SMAP concert goers hit 10 million mark for first time in history
For the first time in Japanese history, and possibly setting a world record, SMAP are the first group to have had 100 million people attend their concerts in their career, a record achieved in Tokyo yesterday, reports Sankei Sports and Sponichi Annex.
The group are currently on tour, and had begun their Tokyo concerts at Tokyo Dome on September 15. It has been 19 years since their first concert at the Nihon Budokan on New Year’s day, 1991.
SMAP member Shingo Katori (33) shouted out a big thank you to yesterday’s concert crowd, who responded with cheers of congratulations.
Fans at yesterday’s concert were also treated to a special ceremony where video footage from all of SMAP’s past concerts were played on screens. It had included scenes from their 2000 tour when Takuya Kimura (37) had announced his marriage, and from their National Stadium concert in 2005.
Footage from early concerts when SMAP was a 6-member group and Katsuyuki Mori (36) had not left to pursue his racing career yet were also played. Footage from the early 2000s showed performances from the Nagoya Dome when SMAP was a 4-member group after Goro Inagaki (36) had been suspended from Johhny’s following his arrest under road traffic violation charges.
Watching this, Kimura had commented that, “a lot has happened over the years”.
Katori added, “things like having six people or four people”.
Inagaki followed his team mate’s comment by saying, “I know. I’m really, really happy that I was able to come back”.
Inagaki was not the only one who had talked about their run with the law yesterday.
“I, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, also created another scene (last year). I am very thankful to be able to stand on this stage with our 100 millionth fans,” Kusanagi said.
To date, 100020000 fans have gone to SMAP concerts since 1991. This would mean more than 500,000 fans have attended concerts every year, a feat only a national popstar group could achieve.
As a final treat, the group sang their 1991 debut song “Can’t Stop!! -LOVING-”. The group rounded things up by revealing their future goals.
“We’re not going to stop yet!” Kimura said.
“SMAP will keep going till we get our 200 millionth fan!” Katori said.
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