SMAP sticking together

Everyone who wants to learn something important about Japan needs to see the video for themselves if they haven't seen it already.

All four of the guys who said they'd walk look like they haven't slept in the last 40 hours and appear to be very, very nervous, like prisoners in confession videos who know that, off-camera, somebody very nasty is waiting to do awful things to them or their loved ones should they not follow the script.

Ironic timing perhaps, Glenn Frey, one of the founder members of the Eagles, passed away aged 67.

The title track to Grammy award winning, Hotel California, would have been a apt accompaniment in the background ........ Last thing I remember, I was running for the door, I had to find the passage back, To the place I was before, "Relax, " said the night man, "We are programmed to receive, You can check-out any time you like, But you can never leave!......

However there is more than a cynical whiff of a staged managed publicity stunt, all aspire to form of acting . Nothing like a little 'drama and excitement' before the August 'Dome Tour' ...Don't you think?

Standing still in a suit with a blank expression is just about the limit of their acting ability.

Here is the footage of their "live emergency broadcast" (緊急生放送) announcing that they will not split. It feels like a funeral.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBZSPsdipis

they don't look too happy about "sticking together"....

Worst news I've heard so far this year.

Somebody made them an offer they couldn't refuse!

Can spot an uncannily resemblance of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson sixties classic 'Thunderbirds are go'. On closer inspection one can just make out the strings, or maybe Johnny is working them with his foot.

Thats the look of 5 men who were reminded very clearly that the Yakuza run management companies in Japan.

The video is funereal.

Shows you just who's really in charge of the Japan Inc. talento reality show, when you sign up, you literally signed your life and soul away.

Still cant get my head around why this is such huge news. According to my wife , you have to have been born japanese to understand. If they are loved that much just dismantle the soshiki talent agencies that seem to own the souls of artists in japan, instead of the group. Us gaijins are such simpletons ;p

I though the whole "are they gonna break up?!" was a promotion.

Looks like I was right.

Yes, a pathetic attempt to get press coverage and like mentioned, their "come-back" (after 2 days) looks more like a funeral than anything else.

A complete and utter marketing stunt and every news agency and their dog ate it up...

now theyll release a reunited song and be laughing all the way to the bank. nothing like a bit of scandal to reinvigorate your career.

Guess this time around there wasn't enough news coverage. They'll try it in another 5 years, after they all utterly hate each other and have washed out even further. It's clear that they want to break, but Kimtaku and Johnny's have somehow forced their hand, likely by playing off each other and making the others feel bad.

Now what kind of credibility are they presenting to the fans?

If you look closely you can see the red dots on their foreheads from the snipers Johnny's hired to ensure none of them had a change of heart during the press conference.

@itsonlyrocknroll

Took the words right out of my mouth!

@nostromo

i guess they didn't read the small print in their contract ;)

Ahh man this is terrible news............I need a drink!!

They never stated overtly that they were sticking together, just that they were sorry for all the speculation and to please support them regardless of what happens

the four look so uncomfortable, hope no one forced them back. i felt sad watching it. hope they can get along well like the old days.

the small print, youll make more money together than split.........your choice!?

So after all, they are not going to slpit up. Do I need to know that?

I hadn't seen the video till now. They look terrible. I feel sorry for them.

i guess they didn't read the small print in their contract ;)

The small print was tattooed on the contract.

Lots of ano ne ano sa going around.

How to boost your ratings? Stage a fake break up. These pretty boys drove everyone into a fever of anticipation last night. Millions of Japanese women stayed up, tissue box at hand - and it turned out to be a false alarm

"SMAP sticking together"

Whew!

Do I need to know that?

That's what I figured. My life has not been enriched in any way by the knowledge that SMAP will in fact - stay together

Keep Calm. SMAP is still together. My friend's 18 year old daughter is a huge fan, and she has been totally depressed. I can't wait to tease her tomorrow.

Heaven knows I'm miserable now