KAT-TUN member
Taguchi Junnosuke announced today on the program
Best Artist 2015 that he will be leaving both the group and Johnny's Entertainment in spring 2016.
Taguchi explained that he is leaving because, as he nears his thirtieth birthday, he has been thinking about how he wants to live the rest of his life. He apologized to the members and thanked all of the fans and staff members that have supported him until this point, but stated that he has to follow his own path.
Formed in 2001 as a six-member boyband,
KAT-TUN made their CD debut in 2006 and almost instantly became one of Japan's biggest pop groups. However, they have suffered many setbacks in recent years, including the departures of
Akanishi Jin in 2010 and
Tanaka Koki in 2013.
Taguchi's withdrawal will leave the group a trio halfway through their 10th anniversary year, but it was stated in a message on Johnny's Entertainment's
official website that the remaining members have no intention of disbanding
KAT-TUN at the moment, and they are currently holding discussions to figure out the best way to continue.
