Japanese boy group WEST. is facing a major shake-up as members Ryusei Fujii, 33, and Nozomu Kotaki, 30, have announced their departures from the group. Their departure dates have not yet been decided, and both artists will remain under STARTO Entertainment while continuing their individual activities.
On August 30, WEST.’s official website announced, “We would like to inform you that our talents Ryusei Fujii and Nozomu Kotaki will be leaving WEST.”
The agency explained that during discussions about WEST.’s future activities, the two members expressed their desire to leave the group and pursue activities in a new form. After extensive discussions with the other members, the agency said it decided to respect and accept their wishes. Regarding the timing of their departures, the agency explained that coordination with relevant parties is still necessary because of their upcoming activities and appearances. As a result, the agency chose to announce the decision before officially determining their departure dates.
The agency apologized to fans and those involved with WEST. for the sudden announcement and said the official departure dates are currently being discussed. It added that further details will be announced once a decision has been made. The agency also revealed that ticket refunds will be offered for the upcoming KAMIGATA EXPO PARK FES 2026, as WEST. will no longer be able to appear as a seven-member group. Specific performance and refund information will be announced at a later date.
“Ryusei Fujii and Nozomu Kotaki will continue their entertainment activities while remaining under our agency,” the company said. Discussions regarding WEST.’s future activities are also continuing with the remaining five members, with further announcements to follow once plans are finalized. The two members also shared their thoughts through the group’s paid fan club. Fujii said, “As a member of WEST., I was able to have countless wonderful experiences with all of you. Each and every one of them is a precious and irreplaceable memory.”
Kotaki similarly expressed his gratitude, saying, “WEST., where I was able to see so many beautiful sights together with the fans and members, is an irreplaceable treasure to me.” Kotaki held an event in Tokyo on July 30 to celebrate his 30th birthday and performed in Osaka on August 24 and 25. He is also scheduled to star in the stage production Rock ‘n’ Roll beginning in November. Fujii recently completed the final performance of his starring stage production ROLL（（CAKE））TIME on August 24. The departure announcement came shortly after both members completed major schedules, making the news an even greater shock to fans.
WEST. had already been experiencing major changes this month. On August 9, member Daiki Shigeoka, 33, announced his marriage and the birth of his first child, while Takahiro Hamada, 37, simultaneously revealed that he had also gotten married. Just three weeks later, news of Fujii and Kotaki’s departures emerged, marking another significant turning point for the group.
WEST. had been scheduled to appear at KAMIGATA EXPO PARK FES 2026, alongside KAMIGATA BOYZ, a group featuring Kansai-born talents affiliated with STARTO Entertainment.
Sources: Daum