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| EXILE Update: Iwata Takanori Ends His Run, Shirahama Alan Steps Back (EXILE/Official) |
Some major news for EXILE TRIBE fans—two familiar faces are stepping away from EXILE, and it's hitting right in the feels.
Iwata Takanori (36), known for his dual role in both EXILE and Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS, has officially announced that he's calling time on his activities with EXILE. After joining the group back in 2014, he's now decided to fully focus on his main group, Sandaime JSB, as well as his solo career and acting projects.
In a heartfelt message to fans, Takanori shared that it wasn’t an easy decision, but after years of juggling multiple responsibilities, he’s come to reflect on how he wants to spend his time and where he sees himself growing. "EXILE was my youth and my dream,” he wrote. “The days and memories I made as part of the group are something I’ll always be proud of.”
He added that the upcoming EXILE Dome Tour, set to kick off at the end of the year, won’t feature him—marking the end of an era for many who’ve followed his journey across both groups.
On the flip side, Shirahama Alan (31) also made his own announcement—he’ll be taking a temporary break from EXILE activities to focus more on GENERATIONS and his creative work with PKCZ(R). While not a full departure, Alan’s stepping back to realign his goals and put more energy into other projects he’s deeply passionate about.
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Like Takanori, Alan won’t be joining the EXILE Dome Tour either. He apologised for the sudden news, saying he’s always carried pride in being part of EXILE and has done his best to balance everything so far. But now, with age and future dreams in mind, he’s decided it’s time to take a bit of space and grow further in other areas.
Both artists expressed massive gratitude to their fellow EXILE members for understanding and supporting their decisions, and of course, to the fans who’ve been with them through thick and thin.
For now, EXILE moves forward without two of its standout performers, while Takanori and Alan turn their focus to their original crews and solo ambitions. No drama, just evolution.
So here’s to new chapters, fresh challenges, and a whole lot of gratitude.
EXILE isn’t losing them entirely—they’re just shifting lanes for a bit.