Shosei Ohira announces independent career relaunch

Shosei Ohira, a former member of the group JO1, has announced his intention to resume his career as an independent artist. On August 21, 2026, Ohira posted on a new X account stating that he has left his former agency, LAPONE Entertainment, to pursue activities independently.

This announcement follows a period of absence from the public eye after Ohira was no longer a member of JO1 as of April. His departure from the agency follows allegations in October 2025 regarding a relationship with a member of the girl group ME:I. The situation led to the departure of several ME:I members, including Iida Shizuku, whose contract ended on December 31, 2025, leaving the group with seven members.