FRIDAY only photographed the “real face” of Masahiro Nakai, the man who made the “SMAP” reunion disappear.

A multi-unit that can do anything

A superstar who reigned at the top of the TV world for more than 30 years has fallen from grace.

On January 23, TV personality Masahiro Nakai (52), who had been reportedly in trouble with a woman since last December, announced his retirement from show business.

Nakai, who joined the former Johnny’s office in ’87, debuted as “SMAP” in ’89. Mihoko Yamada, a broadcaster who has been covering Nakai, looks back.

When Katsuyuki Mori (50) left SMAP, Nakai was the only member present at the press conference. Nakai was the only member who attended the press conference when Katsuyuki Mori, 50, left the group. He was a person who thought first of his fans and friends. After its debut, “SMAP” changed direction to become a multi-unit that could sing, do comedy, and act, like the Drifters. Nakai-kun, who had more talent for variety than any of the members, came closest to that goal. He was the mood maker and chairperson at every drama and variety shoot, presenting all the co-stars and staff with a fancy yakiniku bento box and sneakers. Because he was such a big star, I can’t count the number of people who will be shocked by his retirement.”

This magazine, first published in 1984, has witnessed in real time Nakai’s rise from a mere yankee in Kanagawa Prefecture to stardom as a national idol, his flirtations with divas, and his starring roles in Sunday theaters and movies.

In the February 14 issue of “FRIDAY” (on sale January 31) and the paid version of “FRIDAY GOLD,” we report in detail on Nakai’s treasured photos taken by the magazine, as well as his true relationship with Takuya Kimura.

For more information and to see the treasured photos, click here↓.