It was revealed that Iwata Takanori will no longer be a part of EXILE.
The singer, who has been with the group since 2014, announced the news on social media on 6 June, saying that he has been deliberating about balancing his time what with his increasing workload throughout the years.
“After a long period of thinking, I finally decided that I will focus on the third generation of J SOUL BROTHERS in the future,” he said. “I will continue to be an artist under LDH and will take my work in various fields seriously as the third-generation J SOUL BROTHERS, an actor, and as an individual.”
Saying that EXILE had been his youth and dreams, Iwata stressed that being a member of the group was something he took pride in.
“I will sincerely carry out activities to repay the fans who have supported me as a performer of EXILE for 11 years,” he added.
The singer will also not be a part of EXILE’s upcoming tour, “The Reason”.
(Photo Source: Iwata IG)