Fading Rumors of Arashi Comeback Overshadow Matsumoto Jun’s Reported Independence Plan – High Anticipation for 25th Anniversary Reunion
STARTO ENTERTAINMENT (hereafter referred to as Starto Company) is set to begin full-fledged activities starting this spring. While it houses promising groups like Snow Man and SixTONES, many talents have also decided to go independent. Recently, the news of the independence of KinKi Kids’ Domoto Tsuyoshi (44), who boasts a career of over 30 years and has been a spiritual pillar of the agency, remains fresh in memory.
Amidst this, rumors of independence have emerged for another big name. That is Arashi’s Matsumoto Jun (40).
“The March 4th issue of Weekly Bunshun reported that Matsumoto is planning to go independent. Currently, it is said that he is in discussions with the agency about the future conditions, but it seems that a lawyer serving as a ‘brain’ is also accompanying him to thoroughly examine the contents. If they cannot come to an agreement, independence is believed to be seriously considered.
Since starting activities in 1996, Matsumoto’s presence has weakened to an unprecedented extent. When he appeared on ‘Nariyuki Kaidou Tabi’ (Fuji TV) on March 10th, his statement ‘This is probably the end of my appearances on terrestrial TV for this year’ became a topic of conversation. Independence would be a tough road for him, I think. Some even whispered about retirement.” (Sports newspaper desk personnel)
Fans of the former Johnny’s are surprised by the rumors of the departure of big names. Among them, it is said that the fans who are disappointed the most are those who hope for the return of Arashi.
