Their romances were believed to play a part in their disbandment.
Koreaboo
In late September, it was announced that the popular J-Pop group WEST. would be disbanded.
The group had previously lost two members the month before and announced the news in a statement and a video posted on their fan cafe.
【WEST. 解散】
WEST.が9月30日をもって、グループを解散することが発表されました。
— Johnny’s information (@info__Johnnys) September 24, 2026
Some attributed the disbandment to the rumors surrounding the members and women.
Popular Group Announces Disbandment — Incites Criticism About Members’ Romantic Relationships
New alleged information has apparently shown that the member’s relationships with each other may have already began dissolving prior to the disbandment announcement.
In January 2025, it was reported that Akito Kiriyama and former women’s volleyball player Maiko Kano would be getting married.
An industry insider recently spoke about the wedding, which reportedly took place in July 2025. According to the insider, it was a small, private affair and that none of the WEST. members were mentioned by name.
Apparently, it took place around July 15, Kano’s birthday. The guests were reportedly limited to a select group of people, including entertainment industry figures, volleyball professionals, and close acquaintances.
No WEST. members have been mentioned by name, so it seems the ceremony was primarily focused on Kano. Everyone was very thorough about keeping things private, refraining from posting on social media about the wedding or Okinawa.
— Insider
This has taken this to mean that none of the WEST. members were in attendance, grouping the information in with the group’s disbandment.