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SMAP releases greatest hits album before disbanding
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The SMAP 25 Years album comprises 50 songs selected by fans through a two-week online poll from a total of more than 400 records released by the group since 1991. (Shutterstock/File)
V
eteran Japanese pop group SMAP released a greatest hits album on Wednesday, just days prior to the group’s disbandment by the end of this year.
The SMAP 25 Years album comprises 50 songs selected by fans through a two-week online poll from a total of more than 400 records released by the group since 1991. “Stay”, SMAP’s 2006 song, topped the audience’s choice in the poll.
Antara news agency has reported that JVC Kenwood Victor Entertainment stated that up to 800,000 physical copies were sold in the first batch release.
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In August, Japanese talent agency Johnny and Associates announced that SMAP, which consists of Masahiro Nakai, Takuya Kimura, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Goro Inagaki and Shingo Katori, would disband in 2017. Following the news, more than 373,500 local and overseas fans signed and sent petitions to the agency, asking for the group to reconsider the plan.
Fans reportedly also tried to show their support for the group by purchasing one of SMAP’s most well-known hit songs, "Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana" (The one and only flower in the world), resulting in the 2003 song climbing up the local Japanese song charts.
It is said that the five members of SMAP will now focus on their solo careers. (mas/kes)
