Japanese idol group KAT-TUN has announced disbandment, with the official end of the band set to end of March.

The news was announced by management agency STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, saying, “KAT-TUN signed a contract with our company in April 2024 and have continued their activities since then, but after discussing the matter with the members for approximately a year, we have come to the decision as a company that it would be best for the members to take down the KAT-TUN name and choose their own paths in the second year of their contract, starting 1 April 2025.”

Regarding future plans, Kazuya Kamenashi will leave the agency when his contract expires on 31 March while Tatsuya Ueda and Yuichi Nakamaru will continue their contracts with STARTO as individuals.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the fans and people involved who have supported KAT-TUN over the past 25 years since the group was formed. Although the group will disband, we are currently working on creating a place where the members can meet their fans in the near future, in accordance with their wishes. We will notify our fans as soon as the details are decided,” the company added.

KAT-TUN began as a six-member group, with the name taken from the first letter of each member’s family name: Kamenashi, Akanishi, Taguchi, Tanaka, Ueda and Nakamaru. Akanishi was the first to leave the group in 2013 to start a solo career, followed by Tanaka, whose contract was terminated for several violations. Taguchi later left the group in 2016.

(Photo Source: Kazuya IG, YOL)

It was reported that KAT-TUN’s Yuichi Nakamaru will be taking a hiatus following rumours of extramarital affair.

As reported on Bunshun, a statement was released by STARTO Entertainment on 7 August saying that they deeply regretted his action and that what Nakamaru did was irresponsible.

“As for the future, we will be suspending him, in accordance to his wishes,” the company added.

The KAT-TUN member himself released his personal apology to his family and those affected, saying that he was advised by his wife to face himself honestly and that he will accept all criticisms towards himself.

Earlier this week, Bunshun Weekly shared photos where the 40-year-old was reportedly seen having a secret rendezvous with a female college student at a hotel in Tokyo.

It was just back in January that he married former announcer Rina Sasazaki. The latter had since locked the comment section of her Instagram account.

(Photo Source: Yuichi Nakamaru IG, Rina Sasazaki IG)

KAT-TUN’s Yuichi Nakamaru has announced his marriage former Japanese anchor, Rina Sasazaki.

As reported on IAsk, the singer shared the good news on KAT-TUN’s official website, writing, “Although the cold weather continues, while I hope everyone is staying healthy, I also want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who usually takes care of me. I want to report to everyone that Yuichi Nakamaru is married. The chance to perform in various fields is all thanks to my fans and people who support me, and I feel happy every day.”

“From now on, I will work harder to promote my acting career and strive to become a person who is needed by others,” he added.

Japanese media reported that the couple started dating after they participated in a morning show on Nippon TV. The couple have registered their marriage at the Tokyo District Office.

Rina, who is nine years younger than the 40-year-old singer, left Nippon TV at the end of last year.

(Photo Source: Yuichi Nakamaru IG, Sponichi)