Rumors of SMAP and Arashi Reunion: Industry Insiders Speak Out
A new development in the "old Johnny's" scandal / The return of Erika Sawajiri and Ryoko Hirosue
Last year, the entertainment industry was rocked by the sexual misconduct issue at the former Johnny’s office (now Smile-Up Inc.). The year was also marked by numerous other scandals, such as Ryoko Hirosue’s (43) affair, but what will happen to the entertainment industry this year?
To find out, we invited industry insiders to an emergency roundtable discussion. Mr. A, a senior executive of an entertainment company, Mr. B, an active TV person, and Mr. C, a desk clerk of a sports newspaper, were invited to talk about their experiences. From the “aftermath” of the old Johnny’s shenanigans, to rumors of marriage and divorce, and even the big names who are rumored to be involved in the next scandal. Three people who are well versed in the world of show business gave their outlook for the year 2024.
Mr. C: “The most noteworthy issue is the sexual misconduct of the former Johnny’s s office. It is said that the talent from the office will disappear from TV all at once in this year’s spring reshuffle, but what will happen? Also in June, the investigation report of the working group set up by the United Nations will be submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council. You are also paying attention to what will be revealed there.”
Mr. A: “The new company, STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, is scheduled to start operations around April. However, it is expected to be a large company with more than 400 employees including talents and employees, and there is talk that it will cost more than 1 billion yen for personnel and expenses before the start of operations.”
Mr. B: “I heard that new president Jun Fukuda (58) has a project in mind. That is the revival of SMAP. If it comes to fruition, it will be appreciated not only by fans but also by people in the industry, and the bad image of the office will be wiped out in one fell swoop. Nakai (Masahiro, 51) co-starred with Katori (Shingo, 46) in Matsumo to Nakai and if he can act as an intermediary.” (Fuji TV),
Mr. C: “What do you think? I think it would be difficult to revive “SMAP”. The gap between Takuya Kimura (51) and the other members that was created at the time of the breakup has not been filled. It is up to them rather than the office.”
Mr. B said, “However, due to the ‘Johnny’s’ scandal, even Kimura has been offered a commercial for Shiseido by Takashi Sorimachi (50). It seems that he has been chosen to star in a TV Asahi drama in April, but he is falling into a pinch because of the drop of commercials and the postponement of the drama. If this keeps up, I wonder if there might be a compromise.”
Mr. A: “On the other hand, I hear that President Fukuda is also aiming to revive Arashi. After all, this year is the 25th anniversary of their debut. I hear that Mr. Fukuda himself is trying to persuade Ono-kun (Satoshi, 43 ) to join the group. After all, the biggest obstacle is Ono-kun’s will, isn’t it?”
Mr. B: “It was Ono-kun’s desire to take a break that led to the decision to suspend activities. I think he will come back. As a matter of fact, I heard that the office is holding Tokyo Dome in November. Of course, the purpose is unknown, but November is the debut month of Arashi. On the other hand, if they can’t do anything here, there will probably be no revival of Arashi in the future.”
