What happens when your favorite artist leaves the group that made them famous? Sarah returns from hiatus to join Panic in tackling the bittersweet phenomenon of "graduation" in Japanese entertainment—the uniquely positive framing when members depart to pursue solo endeavors.
The conversation kicks off with the recent shocking announcements from Hey! Say! JUMP, where Yuto Nakajima revealed their departure after 18 years with the group. This prompts a deeper examination of how artists transform their careers after group life. Some find tremendous success as actors (like Yamapi and Toma Ikuta), others become hosts or TV personalities, while many forge impressive solo music careers.
Kenty (Nakajima Kento) emerges as a standout example—Panic's self-proclaimed "son" who successfully transitioned to both acting and solo music after leaving his group. The pair also dive into Matsumoto Jun's impressive acting versatility, from his bratty character in Hana Yori Dango to his surprisingly compassionate role in his current drama "The 19th Department." These post-group transformations reveal new dimensions of artistry that might never have emerged within group dynamics.
Throughout the episode, Sarah and Panic highlight the support for both paths after a graduation—remaining loyal to the original group while embracing departed members' new journeys. They also touch on fresh music releases from Fujii Kaze, MONSTA X, ORβIT and the upcoming BE:FIRST anniversary album.
Whether you're currently processing a favorite member's departure or just fascinated by career evolutions in entertainment, this episode offers insight, comfort, and the reassurance that sometimes endings are just the beginning of something new.
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