WEST. members Fujii and Kotaki announce departure from group

Members Ryusei Fujii and Nozomu Kotaki have announced their departure from the Japanese idol group WEST., though both will remain with STARTO ENTERTAINMENT to continue their activities as individual talents. The departures reportedly stem from a divergence in artistic direction, with the departing members expressing a desire to maintain a more traditional ‘idol’ style compared to the group’s recent shift toward an artist-oriented musical direction.

Junta Nakama appeared on the television program ‘DayDay.’ to apologize to fans and industry stakeholders for the uncertainty and the sudden nature of the announcement. He stated that the remaining members are currently discussing the future direction of WEST. and promised to provide a formal update once a decision is reached.

Reports suggest internal tensions may have contributed to the split, including disagreements regarding musical influence and communication within the group. While the future of the remaining five members remains under deliberation, the group is working to organize their next steps.