At a press conference held by SMILE-UP., formerly Johnny & Associates, a discrepancy in understanding over President Higashiyama Noriyuki (東山 紀之)'s retirement date caused confusion on stage. The matter was ultimately settled with the retirement date set as 30 September and the new management structure taking effect on 1 October.
At SMILE-UP.'s press conference on 28 September, the speakers had differing understandings of President Higashiyama Noriyuki (東山 紀之)'s retirement date. In response to a reporter's question, Higashiyama Noriyuki (東山 紀之) said that the retirement date was 30 September and tried to settle the matter, but discrepancies with the answers of others were pointed out.
New President Yamada Masayuki (山田 将之), seated next to him, responded on the assumption that his appointment date was 1 October: “So does that mean it is until 1 October?” Attorney Kimeda Yutaka (木目田 裕), who was also present, became involved by checking the wording in the materials, resulting in a situation in which the three views diverged.
Kimeda Yutaka (木目田 裕) then presented the materials, and Higashiyama Noriyuki (東山 紀之) corrected himself, saying, “It seems I was mistaken.” Confusion continued at the venue, but the matter ultimately settled with Yamada Masayuki (山田 将之)'s appointment date set as 1 October, Higashiyama Noriyuki (東山 紀之) retiring on 30 September, and the new management structure taking effect on 1 October.