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.

 

What do you think about the merger?

Amid this, it has been said that a similar combined technique might exist among the Kanto juniors, akin to “KAMIGATA BOYZ.”

“It’s a merger of HiHi Jets and Beautiful Youth (Bishonen). In fact, this idea had been discussed since around 2022, with the publicity representatives from the former Johnny’s agency conducting research with their own entertainment reporters, idol magazine writers, and sports paper journalists, asking, ‘What do you think about a merger?’ and ‘What can we do to achieve a breakthrough?’

During that time, one of the ideas that emerged from several people was to combine the two groups under the unit name ‘HiHi Beautiful Youth’ (HiHi Bishonen). This name was familiar among fans, who even referred to it as ‘HiBi.’ However, this idea was put on hold when issues regarding sexual misconduct surfaced.” (Sports newspaper journalist)

Immediately after Takahashi announced his departure in September, the merger of the two groups began to be whispered about again among fans. The reason for this is that there have been past instances where multiple groups were pitted against each other within the juniors to hype up fans and push towards CD debut. Even now, ‘Snow Man’ and ‘SixTONES,’ known as ‘Sunosuto’ (SunoSt), have maintained a rivalry since their formation, resulting in both groups debuting on the same day. Fans seem to believe that, given such successful examples, a merger is certainly not out of the question.

“There was a time when it was said that there would be no debut for Sunosuto, but by debuting both groups simultaneously, they were able to create a social phenomenon that engaged fans beyond just their original fanbases. Among reporters and fans, HiHi Jets and Beautiful Youth are seen as a collection of prince-type members, and it has been said for a while that, depending on how they are handled, they could surpass Sunosuto.

With Kanesashi from Beautiful Youth leaving, both groups would still have a total of nine members after a merger, which is certainly not too many. There are opinions suggesting that the possibility of a merger within this year is quite significant.” (Previous journalist)

Currently, the members of HiHi Jets and Beautiful Youth are showcasing their talents individually in plays and variety shows. Will there be a combined debut for them? After the news of Kanesashi’s departure, STARTO responded to an interview with “Sponichi Annex” stating, “The group is planning to continue.” FRIDAY Digital reached out to STARTO for comments on the possibility of a merger but did not receive a response by the deadline.

What will happen? We want to keep an eye on the developments ahead.