SMAP

The name SMAP (スマップ) stands for "Sports Music Assemble People". Their CD debut was in 1991. Since then they have released many singles and albums, and with the exceptions of a few, all releases reached #1 in charts. Recently, the interval of releasing single CDs is becoming relatively long, approximately once a year. The members of SMAP have also starred in many television variety shows, dramas, commercials, and movies. Their fanbase mostly consists of Japanese women. SMAP is often considered to have gone past the so called "Idol Group" status, and have become the "Top Group" in Japan. SMAP is also well known in many other Asian countries. After the disbandment in 2016, Inagaki, Kusanagi, and Katori started their activities on various online platforms separately, as well as a new project Atarashii Chizu (New Map) together. The members are: * Masahiro Nakai (中居正広) * Takuya Kimura (木村拓哉) * Gorou Inagaki (稲垣吾郎) * Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (草彅剛) * Shingo Katori (香取慎吾) Ex-member: * Katsuyuki Mori (森且行), left on May 1996 to be active as an auto racer. When the group was established, SMAP was previously Skate Boys (1987 -1988). (Source: AniDB, Edited)