[2023.10.24] Nino announces that he'll be going independent from the agency while staying in Arashi
Here's some major, though unsurprising, news from Nino! The statement was released via a video message on the FC website.
Hello everyone, thank you for your continued support.
This is Ninomiya Kazunari.
Today, I have something to share with all of you. As of 24 October, I will be going independent from the agency and carrying out my activities as a solo artiste.
As for why I chose to go independent, after the first press conference[1] by the agency, a lot of my work began to be affected. To be honest, I felt scared and very anxious, and wondered what I should do next. However, I had to tackle the work that I’ve been given up till now, and I always had this desire to give my best performance in every job, so I was conflicted.
During the second[2] press conference, it was announced that Johnny & Associates would be changing its name to SMILE-UP. We were informed that a new company would be established, where the talents from Johnny & Associates would be given priority to enter into “agent contracts” or “management contracts”.
After receiving that message, as for where I’d belong after 17 October until the new agency is established, of course in my mind I understand that it would be SMILE-UP. Unfortunately, I had some personal opinions and qualms about it.
Amidst that situation, I had to decide what to do with my own future, but work has to go on. When I settled down and looked at the issue from a broader perspective, I wanted to do things the proper way. I had this desire to do things the proper way and that led to this decision.
After all, I have to be true to myself in life, and in order for everyone to enjoy themselves to the fullest while they’re watching me, I have to do things right and face each of my job assignments head on. In order not to have any regrets as I live my life, I’ve come to this decision.
Like I’ve said, I’ve been worrying about this issue every day and it took me a long time to come to this conclusion. For that, I sincerely apologize for inconveniencing all the parties who are working with me.
This has been the thought process and feelings behind why I chose to go independent.
For everyone who has always given me their support, I think there is something else which you’re worried about. That is regarding Arashi.
With this decision, would Arashi disappear? I think there are people who are worried about that.
I will still be Arashi tomorrow. In the future, for as long as Arashi exists, I will be Arashi. So I hope that you’ll have the peace of mind and when Arashi resumes its activities, I will definitely be a part of it as a member. Even within the fan club, which has various contents such as the newsletter, I will continue to participate in them so I hope you will enjoy it. I hope this will put you at ease.
That being said, I have chosen to carry out my individual activities and activities as Arashi like I always have. There hasn’t been anyone who made a decision like this so far, so I will be walking down a new path.
I think there will be many people who are shocked by this announcement, but I’ll continue to do my best after this decision, so that as you watch my activities from this point on, you’ll be able to say,
“You’ve been true to yourself.”
“The way he works is so Nino.”
Ninomiya Kazunari will be going full throttle in all things, so I ask for your continued support. This has been Ninomiya Kazunari!
Translator’s notes:
[1] The first press conference was held on 7 September, where Higashiyama was appointed as president and the company acknowledged the sexual abuse claims against Johnny Kitagawa.
[2] The second press conference was held on 2 October.
Hello everyone, thank you for your continued support.
This is Ninomiya Kazunari.
Today, I have something to share with all of you. As of 24 October, I will be going independent from the agency and carrying out my activities as a solo artiste.
As for why I chose to go independent, after the first press conference[1] by the agency, a lot of my work began to be affected. To be honest, I felt scared and very anxious, and wondered what I should do next. However, I had to tackle the work that I’ve been given up till now, and I always had this desire to give my best performance in every job, so I was conflicted.
During the second[2] press conference, it was announced that Johnny & Associates would be changing its name to SMILE-UP. We were informed that a new company would be established, where the talents from Johnny & Associates would be given priority to enter into “agent contracts” or “management contracts”.
After receiving that message, as for where I’d belong after 17 October until the new agency is established, of course in my mind I understand that it would be SMILE-UP. Unfortunately, I had some personal opinions and qualms about it.
Amidst that situation, I had to decide what to do with my own future, but work has to go on. When I settled down and looked at the issue from a broader perspective, I wanted to do things the proper way. I had this desire to do things the proper way and that led to this decision.
After all, I have to be true to myself in life, and in order for everyone to enjoy themselves to the fullest while they’re watching me, I have to do things right and face each of my job assignments head on. In order not to have any regrets as I live my life, I’ve come to this decision.
Like I’ve said, I’ve been worrying about this issue every day and it took me a long time to come to this conclusion. For that, I sincerely apologize for inconveniencing all the parties who are working with me.
This has been the thought process and feelings behind why I chose to go independent.
For everyone who has always given me their support, I think there is something else which you’re worried about. That is regarding Arashi.
With this decision, would Arashi disappear? I think there are people who are worried about that.
I will still be Arashi tomorrow. In the future, for as long as Arashi exists, I will be Arashi. So I hope that you’ll have the peace of mind and when Arashi resumes its activities, I will definitely be a part of it as a member. Even within the fan club, which has various contents such as the newsletter, I will continue to participate in them so I hope you will enjoy it. I hope this will put you at ease.
That being said, I have chosen to carry out my individual activities and activities as Arashi like I always have. There hasn’t been anyone who made a decision like this so far, so I will be walking down a new path.
I think there will be many people who are shocked by this announcement, but I’ll continue to do my best after this decision, so that as you watch my activities from this point on, you’ll be able to say,
“You’ve been true to yourself.”
“The way he works is so Nino.”
Ninomiya Kazunari will be going full throttle in all things, so I ask for your continued support. This has been Ninomiya Kazunari!
Translator’s notes:
[1] The first press conference was held on 7 September, where Higashiyama was appointed as president and the company acknowledged the sexual abuse claims against Johnny Kitagawa.
[2] The second press conference was held on 2 October.