The Full Text and Photo Reveal the 30-Year History of the Man Who Ended SMAP’s Reunion

A multi-unit that can do anything

For over 30 years, the superstar who reigned at the top of the television world has fallen from grace.

On January 23, Masahiro Nakai (52), a talent who had been embroiled in troubles with a woman since December, announced his retirement from the entertainment industry.

Nakai, who joined the Johnny’s Entertainment agency in 1987, debuted as a member of “SMAP” in 1989. Miho Yamada, a broadcast writer who has covered Nakai, reflects on his journey.

“When Goro Inagaki (50) left ‘SMAP,’ Nakai was the only member present at the press conference. He was always someone who prioritized fans and his fellow members. After debuting, ‘SMAP’ shifted to a multi-talented unit like The Drifters, excelling in singing, comedy, and acting. Nakai, with his exceptional variety show talent, was the closest to achieving that goal. Whether on drama or variety show sets, he was the mood maker and the leader, always gifting high-quality beef bento and sneakers to the crew. As a superstar, his sudden retirement has shocked countless people.”

Since 1984, “FRIDAY” witnessed Nakai rise from a young delinquent in Kanagawa to a national idol. He dated famous women, starred in Sunday dramas and movies, and after “SMAP” disbanded, established himself as a master of ceremonies. He became a regular on six shows, known for his charity work, like secretly delivering food to disaster-stricken areas.

A photo of Nakai is part of this illustrious history.

In the wake of Nakai’s surprise retirement, his former “SMAP” mates Goro Inagaki (51), Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (50), and Shingo Katori (47) expressed their shock, saying through their agency “CULEN,” “It’s so sudden, and we are still processing it; we have no words.”

Meanwhile, Takuya Kimura (52) has remained silent.

A key station producer reveals: 

“It’s well-known that Nakai and Kimura had a strained relationship, given their strong personalities. When ‘SMAP’ worked together, their chief manager, Michi Iijima, strongly advised not to provoke Nakai and Kimura. After ‘SMAP’ disbanded, Nakai reportedly said, ‘I don’t want to see Kimura anymore,’ but no one expected things to turn out this way. Fans and TV professionals were hoping for a reunion of the five, but Nakai and Kimura will likely never meet again.”

The dream of an SMAP reunion has vanished in an unexpected way.

From “FRIDAY” February 14, 2025 issue