9 Jun - It was revealed that Iwata Takanori will no longer be a part of EXILE.

The singer, who has been with the group since 2014, announced the news on social media on 6 June, saying that he has been deliberating about balancing his time what with his increasing workload throughout the years.

"After a long period of thinking, I finally decided that I will focus on the third generation of J SOUL BROTHERS in the future," he said. "I will continue to be an artist under LDH and will take my work in various fields seriously as the third-generation J SOUL BROTHERS, an actor, and as an individual."

Saying that EXILE had been his youth and dreams, Iwata stressed that being a member of the group was something he took pride in.

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"I will sincerely carry out activities to repay the fans who have supported me as a performer of EXILE for 11 years," he added.

The singer will also not be a part of EXILE's upcoming tour, "The Reason".

Iwata wants to focus on J Soul Brothers

(Photo Source: Iwata IG)