The “backstory” behind the collaboration of the three former Johnny’s groups and the expected “unexpected development”.

It was the first time for them to appear on a singing program.

Goro Inagaki (50), Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (50), and Shingo Katori (47), all former members of “SMAP” who now work as “New Map,” appeared together on a two-hour special of the NTV music program “with MUSIC” broadcast on January 14.

This was the first time the three had appeared together on a music program since the breakup of SMAP, and they engaged in light-hearted conversation with the program’s MC, freelance announcer Yumiko Arido (55), who had hosted the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen many times and co-hosted the program, and actor Kohei Matsushita (37), who professed to be a SMAP fan. They also performed three songs from Kusanagi and Katori’s unit “SingTuyo”: “Dazzling Future,” written by actor Juri Ueno (38) and composed and arranged by Ueno’s husband, Sho Wada (48) of the popular band TRICERATOPS; Inagaki’s solo song “SEASONS”; and a para-sports cheer song “Ameagari no Step” sung by the three of them. The three performed three songs for the first time on TV.

The three songs were performed for the first time on TV. two-hour special, half of which was sung by the three. Half of the two-hour special was all about the three of them. Although they did not do much work for Nippon TV during their SMAP days, they were treated with the utmost respect.

Fuji Television, which had its own program “SMAP x SMAP” until its breakup at the end of 2004, caused an uproar when it “blacked out” a picture of SMAP in a rerun of the hit drama “FURUHATA Hitosaburo,” in which they had appeared in the past. Due to this, it is likely that the three of them will have more opportunities to appear on Nippon TV in the future.

(TV station insider) It was not only the three members of “New Map” appearing on a music program for the first time that surprised viewers at the broadcast. SUPER EIGHT (formerly Kanjani Eight) and WEST. (formerly Johnny’s WEST) from STARTO, a company that is a continuation of the old Johnny’s office, and Shiyou Hirano (27), a former member of King & Prince and a member of TOBE, an entertainment agency led by Hideaki Takizawa (42), former vice president of Johnny’s. The music unit Number_i, consisting of Shiyoh Hirano (27), Yuta Jinguji (26), and Yuta Kishi (28), all of whom belong to TOBE, an entertainment company led by Hideaki Takizawa (42), former vice president of the former Johnny’s, was also on the program.

STARTO’s talents and Number_i have already performed together on this program and others. Although they did not have a chance to talk together on this show, this was the first time that the three groups, including “New Map,” were able to “co-star” together. When it was announced that they would be appearing on the program, the Internet was filled with comments such as, “The times have changed,” and “I can’t believe there are no barriers between the three groups.

Could this be the beginning of a collaboration with Kimura?

A decade ago, it was rare for the so-called “retired Janis” to appear together. So how did “New Map” end up appearing on “with MUSIC” this time?

The program’s producers made an offer to “New Map” to appear on “with MUSIC” on August 22, when both Katori and Kusanagi’s unit and Inagaki’s solo song were released at the same time. Perhaps, now that it has been realized at Nippon TV, it will be possible for the three groups to perform together in music specials on other stations in the future. Furthermore, it is possible that Takuya Kimura (51) will join the cast as a solo singer in the future.

NHK seems to intend to “exclude” former Johnny’s from Kohaku again this year, as it did last year, and “Number_i” has already emerged as a candidate. Since NHK is the first terrestrial broadcasting station to use the three members of “New Map,” there are whispers that they may appear in this year’s Kohaku.

(A record insider) “New Map” will celebrate its eighth year of activity on the 22nd of this month. Although there were times when they were unable to appear on terrestrial TV, they have steadily and steadily continued their singing activities. It seems that their music will finally be in the limelight.

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