A Message to Shota Nakao: FANTASTICS' '9th Member' to be Featured in a Touching 24-Hour Television Segment

A special segment honoring Shota Nakao, the '9th member' of the Japanese dance and vocal group FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE, will air during Nippon TV's annual charity program 24-Hour Television on August 29 and 30. Titled 'To Shota Nakao, the 9th Member of FANTASTICS Who Still "Lives On"—The Message from Members and His Mother,' the announcement has sparked an emotional wave of responses across social media.

Although FANTASTICS currently performs as an eight-member group, Nakao, who tragically passed away at a young age, remains an indispensable part of their identity. The group's deep bond with him is woven into various aspects of their activities—from their symbolic sunflower motif and the significance of the number '9' to their fan name 'FANTARO,' which carries a profound connection to his memory.

Following the announcement, fans flooded social media with passionate comments, with many writing, 'I am definitely going to watch this!' and 'I want as many people as possible to know what an amazing and cool person Shota Nakao was.' Other fans of the same generation expressed their determination, saying, 'I've resolved to live my life to the fullest, carrying his spirit with me.'

Over the years, FANTASTICS has channeled their grief and love for their late bandmate into their music and performances, driven by a steadfast refusal to let his memory fade. For those who have only recently discovered the group, this upcoming feature promises to be a moving opportunity to learn about Nakao's legacy and the enduring love of his family and fellow members.

Described by his bandmates as 'our partner, our pride, and our hero,' the heartfelt message delivered by the members and Nakao's mother is highly anticipated to touch the hearts of viewers nationwide.

The Context

For international readers unfamiliar with J-pop, FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE is a popular Japanese dance and vocal group managed by the talent agency LDH Japan. Shota Nakao was one of the group's founding performers. In early 2018, just as the group was preparing for their major debut, Nakao announced he was pausing activities to undergo treatment for stomach cancer. Tragically, he passed away on July 6, 2018, at just 21 years old, months before the group's official debut in December.

In his memory, the group chose to remain 'nine members' forever, leaving an open space for him in their choreography and promotional lineups. The sunflower, Nakao's favorite flower, has become a core symbol of the group, and the character 'FANTARO' (which represents their fanbase) was originally designed by Nakao himself. Nippon TV's 24-Hour Television is a massive annual charity telethon in Japan, famous for showcasing inspirational documentaries and stories of resilience, making it the perfect platform for this touching tribute.

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