Translated the official statements from management, Hikaru himself, and HSJ regarding his hiatus that was posted on the HSJ fanclub page.
I'm honestly not too confident about my translation of the first statement from management because it contained a lot of difficult vocabulary, so please take the accuracy of that one with a grain of salt.
I'm sure taking this hiatus was a difficult decision for Hika, but I hope he knows that everyone will be waiting for him to return when he's ready.
Please don't repost my translations. Linking back is okay, but it'd be appreciated if you tell me before doing so.
An Announcement Regarding One of Our Talents, Yaotome Hikaru (Hey! Say! JUMP)
We appreciate your kindness and understanding when reading this out of the ordinary announcement.
One of the talents in our company, Yaotome Hikaru of Hey! Say! JUMP was diagnosed with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL), and in order to give full attention to medical treatment, we are announcing that he will be taking a temporary work hiatus.
To the fans who are always supporting him, and to his work associates, we sincerely apologize for the worries and trouble that this has caused.
Last December, after experiencing dizziness and tinnitus, and after undergoing medical examination, [Yaotome] was diagnosed with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss. For a while, he was continuing to work while undergoing treatment, however his condition started to impact his music activities as well as other work; and as a company we decided that Yaotome’s health should take priority. While heavily considering his own motivations, as well as his members’ input, we’ve decided he will temporarily halt his work activities.
Yaotome was concerned about worrying and inconveniencing his fans and those he works with, but after talking with his group members, in order to once again work with his group, he promised that now is the time for him to prioritize taking care of his health. Also at this time, we would like to thank everyone for creating an environment where he can have the peace of mind to focus on treatment. We are truly grateful.
To those who have been looking forward to his work with his group and individually, we sincerely apologize, but greatly appreciate your understanding.
For the time being, Hey! Say! JUMP will be active as a group of 7, but it would be appreciated if you continue to warmly watch over them.
We thank your for your continued support.
January 29, 2022
Johnny’s & Associates
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To the fans, as well as my work associates, I’m truly sorry for the trouble and worries that have arisen due to my personal circumstances.
I was diagnosed with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) in December. It started with tinnitus and dizziness during the filming of a TV program, with those symptoms continuing throughout the day, as well as the ringing in my ears exacerbating to the point that I couldn’t sleep at night.
The condition of my ears has improved, but when several people are talking [at once], I register it as noise in my head and can’t hear who is saying what, so doing variety [tv] and music activities is difficult.
After discussing thoroughly with management and the [HSJ] members, it’s been decided that I will temporarily suspend my entertainment activities. There was the option of continuing work while coping with my SSHL, but after considering if I could do my stageplay scheduled in the spring, and the work I’ve been given currently at 100% [of my capabilities], I came to the conclusion that in my current condition that would be difficult.
I’m frustrated that I have made everyone experience these sad feelings. Originally, I was planning on making this announcement after the final concert of our arena tour that was cancelled, after properly doing my job with Hey! Say! JUMP. However, [due to the circumstances], I’m announcing it at this time.
I’m making the personal goal of having a complete recovery and returning on the day Hey! Say! JUMP celebrates our 15th anniversary. I definitely want to show my energetic self to all of you, so please allow me to take this time to make a full recovery. I’ll be happy if you patiently wait for me. From now on, please take care of Hey! Say! JUMP.
Yaotome Hikaru
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To our fans who continually support us, and our work associates, we are sorry for the trouble and feelings of worry that have been caused from this situation.
Yaotome has been feeling unwell on many occasions near the end of the year [2021], and we felt very concerned even just watching from closeby.
This announcement might be something really sad and painful for the fans.
[Yaotome] himself was also very concerned about how him taking time off to take care of his condition would trouble others. However, there is nothing more important than his health, and after discussing as a group, he accepted [the idea].
He’s a dear friend who will continue to be with us for a long time, so without deciding a strict timeframe, we want him to properly rest and recover fully.
It’s lonely suddenly having our “funny man” not be around but…
Currently, Hey! Say! JUMP is going to be active with 7 members, but we’ll properly protect this place so Yaotome can come back whenever he can.
It’s him, so he’ll definitely power up even more and come back!
We’re Hey! Say! JUMP who always have Yaotome Hikaru in our hearts.
The 7 of us will work hard with the goal of becoming a group that everyone can love.
From now on, we continue to appreciate your warm and constant support.
Hikaru! Take it easy and rest!
Hey! Say! JUMP