Following talent Masahiro Nakai's announcement on January 23rd that he was retiring from the entertainment industry, former SMAP members Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Shingo Katori have released statements.
Inagaki, Kusanagi and Katori issued a joint statement saying, "This happened so suddenly and we have yet to process it emotionally, and are at a loss for words. We would like to refrain from commenting at the moment. We ask for your understanding."
Nakai announced on his official website, "As of today, I, Nakai Masahiro, will retire from show business. As for my company, Nonbiri Nakai Co., Ltd., we will close it down as soon as we have completed the various remaining procedures and business operations." He ended by writing, "Thank you for the past 37 years. Farewell..."
