Shonentai is among of of Johnny’s oldest groups. Having debuted back in December 1985, the group consisted of Higashiyama Noriyuki, Nishikiori Kazukiyo and Uekusa Katsuhide.
But it was announced on September 20th that Nishikiori and Uekusa will be leaving the group and Johnny’s Entertainment at the end of the year.
Johnny’s also said that only Higashiyama Noriyuki will remain in the office and that Shonentai will continue to exist.
As part of the arrangement, which would be a win-win situation for the departing members, while the group has suspended activities, Johnny’s will allow Nishikiori and Uekusa use “Shonentai” after leaving the company, something that is typically not allowed.
It is said these special arrangements will be allowed after what had happened with the SMAP breakup in which the office had been criticized for not allowing former members not being allowed to say they were originally from SMAP.
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