It has finally reached ljay. Like someone said in the comments, indeed Yamashita has said that “he won’t betray NEWS”.
On the other hand, being a wee-bit older than most fans, you’d be best off taking that with a grain of salt. If he does go solo, it’ll be in a delayed execution mode. One that may have already started. Heck, it’s the way I would do it, specifically when things are ‘tender and painful’ because of Jin leaving. It’s going to be more difficult for the next one to come along to ask for ‘public forgiveness’. A matter of true diplomacy and tact if you ask me. One that probably can only be solved by “silent death”. Do not speak of it, let it slowly appear over time.
Some say it won’t happen because Jin had his heart set on the US, Yamapi has no such desires. Agreed, though solo is solo. Whether that happens in Asia, in Japan or in Timbuktoe. Even if Yamapi does have such desires, would Johnny-san be as retarded to let another cash cow go? Of course not. Perhaps the better question is: can you escape the jimusho at all in the home market? So I reckon: you keep the lie of doing it both until one of the two indeed dies a silent death or outlives it’s use. Right now, like I’ve said countless times, they’re trying desperately to keep a lid on pandora’s box. It all depends on how big Yamapi’s own desire is to pursue solo activities and whether that leaves room for NEWS. Or in case of Johnny-san: how well he has the thumb screws on him or can butter him up if he does. What’s the best balancing act with an “Ace” in a game of Black Jack? That card means you’re comfortable enough to gamble, ne. The only challenge left is the “PR” not going bad. Let’s see how the cards are played. Time will tell. Seeing as Yamapi himself already said “he won’t betray NEWS”: “impossible is nothing”, but personally I don’t expect a blowout like Jin’s.
