One of Japan’s most popular boy bands is apparently breaking up. More or less.

This week Japan was rocked, more or less, with the news that four of the five members of SMAP would be leaving Johnny & Associates (run by the 80 something Johnny Kitagawa) to join with a new talent agency.

I remain skeptical (but more on that later).

For those who don’t know, SMAP, which stands for Sports Music Assemble People (and NOT, much to my surprise, Satan’s Minions Are Popular) have been one of the hottest pop groups in Japan since 1991. They are primarily dancers and entertainers not singers–in fact, Masahiro Nakai, the “leader” of SMAP is a notoriously bad singer–but as a result of their popularity, and Japan’s quirky way of integrating popular groups into television, they also dominate Japanese television as emcees and actors. (Nakai is a terrific emcee on all three of the TV shows he hosts.)

However, as the members approach their mid-40’s, some of them seem to be seeking a new talent agency. Only Takuya Kimura (whom I’ve dubbed “SMAP Boy” for various complicated reasons I won’t explain right now) plans to remain in Johnny’s, but he’s also the one that’s been granted the most favors, including permission to marry.

Note: Japan’s entertainment industry operates like a version of the old Hollywood studio system crossed with the military. Members of an agency like Johnny’s are expected to work under salary, with bonuses based on their popularity, and are often ordered not to date and/or get married. Violating that rule can get people kicked out.

What makes me skeptical about all this is that four are leaving. If only Nakai was leaving, or perhaps the less popular Goro Inagaki, I could understand, but having four leaves seems like a publicity stunt to me. SMAPs been around 25 years so, and have been nearly replaced on television by a group called Arashi. and there are some rumors that this “break up” might be a ploy to see if SMAP has any fans left.

Either way, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out. If they are actually breaking up, it could signal the end of an era. More or less.