SMAP to Break up at Year End

Japan's pop group SMAP is due to disband on December 31 after over a quarter of a century, its agent Johnny & Associates bared August 14. The office said the group members - Masahiro Nakai, Takuya Kimura, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Goro Inagaki and Shinzo Katori - will pursue individual careers after disbandment.

Some of the members reportedly opted to leave the groups and made the decision inevitable, it said.

SMAP or Sports Music Assemble People is the best-selling boysband in Asia that has sold over 35 million record. They group released their first CD in 1991 and has since released more than 50 singles and 20 albums. The best known songs include "The Only Flower in the World" (Sekaini Hitotsu Dake no Hana); TBS TV is currently using their "Arigato" (Thank You) in its coverage of the Rio Olympics.

SMAP has performed in NHK's year-ending program "Hokaku Utagassen" (Red-White Singing Matches) for 23 times and its member, Masahiro Nakai, hosted the event in 2009.

The group started off with six members in 1988 but one of them, Katsuyuki Mori, dropped out in 1996 to seek a career as an auto racer. Meanwhile, the members have concurrently pursued careers as TV dramas and movies.

SMAP's disbandment is received with mixed reactions uniquely from South Korea where the group is regarded a "legendary pop group". Some fans confessed they learned Japanese just to get acquainted with SMAP; others were "shocked to learn SMAP's breakup while viewing Olympic coverage from Rio".

Well, a quarter of a century is a long while for a pop group to stay alive. SMAP is one of the logos that have helped highlight Japan. I've read a tweeter lament: "What s tremendous tragedy, not only for Japan,but for their legion of fans throughout the world". My goodness, I never knew the group is that prestigious". (Nathan Shiga)