Actor Takuya Kimura appeared on the November 16 broadcast of the information program “Arido Times” (TV Asahi). He talked about his debut, the past, and the future with the program’s MC, Yumiko Udo. Kimura appeared in the “Legends & Stars” segment, a special program in which Yuto delves deeply into the lives of celebrities who have been active in various fields, including sports and entertainment. In the “Legends & Stars” segment, Kimura asked questions that are usually difficult to ask, ranging from work to private life, to get to the bottom of Kimura’s true feelings. In 2016, “SMAP,” the group he belonged to, broke up and the other members left the office. Kimura replied, “What? Kimura replied, “Well, should I leave? Isn’t that what these questions are about?” Kimura replied, “I don’t care if I leave (the office). Kimura replied, “Whether or not I leave the office, I can do what I can do, and what I can’t do, I won’t be able to do. What you can’t do, you can’t do even if you want to do it. …… There’s nothing you can’t do even if you want to do it. I’m sure everyone who went to a different place thinks the same thing. I’m sure there are people who have been refreshed by getting out.” He also expressed his feelings when he was told by juniors and fans that they were “glad you stayed on,” saying, “I’m glad too. Kimura added, “I didn’t do it alone, after all. I’m going to say this clearly, but I really can’t do anything on my own. There is no doubt about that. Kimura joined the Johnny’s Office (now STARTO ENTERTAINMENT) in 1987, and at the height of his popularity, he was the only one to remain at the office when SMAP disbanded at the end of 2016. After the sexual assault issue at the former Johnny’s office came to light in 2023, many talents, including Kazuya Ninomiya and Junichi Okada, left the office and became independent. Under these circumstances, Mr. Kimura made the decision to remain with the office out of a sense of indebtedness to the office and his feelings for the younger members of the group. It is reported that he held a rally for the younger members, with whom he does not usually have much contact. It was announced a few days ago that Kimura would appear as a guest on “Ariko Times,” and there was a lot of talk before the broadcast about what Kimura would have to say. On the 11th, five days before the broadcast, “Josei Seven Plus” reported that Mr. Kimura was considering going independent from his record company or transferring to another company. While Kimura was still in a state of confusion about his future activities, some viewers may have felt again his standing as a star when he thanked Kimura on the program, saying, “I really can’t do anything on my own.
