藤間琉巧, the youngest member of the Kansai Junior group Lil Kansai, announced his departure from STARTO Entertainment, effective March 31. This announcement was made official via the group's website on January 30. The agency explained, "藤間 expressed to the members and office staff his desire to discuss plans for the future. Following continued discussions among 藤間, his fellow members, and the agency, we decided to respect his wishes and support him as he embarks on a new path." This decision follows 藤間's reflections on his career and aspirations as he turns 20.
Born on April 22, 2004, in Shiga Prefecture, 藤間 joined the Kansai Junior group back in 2016, eventually becoming part of Lil Kansai, which was formed on January 22, 2019. Notably, the group gained significant popularity after attracting approximately 50,000 fans during their largest concert at the Tokyo Garden Theater last May. 藤間's departure marks yet another change within the agency, as he is among several recent departures.
藤間 shared his thoughts on the transition, stating on his fan blog, "At the milestone of turning 20, I felt the urge to seriously pursue what I truly love. I have been feeling the gap between the person I'm expected to be and the person I aspire to become." He acknowledged the challenges of working within the agency and expressed his gratitude to fans and supporters for their unwavering encouragement and support throughout his years with Lil Kansai. "I hope you will continue to support the new path I’m walking." This expressed desire for authenticity resonates strongly with fans who have followed his career.
After his departure, Lil Kansai will continue as a four-member group, consisting of 嶋崎斗亜, 西村拓哉, 大西風雅, and 岡崎彪太郎. The group's new formation will take effect from April, and they plan to carry forward the energy and legacy 藤間 contributed. 藤間 remarked during his departure announcement how the responsibilities came with pressure and how it led him to reevaluate his future within the industry.
The agency reiterated its respect for 藤間's decision and aims to maintain strong support for him as he takes on this new chapter. They expressed gratitude to fans for their support over the years, stating, "To all the fans and associates who have supported 藤間, we sincerely thank you. We hope you will continue to support him as he ventures down this new path." This call to action aims to assure fans of the continuity of their connection with 藤間, even as he embarks on his independent career.
This significant life event for 藤間 aligns with similar trends observed within the entertainment industry, wherein young talents often seek individual ventures as they grow and redefine their careers. 藤間 is not the only one making such moves; several members from various groups have also stepped away, reflecting broader industry dynamics where talent prioritizes personal aspirations over group performance.
藤間, who is also known for his unique talents including rap and quiz skills, has been featured in various television programs and radio shows, proving his versatility. With the change, all eyes will be upon how he plans to carve his niche outside the group framework of Lil Kansai.
For fans, this transition is bittersweet, as they celebrate 藤間's growth as he steps away from the spotlight of STARTO Entertainment. It reignites discussions on the pressures young idols face within the entertainment industry and their need for self-exploration.
Looking back, 藤間's decision came after much introspection, acknowledging the difficulties juxtaposed with the public expectations of him as part of the idol group. His move can serve as inspiration for other young entertainers who might feel trapped between their public personas and private aspirations. The narrative continues to evolve as fans and followers of Lil Kansai eagerly anticipate this new phase of 藤間's career.