Masaharu Nakai, the former leader of the popular boy band SMAP, recently found himself at the center of controversy after reports emerged of his involvement in a scandal, compounded by the revelations of him paying nearly 90 million yen ($840,000) as settlement to address the matter. This incident has not only affected his public image but also dampened the hopes of many fans who longed for the anticipated reunion of SMAP after its disbandment back in December 2016.
At the end of last year, prominent Japanese entertainment magazines reported on Nakai’s troubles with a woman from the entertainment industry. Following these revelations, Nakai took to his paid membership site on January 28, 2024, to issue an apology, saying, "I apologize for the inconvenience caused by this matter." This sincere acknowledgment, coupled with the settlement, indicates his attempt to mitigate the damage caused by the allegations. Nevertheless, it seems likely this incident will leave a lasting negative impression on him as he navigates his public life moving forward.
The scandal surfaced just as excitement bubbled among fans about the potential for SMAP's reunion. After the group disbanded, the individual members embarked on different paths, with Nakai, along with Goro (51), Tsuyoshi (50), and Shingo (47), making visible strides to reconnect with their past through various media appearances and projects. Notably, Tsuyoshi made a guest appearance on Nakai’s show, highlighting how the former members were gradually bridging personal distances since Nakai’s departure from the Johnny's entertainment agency.
Many fans had begun to nurture hopes for SMAP's reunion, especially with the changing dynamics within the entertainment industry and the gradual acceptance of the past controversies, including those surrounding Sarah Entertainment's re-establishment following allegations against its founder, Johnny Kitagawa. "There’s too much time spent on whether there will be a reunion, but now the members have put our hopes to rest," expressed one fan on social media. This was echoed by others who felt disheartened, believing the hope for revival had now effectively dissipated.
Switching gears from SMAP, fans are now turning their attention to TOKIO, another iconic group whose recent activities have sparked increased interest. The group, which saw its bond strained after former member Tatsuya Yamaguchi (52) departed due to his own controversies, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Current members, Shigeo (54), Taichi (50), and Masahiro (47), who formed the company "TOKIO Co., Ltd," have continued pursuing diverse entertainment avenues, signaling strong resilience and adaptability.
Yamaguchi, who has worked on recovering from his struggles with alcohol dependency, has resumed public speaking engagements, expressing gratitude for the opportunities he has had and sharing his experiences over the past few years. Last month, he expressed on X, "I completed all of my speaking engagements successfully this year!" Meanwhile, Nakai’s recent fallout also opens up discussions about how different former members are paving their paths separate from the constraints once imposed by their old agency.
Fans have observed this shift, with some sentiments reflecting the idea of newfound freedom among former Johnny's artists. A report from entertainment circles noted, "The possibility of TOKIO reuniting is rising as they are no longer constrained by old company ties, especially with the recent anniversary of their first debut. It seems like opportunities on various fronts are breeding excitement within the fan base." Fan anticipation was buoyed by the successful reunion of another group, Doto Kogumi, which had not been active for 29 years before reuniting for tours following public interest.
Consequently, with the growing separation from prior management, there's reason to speculate about the potential for TOKIO’s revival, especially as anniversaries often serve as key moments for nostalgic celebrations within the entertainment world. Various industry experts highlight the buzz, indicating invitations for one-time reunion performances are likely to surface as fans express their desire to see their favorite groups come together after long breaks.
The unfortunate timing of Nakai's scandal has pushed fans to reconsider their loyalties and aspirations concerning SMAP, but without turning away from the trials and triumphs faced by their cherished artists. TOKIO's hopeful prospects appear to breathe new life for those still yearning for the camaraderie and musical flair they once offered as they cautiously explore the idea of reunion for their 30th anniversary year.
Fans are cautiously optimistic about what the future holds, affirming their desire for important moments rooted within Japanese pop culture. While the clouds of Nakai’s scandal loom over the SMAP legacy, the light of possibly reinvigorated connections within the industry—friends turned collaborators—continues to encourage aspirations such as those surrounding the beloved TOKIO.