SMAP participated in the Red and White Festival (2012)
On August 17, the annual horror entertainment program “True Horror Stories 25th Anniversary Special (Motobashi)” aired on Fuji TV. This popular series, featuring Goro Inagaki as the storyteller, surprised viewers this time.
“Katori Shingo appeared on the show, marking his first appearance in Hongo. Due to the format of the program, Inagaki and Katori did not interact. Many fans were pleased to see the combination of the two current members of ‘New Map’.” (Entertainment reporter)
It has been eight years since SMAP disbanded in 2016. While the members are active in their respective careers, many fans still hope for a reunion. Recently, a small “miracle” occurred…
“Four former SMAP members continue to appear on Fuji TV. On August 15, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi hosted the variety show ‘Sumo Stable Taipei! Gluttony and Utama Battle.’ It’s been eight years and four months since Kusanagi last served as a TV variety show MC, in April 2016. Masahiro Nakai also began appearing in the talk show variety show ‘Someone to Nakakai’ from April 2023. The interaction between Inagaki and Katori feels like a ‘real fear’ that suggests fate.” (Entertainment reporter)
Speaking of SMAP, they share a “deep relationship” with Fuji TV, especially with their flagship program “SMAP x SMAP,” which aired from 1996 to 2016. After the group disbanded, Inagaki, Kusanagi, and Katori temporarily disappeared from terrestrial broadcasts, but have now started to “return” to Fuji TV. Will there be a day when all five members of SMAP gather again in “Odaiba”?
“However, one member has created a distance. Kimura Takuya is that member. In September 2023, during a regular president’s meeting of Fuji TV, it was revealed that Kimura had starred in a classroom special drama production that was postponed. The delay was attributed to production issues; however, at that time, the sexual harassment controversy involving the former Johnny’s agency (now STARTO ENTERTAINMENT) was a hot topic, leading to speculation that the sponsor withdrew support. Since then, Kimura has not participated in any Fuji series TV shows, including ‘Kyojo’ (according to entertainment industry officials).
“’Kyojo’ was broadcast as a New Year’s TV drama special in 2020 and 2021, and in April 2023, the series ‘Kochika Kazama -Kyojo 0-‘ portrayed Kimura’s character’s backstory. A year has passed since the delay, but there has been no announcement regarding a sequel. There is said to be an underlying reason for this halt in production.
“Fuji TV is considering resuming filming in 2024. However, it seems challenging to secure Kimura’s schedule. From January to March, he will be filming the movie ‘Grand Maison Paris’ in Paris. From March to June, he will be involved in the TV Asahi drama ‘Believe -Kimi ni Kake Hashi-, making it difficult to shoot this year as he will be on a live tour from September to December. Thus, Kimura appears to be the only member who has distanced himself from the group amid the disbandment controversies. However, with the former Johnny’s empire collapsing due to sexual assault allegations, Kimura may find himself in a position to act more freely. There is hope that he can reunite with the others…” (Entertainment professional)
Can we once again witness the “first smile” of these five members on Fuji TV?
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Inside the World of SMAP: A Journey Through Reunion Hopes and Continued Success
SMAP participated in the Red and White Festival (2012)
The 25th Anniversary of True Horror Stories and a Special Appearance
On August 17, the annual comprehensive horror entertainment program “True Horror Stories 25th Anniversary Special (Motobashi)” aired on Fuji TV, featuring Goro Inagaki as the storyteller. This installment brought a surprise for fans as Katori Shingo made his first appearance in Hongo. Given the show’s format, there was limited interaction between Inagaki and Katori, which left many fans content with this reunion of two members of the new group, Meta-SMAP.
The Legacy of SMAP
It has been eight years since the legendary boy band SMAP disbanded in 2016, yet their influence continues to resonate with fans. While the individual members of SMAP – including Kusanagi Tsuyoshi and Masahiro Nakai – have pursued solo projects, aspirations for a reunion linger in the hearts of many.
Former Members’ Continued Presence on Fuji TV
Despite the disbandment, former SMAP members are gradually appearing on Fuji TV again. For instance, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi hosted the variety show “Sumo Stable Taipei! Gluttony and Utama Battle” on August 15. This marked a significant return for him, serving as a TV variety show MC for the first time since April 2016. Meanwhile, in April 2023, Nakai began hosting “Someone to Nakakai“. This resurgence has led many to wonder if there’s a chance for the entire group to reunite once again on the iconic Fuji TV.
Echoes of a Deep Relationship with Fuji TV
The bond between SMAP and Fuji TV is robust, stemming from their flagship program “SMAP x SMAP“, which aired from 1996 to 2016. After the group’s disbandment, Inagaki, Kusanagi, and Katori temporarily vanished from terrestrial broadcasts. However, with their gradual return, there’s speculation about the possibility of reuniting all five members on Fuji TV’s platform.
The Kimura Takuya Paradox
Amid these developments, the distance between the members and Kimura Takuya has raised some eyebrows. Recent reports indicate that filming for his special drama, “Kyojo“, has been postponed. Initially, the production issues were attributed to scheduling conflicts, but the situation became more complex following controversies related to the now-defunct Johnny’s agency.
Recent Challenges for Kimura
Kimura’s challenges are compounded by the fallout that ensued after allegations against the agency. He has yet to appear in any Fuji TV series since then. “Kyojo“, which aired as a New Year’s special in 2020 and 2021, has not received a sequel announcement, leading to speculation about potential hidden reasons for the delay.
Future Prospects: Can Reunion Be Realized?
As of now, Fuji TV is contemplating resuming filming for “Kyojo” in 2024. However, coordinating Kimura’s availability poses a dilemma. He is slated to film “Grand Maison Paris” from January to March and subsequently participate in the TV Asahi drama “Believe -Kimi ni Kake Hashi-” until June. The logistics become increasingly difficult as he has a live tour scheduled from September to December, making the possibility of a reunion less likely.
The Shifting Landscape of the Entertainment Industry
Given the dramatic changes surrounding the entertainment industry, it’s essential to recognize how these factors intertwine with the SMAP members’ endeavors. Kimura’s distancing himself from the group stems from more than mere scheduling conflicts; it reflects the intricate personal and professional dynamics that have evolved since the disbandment.
Speculation on Future Interactions
Will fans see all five members of SMAP smiling together again? The nostalgia and hope surrounding this possibility remain strong among fans. As former members gradually return to the spotlight, coupled with the changing tides in the industry post-scandal, one can only wonder what the future holds.
Fans’ Hopes and Social Reactions
Social media platforms are rife with discussions regarding a potential SMAP reunion, showcasing the enduring legacy of the band and its impact on Japanese culture. Fans passionately express their desire to see their favorite members unite again, highlighting both the emotional connection and the significant influence SMAP had during their active years.
Looking Back at SMAP’s Impact
| Year | Notable Event | SMAP’s Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Launch of “SMAP x SMAP” | Established a unique format blending music and variety. |
| 2016 | Disbandment | Left a lasting legacy on Japanese entertainment. |
| 2023 | Return of members to Fuji TV | Reignited hope for a full group reunion. |
Conclusion: The Future of SMAP
As the landscape of Japanese television evolves, the legacy of SMAP remains firmly intact. The ongoing appearances of the members, combined with a longing for a full-scale reunion, keep the spirit of SMAP alive in the hearts of many. Whether or not the five members will come together again remains to be seen, but the memories and the impact of their work create an everlasting bond with their vast fan base.
