happy about the situation.

Your last sentence pretty much describes how I feel, too. >__<;;