Japanese performer-actor Tomohisa Yamashita, popularly known as YamaP, left his agency Johnny & Associates Inc. on Oct. 31.

Rumors about Yamashita’s departure have circulated on social media since Tuesday. On the same day, the Japan-based Johnny & Associates confirmed the news on its website.

“For a long time, Yamashita has aspired to pursue an international career. With this in mind, we arranged contract terms and helped him to prepare for a career overseas while working at this company.

“Johnny & Associates and Yamashita have repeatedly discussed their relationship. Yamashita asked to resign from the company before the expiration of his contract because he wants to move his activity base overseas and to focus on the job currently offered there,” wrote the agency.

Johnny & Associates Inc. was founded by the late Japanese music mogul Johnny Kitagawa in 1962. It is considered the top agency and production company in the country, propelling pop groups such as SMAP and Arashi to national fame. Kitagawa died of a stroke in January 2019 at the age of 87.

On Thursday, 35-year-old Yamashita took to Instagram to voice his statement. He wrote that he had decided to part ways with the agency after three months of careful consideration. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the agency for its support.

 

 

 

 

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いつも僕を応援してくれている大切な皆さん この3ヶ月という期間に僕自身の行動についてしっかりと向き合い、今までの事これからの事を改めて深く考えた結果、ジャニーズ事務所を離れる決断をさせて頂きました。 ジャニーズ事務所は、僕、山下智久を生み育ててくれた生家です。その事務所を出て、子供の頃からの夢に向かい新たな一歩を踏み出していきたいと思います。大切な事は全てジャニーズ事務所、共に切磋琢磨してきた仲間、そして多くのファンの皆さんが教えてくれました。 この24年間、応援し続けてくれたこと、一生忘れません。皆さんから頂いた温かい言葉、たくさんの愛がどれほど僕に勇気と希望を与えてくれたことか、言葉では言い表せないほど感謝しています。 どんな未来が待っているのかはわかりませんが、1人でも多くの方の心に火を灯せるような、そんな存在にいつかなれるように前に進み続けていきたいと思います。 最後になりますが、これまで温かく見守ってくださり、これからの未来にエールを送ってくださったジャニーズ事務所の皆様に心から感謝致します。 そしていつも応援してくれている皆さんへ。 どんな時も、僕を支えてくれて本当にありがとうございました。 これからも全力で頑張りますので、変わらず応援していだけたら嬉しいです。 今後の活動に関しましては、準備が整い次第改めてInstagram、SNSを通じてお知らせさせていただきますので、もう少しの間待っていてください。 山下智久 Dear Fans, After much deliberation over the last three months, I have decided to part ways with Johnny & Associates. Johnny & Associates is my birthplace and it’s where I was raised. I learned so much from everyone who supported me there including all of you. It’s time to take a new step towards my childhood dreams. I will never forget that you have continued to support me over the last 24 years. It leaves me indescribably grateful for the warm words, love, courage, and hope that you have given me. I don't know what the future holds, but I will continue to move forward. Last but not least, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at Johnny & Associates for their warm support and words of encouragement. Regarding my future activities, I will keep you all posted via my social media. Tomohisa Yamashita

A post shared by Tomohisa Yamashita (@tomo.y9) on Nov 11, 2020 at 7:00pm PST

“Johnny & Associates is my birthplace and it’s where I was raised. I learned so much from everyone who supported me there, including all of you. It’s time to take a new step toward my childhood dreams. […] I don’t know what the future holds, but I will continue to move forward,” wrote Yamashita, adding that he’ll post his forthcoming activities on social media.

According to The Mainichi, Yamashita made his debut in 2003 with idol group NEWS and left the group in 2011. He’s known for starring in various Japanese doramas and films, including Kurosagi (2006), Proposal Daisakusen (2007), Code Blue (2008) and Nobuta wo Produce (2005) and Reborn (2018).

In August, Yamashita reportedly drank with underage girls, causing his agency to suspend his activities. (wir/wng)

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