
On February 21, former SMAP member Nakai Masahiro held a press conference where he announced that he would be leaving Johnny's & Associates on March 31.
At the beginning, Nakai immediately revealed what the press conference would be about, "Are we ready? Can we begin? Is it too soon to say that I will be leaving the company? Well, I am leaving the company. Johnny's & Associates. Today I am making that announcement." As this surprised the press, Nakai left the room to get a fresh start and returned after counting down into the microphone. He declared, "At this time, I, Nakai Masahiro, would like to hold long interview in regards to me leaving the company."