Reason Why ‘Hey! Say! JUMP’ Didn’t Become the Next Arashi Amid Marriage Rush

On August 19, “Hey! Say! JUMP” announced that their 34th single, “UMP,” will be released on September 24. However, some fans might not be entirely thrilled about the new release due to ongoing marriage announcements within the group.

“On August 12, Hikaru Yaotome (33) announced his marriage to a non-celebrity woman. With Daiki Arioka (33) having married Mayu Matsuoka (29) in June, Yaotome becomes the second married member of the group. Although many talents under the former Johnny’s Office (now STARTO ENTERTAINMENT) have gotten married this year, it’s unusual for a group in their 30s to see consecutive marriages.” (said a sports paper entertainment reporter) 

After the marriage announcement, fans were overflowing with congratulatory messages for Yaotome. However, on the internet, some fans expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that two members of the group got married within just two months. For example:

“Tour ends in just three weeks, no new single for over a year, no appearances on music programs in the first half of the year, and the FC updates are just about marriages—this is seriously affecting my mental state.”

“No new songs, no events, but we get two marriage announcements. How can they expect fans to keep up with this?”

“Do they think so little of their fans?”

There have been harsh reactions from fans. A television industry insider speculates that the current dissatisfaction might be related to “JUMP’s” recent activity status.

 

“Since their single ‘DEAR MY LOVER / Uraomote’ in May 2023, ‘JUMP’ has released digital tracks and albums, but they haven’t put out a single until ‘UMP’ in September, a gap of 1 year and 4 months. Their last tour was the dome tour held from December 23 of last year to January 14 of this year.

 

Of course, we don’t expect idols to sacrifice their private lives entirely, but fans might feel frustrated as they’re paying for fan club memberships while seeing limited group activities and only hearing about members’ marriages.”

“JUMP” debuted in 2007 and will celebrate their 17th anniversary in November this year. While the group is currently struggling, the situation was different in the 2010s.

“There was an impression within the old Johnny’s that they were aiming to be the ‘post-Arashi’ group. Ryosuke Yamada (31) and Yuto Nakajima (31) established themselves as actors, Hikaru Yaotome and Daiki Arioka appeared on variety shows like ‘Hirunandesu!’ (Nippon TV), and Kei Inoo (34) was a fixture on ‘Mezamashi TV’ (Fuji TV). The group also gained momentum, holding their first Asia tour in 2012.” (said the previously mentioned television industry insider)

The group and individual members seemed to be climbing the ranks to become “national idols” as their popularity grew. However, things began to change gradually.

 

“Just as ‘JUMP’ was starting to gain momentum, new groups like ‘Kis-My-Ft2’ and ‘timelesz’ (formerly Sexy Zone) debuted in 2011, ‘A.B.C-Z’ in 2012, and ‘WEST’ (formerly Johnny’s WEST) in 2014. As a result, fans were dispersed among various groups. Although there might have been management decisions involved, it seems that ‘JUMP’ missed opportunities to expand their popularity.” (said an entertainment industry insider)

 

With the end of the Heisei era and the onset of the Reiwa era, new groups continued to debut. As competition increased and the group struggled, the marriages of two members could be a setback.

 

“On X (formerly Twitter), rumors have circulated that Yuya Takaki (34) might get married by the end of the year, leading some fans to declare they are leaving. With the transition to STARTO Entertainment, the barriers to idol marriages have lowered compared to before. While ‘JUMP’ members are all in their 30s and considering their future, if the trend of marriage announcements continues, more fans might shift to other groups.” (the entertainment industry insider added)

 

As “JUMP” approaches their 17th anniversary, will a bright future still shine on the screen of their fans eyes?