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Shonentai has produced a number of hit songs since its debut, “Kamen Butokai,” in 1985. Their performances can only be described as supreme entertainment with songs, dance routines and musical performances masterfully intertwined, exemplified by the excellent musical “PLAY ZONE”.

“Shonentai 35th Anniversary BEST OF (CD)” (Limited Edition / Regular Edition) and “Shonentai 35th Anniversary PLAYZONE BOX 1986-2008 (DVD)”(Limited Edition) were released on December 12, 2020, the 35th anniversary of their debut. However, there are many music sources and videos that are not in the anniversary CD and DVD collections. Moreover, in the 1980s and early 1990s, most of their merchandise was sold in analog media such as records, cassette tapes, and VHS videos. Some of these music products (records, cassettes) were later transferred to CDs but, for some reason, none of the videos were transferred to DVDs. In　addition, many of the CDs and DVDs are no longer available for sale due to either the discontinuation of these products or the products being sold out.

Because of this, two problems have arisen. The first is that their old fans who loved them at the time of their debut and in their heyday cannot enjoy the wonderful performances their records, cassette tapes, VHS videos etc., have deteriorated and can no longer be played or because the equipment needed to play the old media have become obsolete.

The second problem is that new fans cannot obtain the music and videos released in the 1980s and 1990s because, as mentioned earlier, many of these have been discontinued. This makes it extremely difficult to purchase these sought-after products second-hand as they are so popular that they are either prohibitively expensive or simply sold unavailable.    

As a result of these unfortunate circumstances, at present, the purchase and enjoyment of Shonentai’s music and videos is considerably restricted. Please keep in mind that the famous founder and former president of Johnny & Associates, Mr. Johnny Kitagawa regarded Shonentai as one of the greatest groups in history. Yet now, fans are forced to spend time and effort searching for songs and videos anywhere they can, looking for second-hand goods that are rare and at prices that are too often beyond their reach.

We hope and believe this sad situation can be resolved quickly. It is our fervent wish that all fans, both in Japan and around the world, can, one day soon, easily access Shonentai products and merchandise: songs, videos, etc., to enjoy on new media: smartphones, tablets, and PCs.

Therefore, we urgently request that the following 2 actions be taken to make fans’ lives better:

1. Release for digital distribution of Shonentai's music sources which was commercially available in the past.
2. Release for digital distribution of Shonentai's video images such as promotion videos and concerts which was commercially available in the past.

The fans since their debut still continues to love and support them despite no main activity by Shonentai for the last 12 years. In addition, during the difficult days of the 2020 Covid lock-down, many fans rediscovered the enchantment and genius of the Shonentai, spending their time watching their performances on TV and video sites or listening to them on the radio. As a result, a wide range of fans in and outside Japan are talking about and sharing their passion for the Shonentai on social networks such as Twitter, Instagram and so on. Among these fans, some are high school students, who were not even born when Shonentai were at the height of their career; and some are older fans who remember the days when Shonentai were such an important part of their lives. It would be great if fans, old and new, could purchase the music they have listened to so they can keep it forever and listen to it anytime, anywhere.

Johnny&Associates,Inc and J Storm Inc. have stated: “We will do our best as an affiliated office so that the history of the Shoneintai that have built up so far, will keep shining without fading.” We sincerely hope that you will heed the wishes of the fans and do your very best so fans of all ages and nationalities can enjoy the wonderful and shining (without fading) brilliance of the superstars, Shonentani, who have brought and continue to bring warmth and light to our lives.