Junnosuke Watanabe has announced his resignation as the representative of the music agency WACK, effective immediately. His departure concludes a significant chapter for WACK, a company he founded in 2014.
In a brief post on his X account, Junnosuke shared his decision, stating, “I’m stepping down as the representative of WACK”, alongside the first part of a detailed three-part interview with natalie. Junnosuke, who turns 40 in October, revealed that his departure is due to his plans to study abroad in the UK, where he has been residing since November 2023. As he will be on a Student visa, which restricts business ownership, he has opted to resign from his various roles, including his position at WACK.
Junnosuke plans to enroll at Goldsmiths, University of London, to pursue a graduate degree in Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship. The university boasts an alumni roster that includes notable figures such as members of Blur, Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren, and musician James Blake.
This decision follows a period of personal reflection, including a lackluster stint at a language school, and interactions with WACK fans in London. Junnosuke hopes that the graduate program will provide new perspectives and opportunities, despite the challenges of studying abroad.
RELATED: Junnosuke Watanabe: How WACK Navigated Controversy and Success in Japan’s Idol Scene
Reactions from his followers have been mixed, though many express support and well-wishes for his new endeavor. Comments on social media highlight his contributions to the Japanese idol scene and the success of WACK’s artists over the past decade.
Furukawa Mirin of Dempagumi.inc, a prominent idol group in the early 2010s, who was mentioned in the interview, expressed surprise and gratitude for Watanabe’s contributions:
“I was surprised to see my name mentioned! I don’t think I’ve ever spoken with Junnosuke-san, but I remember seeing him once in Dogenzaka and debating whether to approach him but ultimately deciding against it. For now, thank you for your hard work!”
The past decade has seen a decline in the popularity of subculture idols from indie agencies, largely due to the rise of K-pop and other highly polished idol groups that have overshadowed underground acts. The disbandment of BiSH, a key group under WACK, has further intensified these challenges, exposing the difficulties indie agencies face in maintaining relevance amid shifting industry trends. As support for subculture idols diminishes, it is clear that agencies like WACK must explore new strategies, including expanding their presence overseas, to adapt and thrive.
With Junnosuke’s departure, the future leadership of WACK remains uncertain. His exit marks a new chapter both for him personally and for the agency he significantly influenced over the past decade. The second and third parts of Junnosuke’s interview with natalie, still awaiting release, explore his reflections on the “lost decade” and address key issues in the Japanese idol scene.
‘WACK in the UK Vol.3’, WACK’s exclusive overseas live series which debuted in November last year, will return to London on August 28th at The Underworld in Camden. The lineup for the upcoming event includes ASP, MONSTER IDOL, and BiS.
