Shingo Katori and Tsuyoshi Kusanagi Share Candid Talk on ‘SMAP Reunion’ Reality

“It’s unbelievable how candid they’re being.”

That’s what a producer from a major private broadcaster said.

Former SMAP member Shingo Katori made a VTR appearance on “Nichiyoubi no Hatsumimi Gaku” (TBS), broadcasted on May 19th. He openly discussed the behind-the-scenes of the tumultuous dissolution of SMAP in 2016.

Katori talked about his interactions with Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, who was present in the studio at the time:

“At that time, amidst discussions on what choices to make, Tsuyoshi’s words were particularly impactful for me. He said, ‘Okay, I’ll live on a southern island with Shingo.’ I replied, ‘Don’t joke around. This isn’t the time for that.’ But Tsuyoshi, saying that loudly, was serious.”

Reflecting further, Katori expressed gratitude for Kusanagi’s seemingly casual remark:

“During that time, when the media and various sources were reporting ‘Shingo Katori retiring’ or ‘Going abroad for studies,’ and I was resolute that I’ll continue, he invited me to a southern island. But it wasn’t a joke.

Because I seemed stuck and in distress, he suggested, ‘Let’s go to a southern island.’ He was serious about it. That sincerity is cool, isn’t it?”

Looking back, the momentum for all members of SMAP to go independent was nullified by Takuya Kimura’s decision to remain with Johnny’s office. This created an irreparable rift between Katori and Kimura.

Later, the late Johnny Kitagawa called Masahiro Nakai, Kusanagi, and Katori to urgently persuade them to reconsider. However, Katori declined his offer, leading to the subsequent events.