HiHi and Bishounen Collaboration Idea Resurfaces as Members Leave STARTO

CD debut has become distant.

On September 19, Yuto Takahashi (24) from the junior group “HiHi Jets” belonging to STARTO ENTERTAINMENT announced his departure from the agency on the official website. Additionally, on October 11, Issei Kanesashi (20) from another junior group, “Bishounen,” announced that he would also be leaving STARTO on November 1.

This has led to speculation that the rumored merger of the two groups may accelerate.

“‘HiHi Jets’ was a group on the verge of CD debut, and Takahashi was a central member among them. He played a key role in coordinating the entire junior group and was prominent in shows like ‘Shounen Club’ and ‘New Generation!’ (both on BS Premium). The gap left by his departure is very significant, as he was a leader-like figure in the group,’ said an editor from an idol magazine.”

Currently, STARTO has several junior groups in the Kanto and Kansai regions. HiHi Jets was considered the leading group in Kanto and was expected to debut soon, but with Takahashi’s exit, disappointment has spread on social media, with comments like CD debut has become distant and we’re back to square one.

“Popularity has always been said to be high in the East, low in the West for the juniors, but popular Kansai junior groups like ‘Naniwa Danshi’ and ‘Ae! group’ have been debuting one after another. You Yokoyama (43) and Tadayoshi Okura (39) from ‘SUPER EIGHT’ are actively continuing to produce them, giving them strong momentum.

While the issue of sexual misconduct has temporarily distanced them from involvement in the ‘Kansai-Osaka Expo,’ it seems that STARTO is trying to revitalize the activities of the Kansai-based combined group ‘KAMIGATA BOYZ’ featuring ‘SUPER EIGHT,’ ‘WEST.,’ ‘Naniwa Danshi,’ and ‘Ae! group’ in hopes of somehow regaining a foothold in the expo,” said the aforementioned editor.