Rumors of SMAP and Arashi Reunion: Industry Insiders Speak Out

Last year, the entertainment industry was rocked by the sexual misconduct issue at the former Johnny’s office (now Smile-Up Inc.). The year was also marked by numerous other scandals, such as Ryoko Hirosue’s (43) affair, but what will happen to the entertainment industry this year?

To find out, we invited industry insiders to an emergency roundtable discussion. Mr. A, a senior executive of an entertainment company, Mr. B, an active TV person, and Mr. C, a desk clerk of a sports newspaper, were invited to talk about their experiences. From the “aftermath” of the old Johnny’s shenanigans, to rumors of marriage and divorce, and even the big names who are rumored to be involved in the next scandal. Three people who are well versed in the world of show business gave their outlook for the year 2024.

 

Mr. C: “The most noteworthy issue is the sexual misconduct of the former Johnny’s s office. It is said that the talent from the office will disappear from TV all at once in this year’s spring reshuffle, but what will happen? Also in June, the investigation report of the working group set up by the United Nations will be submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council. You are also paying attention to what will be revealed there.”

Mr. A: “The new company, STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, is scheduled to start operations around April. However, it is expected to be a large company with more than 400 employees including talents and employees, and there is talk that it will cost more than 1 billion yen for personnel and expenses before the start of operations.”

Mr. B: “I heard that new president Jun Fukuda (58) has a project in mind. That is the revival of SMAP. If it comes to fruition, it will be appreciated not only by fans but also by people in the industry, and the bad image of the office will be wiped out in one fell swoop. Nakai (Masahiro, 51) co-starred with Katori (Shingo, 46) in Matsumo to Nakai and if he can act as an intermediary.” (Fuji TV), 

Mr. C: “What do you think? I think it would be difficult to revive “SMAP”. The gap between Takuya Kimura (51) and the other members that was created at the time of the breakup has not been filled. It is up to them rather than the office.”

 

Mr. B said, “However, due to the ‘Johnny’s’ scandal, even Kimura has been offered a commercial for Shiseido by Takashi Sorimachi (50). It seems that he has been chosen to star in a TV Asahi drama in April, but he is falling into a pinch because of the drop of commercials and the postponement of the drama. If this keeps up, I wonder if there might be a compromise.”

Mr. A: “On the other hand, I hear that President Fukuda is also aiming to revive Arashi. After all, this year is the 25th anniversary of their debut. I hear that Mr. Fukuda himself is trying to persuade Ono-kun (Satoshi, 43 ) to join the group. After all, the biggest obstacle is Ono-kun’s will, isn’t it?”

Mr. B: “It was Ono-kun’s desire to take a break that led to the decision to suspend activities. I think he will come back. As a matter of fact, I heard that the office is holding Tokyo Dome in November. Of course, the purpose is unknown, but November is the debut month of Arashi. On the other hand, if they can’t do anything here, there will probably be no revival of Arashi in the future.”

Mr. B: “If we look at individual scandals, rather than office scandals, Ryoko Hirosue’ s affair caused quite a stir in the public. I was depressed because I was a fan of hers in my generation.”

Mr. C: “However, offers seem to come incessantly. I talked to the producer of the movie the other day, and he said he would love to cast her. It’s a great topic of conversation, and if she blows it off and starts getting wet, she’ll be a big draw. I think it was Hirosue who gained the most from the old Johnny’s fiasco (laughs). That changed the focus of the public’s criticism.”

 

Mr. A said, “Her agency has Minami Tanaka (37) and Kasumi Arimura (30), and Toda (Erika Toda, 35) has also returned. I am not troubled at all if Hirosue does not operate. At one time there was talk of her going independent, but that possibility seems to have disappeared. I hear that they are now in close contact with the office. It seems that his relationship with Chef Toba (Shusaku, 45) is still going on as usual.”

Mr. C. “Is that so? I heard that mine broke up. What is the actual situation? Either way, a comeback is probably not far off in the future. Since terrestrial broadcasting is difficult due to sponsorship, he will most likely try to make a comeback in a movie or on stage. The timing would be around this summer, one year after the riot.

Mr. A: “In terms of returnees, I wonder what kind of activities will be shown by Erika Sawajiri (37), who will resume her entertainment activities on stage in February. It is said that the office has advanced about 1,000,000 yen for court costs and penalties. The office has to recover it. If she takes on a nude scene in a movie or something, I would love to see it.”

 

Mr. B: “There may be a rush of actresses returning to work this year. For example, last year, Kyoka Suzuki (55) had to cancel her TV drama series due to illness. She made a public appearance in October of last year; May is her birthday month and marks one year since the announcement of her resignation from the drama series. There is a strong possibility that she will return there. Namie Amuro (46 ) is another possibility for a return. There have been no sightings of her at all, but since last year she has often been seen running along the Kamo River in Kyoto. I hear that her son has also graduated from college, which may help her come back”.

This emergency roundtable discussion with industry insiders continues in Part 2 [ Part 2: “That big-name actress is getting married this year in a surprise wedding…” …entertainment industry executives, TV station employees, and sports newspaper desks have their say…].

From the January 19, 2024 issue of FRIDAY