SMAP

[faded_lace]

I was really shocked this morning to turn on ZIP and see the news that SMAP is disbanding. While they had had markedly fewer activities recently, in the modern age of Johnny's, I never would have expected this. While I was never a fan, SMAP were always the daisenpai to the boys I followed, and I respected the fact that they heralded in the current era of Johnny's with their variety appearances, acting work, and fanservice.

I was even more shocked to see that Kimura Takuya is the only one who will remain with the agency. I wouldn't have thought that the other four would want out, not at this point in their careers. For all intents and purposes, they seemed content and successful, and were all continuing to get acting, variety, and other jobs. I definitely don't follow them, but I feel like I still felt like I couldn't turn on my TV without seeing them, so I'm surprised by their apparent desire for a change in management.

According to the sports papers, Iijima resigned, as well. I don't know if the four who left left to stay under her management, or if she left because they wanted to, or what. I'm not even sure if she actually left, or if it's just rumour. But at any rate, I can only hope that it's true. Hopefully groups like Sexy Zone will benefit from this.

It's hard to imagine Johnny's without SMAP, but I suppose we'll all just have to wait and see what unfolds.

Comments

[britkit27.livejournal.com]

It's really, really shocking. If you had asked me a week ago I'd have definitely said I couldn't possibly imagine a Johnnny's without SMAP. Like what? SMAP, disband? lol no way, absolutely no way. I still can't really believe it. They've always been there in the background, and been such good senpai, and like you said, they always seemed content and successful and I figured they'd just slowly fade out into retirement.

I do hope all this mess spells good things for the factions breaking down, and Iijima if not actually resigning, at least moving into a position with less power >> c'mooooon Julie

[faded-lace.livejournal.com]

Yeah, all this stuff that's been happening has been crazy. The messages on SMAPxSMAP last night didn't really make any sense to me, but I really hope that it's true now that Iijima is leaving but SMAP is staying.