It looks like it may be splitsville for the princes of Japanese showbiz.
SMAP, one of Japan's most successful male idol groups, appeared on the verge of disbanding Wednesday as the fantastic five's management agency acknowledged reports that the lads are considering going their own ways.
"There have been some news reports that members of SMAP are considering flying solo. . . . Debate and negotiation are indeed underway over the matter," Daisuke Yuki, a lawyer representing artist agency Johnny & Associates, said in a statement delivered to The Japan Times on Wednesday.
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