‘New Map’ Returns to Terrestrial Music Programs While Takuya Kimura Stands Apart from Former SMAP Members

On September 14, fans of the former “SMAP” were overjoyed.

 

Goro Inagaki (50), Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (50), and Shingo Katori (47) appeared on a two-hour special of the music program “with MUSIC” (Nippon Television). This was the first time the three of them had appeared together on a music program since “SMAP” disbanded in 2016.

 

“They performed three songs: the para-sports support song ‘Ameagari no Step,’ the unit song ‘Mabushii Mirai’ by Kusanagi and Katori, and Inagaki’s solo song ‘SEASONS.’ The program was filled with content, including footage from dramas they starred in during the ‘SMAP’ era.” (said an entertainment reporter from a sports newspaper)

 

While the three made their triumphant return to a singing program, Takuya Kimura (51) presented a contrasting situation. 

Declining the theme song for a leading role.

Kimura made his solo debut in 2020 with the album “Go with the Flow.” On August 14, he released his third album, “SEE YOU THERE,” and is set to hold the “TAKUYA KIMURA Live Tour 2024 SEE YOU THERE” from September to December this year, appearing to be quite active.

 

“Since his solo debut, he hasn’t appeared on any music programs. With the release of his solo album and an upcoming tour, it would be a perfect opportunity to promote himself on music shows. It wouldn’t be surprising for him to appear on ‘with MUSIC,’ but.” (said a source from a television network)

 

Given that he has released three albums, he should have many songs to showcase on TV. So why isn’t he appearing on music programs?

“It seems there have been offers in the past, but he declined them. Kimura is focusing on live performances and has the stance of wanting to deliver his music to those who understand it. In the past, there was also a proposal to use one of his songs as the theme for a drama he starred in, but he ultimately didn’t agree to that either.” (the source from the television network noted)

Sales of the latest album.

Kimura’s commitment to live performances, where he can meet his fans, is commendable. However, there are noticeable impacts resulting from this stance.

“The first-day sales of ‘SEE YOU THERE’ were 44,124 copies. This is lower than the first-day sales of his first album, ‘Go with the Flow,’ which sold 64,986 copies in 2020, and ‘Next Destination,’ which sold 45,593 copies in 2022. This album features contributions from well-known artists like Mariya Takeuchi (69), Takuro Yoshida (78), and Tsuyoshi Domoto (45) from ‘KinKi Kids,’ indicating that significant production costs were likely incurred. While we can’t say for certain, it’s possible that if he had participated in promotions such as music programs, the results could have been somewhat different.”(noted a source from a record company)

 

Since the disbandment of “SMAP,” Katori and the other two members of “Atarashii Chizu” had not been seen on music programs, but their appearance on “with MUSIC” marked a significant “release.” According to the previously mentioned source from the record company:

“The response to the trio’s appearance was extremely positive, and they trended on X (formerly Twitter). With ‘SMAP’s popularity still strong, more television networks are likely to want to feature them in the future. If the three appear on music programs, they can also expect to attract new fans.”

This September marks the 33rd anniversary of “SMAP’s” debut. What lies ahead for “Atarashii Chizu” and Kimura as they continue on their separate paths as artists?