Japanese Group SMAP Apologizes Over Reports of Split-Up

日本长青组合SMAP的成员为最近可能解散的传闻致歉，并暗示他们终究会保持共同活动。

Members of longtime Japanese group SMAP offered an apology over recent reports about a possible split and hinted that they intend to remain together after all.

The members, all dressed in suits, appeared on a live segment of a TV program on Fuji Media Holdings Inc.’s Fuji Television Network on Monday night. All five of them took turns to apologize for causing confusion, with member Takuya Kimura saying they will now “strive to move forward.”

The group is considered an icon in Japanese pop culture, with members working as spokesmen for brands including Toyota Motor Corp. and Coca-Cola Co.

“I am glad that members of the group got together and revealed that they will stay together,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Tuesday during his regular news conference. “I hope that the group will strive even further.”

SMAP was formed as a boy band in 1988 with six members, one of whom left about 20 years ago. In addition to Mr. Kimura, its members include Masahiro Nakai, Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and Shingo Katori. All are now in their 40s, except for Mr. Katori, who is 38.

Japan’s tabloid newspapers reported last week that SMAP was planning to split up after an executive closely associated with the group departed its management company, Johnny & Associates. Four of the five members also wanted to end their association with Johnny & Associates, a powerhouse firm in the Japanese entertainment industry, the reports said.

“It is a fact that negotiation and discussions are being held regarding the matter,” Johnny & Associates said in a statement last week.

“It is a fact that negotiation and discussions are being held regarding the matter,” Johnny & Associates said in a statement last week.

SMAP’s Mr. Kusanagi hinted Monday night that his fellow member, Mr. Kimura, worked as a bridge between Johnny & Associates and the other four who had considered leaving.

“We are able to stand here because Kimura-kun worked and set up an opportunity for us to apologize” to the management agency, he said, referring to Mr. Kimura with a familiar suffix used for male friends.

The broadcast featuring the five members dominated Japanese headlines Tuesday, and local media including public broadcaster NHK said the group would stay together.

However, none of the members stated that explicitly during the three-minute appearance. Some fans took to Twitter to share their confusion about the group’s intentions. A lawyer serving as a spokesman for the group’s management could not be immediately reached.