Amid Declining Sales of “WEST.” Daiki Shigeoka Earns Praise for His Role in “35th Year Love Letter”

On March 12, “WEST.” released their album “A.H.O. -Audio Hang Out-” which topped the “Oricon Weekly Album Ranking” (dated March 24). However, its first-week sales recorded 183,000 copies, significantly lower than the 234,000 copies sold in the first week of their previous album “AWARD,” released in March 2024.

Amid concerns over the group’s declining popularity, one member has been receiving praise online.

“WEST.” will celebrate its 10th CD debut anniversary on April 23, 2024, and has become a solid mid-level group within STARTO ENTERTAINMENT. The seven members, who debuted in 2014 after working their way up through the Kansai Junior ranks, have remained unchanged since their debut, and their strong bond is likely a reason for their enduring fan love.

“However, in recent years, reports of members’ relationships have caused fans to worry. In January of this year, Terushi Kiriyama announced his marriage to former volleyball player Maiko Kano, with whom he had been in a relationship. After their relationship was revealed in April 2023, there was a stir on social media over hinting behaviors, and many fans became upset with Kano.

After the marriage, ‘Female Seven’ (Shogakukan, March 6 issue) reported on their excited honeymoon seen at the airport departure lobby, and some reactions on social media were full of disbelief. The resulting fan alienation is believed to be one factor contributing to the album’s decline in sales,” explained a showbiz writer.

Daiki Shigeoka is receiving rave reviews for his performance in a movie he appeared in

Amidst this, one member of the group, Daiki Shigeoka, who serves as the center, has been receiving high praise online. In the movie 35th Year Love Letter (released March 7), starring comedian Shofukutei Tsurube, Shigeoka plays the younger version of the protagonist, Yasushi Nishihata (played by Tsurube), who cannot read or write. After watching the film, online users have commented:

“After watching 35th Year Love Letter, I think Daiki Shigeoka from WEST. is a genius and should be called an actor of that level. I want to see more of his acting.” 

“Shigeoka in 35th Year Love Letter was amazing—his acting was so good, it didn’t even seem like acting.” 

“Shigeoka’s portrayal of young Yasushi, the character who can’t write, was so incredible. The frustration and misery of being unable to write came through, and it made me feel uncomfortable.” 

“I didn’t expect it, but Daiki Shigeoka’s gentle acting was great.”

Multiple voices praising Shigeoka’s acting have appeared on social media and review sites.

Acting’s reputation is also returned to “WEST.”

Speaking of Shigeoka, his acting has also been well received in past works such as the movie Drowning Knife (2016), the drama This Is Not Expense-Eligible! (NHK, 2019), and Yukionna to Kani wo Kuu (TV Tokyo, 2022). Among the idols of STARTO, he is one of those whose acting career is highly regarded.

When he starred in the film In a Closed Snowy Mountain Lodge (released in January 2024), WEST.’s song FICTION was used as the theme song, and as a result, the song gained attention due to the film’s effect.

Looking at the comments section of the WEST. – FICTION [Official Music Video] (YouTube Version) released on January 10 of the same year, some people were surprised to see Shigeoka in the music video.

“I went to see the movie without prior knowledge, and then realized at the end that the idol was in it? His acting was so good, I thought he was a professional actor. Afterward, I started watching his songs and dance videos and now I might get hooked.” 

“Wow, the person from the movie was an idol! His acting was so good, I thought he was a regular actor.” 

“I got hooked on Shigeoka’s acting in the movie, and after looking him up, I became a fan!” 

“I wasn’t a fan before, but the ending of the movie was so cool, so I’ve been repeating the MV!”

These comments show how Shigeoka’s acting work is also benefiting his group. There is no doubt that Shigeoka will continue to be a leading figure for WEST. moving forward.