After seven years, a beloved boy group is breaking up and going their separate ways.
Shonen Ninja (formerly known as Chibikko Ninja) a 21-member boy group under STARTO ENTERTAINMENT (formerly Johnny & Associates). The group was formed on June 9, 2018, originally with 14 members. They changed their name to their current one in August of that year, after their first stage performance.
Since their debut, Shonen Ninja has steadily gained popularity, as well as new members. This year alone, they drew 60,000 fans to their 29-show solo tour, which concluded at Tokyo’s Kanadevia Hall.
On November 12, STARTO ENTERTAINMENT announced that Shonen Ninja will officially end their group activities “so that each member can continue to grow individually and deliver even greater performances to their fans.” After the group disbands on November 30, the ex-members will pursue solo projects.
Shonen Ninja will end group activities as of November 30, 2025 to allow each member to pursue new heights and personal growth. Though their time as a group will conclude, we will continue to support each member as they carve out their own future paths.
— STARTO ENTERTAINMENT
STARTO ENTERTAINMENT is currently undergoing structural changes that have resulted in new J-Pop units within the agency. Some of Shonen Ninja’s former members have already joined these groups. On social media, fans have reacted to the disbandment announcement with disappointment but also hope for the young members’ future activities.
WDYM SHONEN NINJA DISBAND BRO STARTO I HATE YOUR DECISION 😭 I STILL HATE THE FACT LITOKAN CAN'T BE SAVED
Kuroda x Hiyama please stay together 😭
— 平.和 (@hirawa_tan) November 12, 2025
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Sadly, Shonen Ninja isn’t the only beloved group to disband this year.
