It’s the end of an era.
Koreaboo
After more than a decade, two seasoned idols are stepping away from their group. For one, the break is temporary. The other will be permanently departing.
Iwata Takanori is a Japanese dancer, actor, and member of the J-Pop groups Sandaime J Soul Brothers and EXILE. Both groups fall under the umbrella of EXILE TRIBE, a supergroup of artists under the agency LDH. Takanori, who joined Exile in 2014, will be leaving EXILE in order to fully commit to his acting projects and solo work, as well as to Sandaime J Soul Brothers.
The decision to leave EXILE comes after years of balancing his various professional commitments. In a heartfelt statement, Takanori told fans, “EXILE was my youth and my dream. The days and memories I made as part of the group are something I’ll always be proud of.”
Unfortunately for fans who were hoping to see him at EXILE’s upcoming tour, EXILE LIVE TOUR 2025 ‘THE REASON’, Takanori won’t be performing. He isn’t the only member who will be absent from the tour.
Another member, Shirahama Alan, will also be putting a halt to his EXILE group activities, but only temporarily. Like Takanori, Alan has been juggling multiple groups and projects. He’s taking a hiatus from EXILE in order to give his full attention to his other EXILE TRIBE group, GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE, and PKCZ(R). The latter isn’t a J-Pop group, but rather a creative collective that combines various art forms, such as music and fashion.
EXILE’s tour begins on November 15 and ends on December 28, 2025.