Vocalist Shun (26) is to drop out of popular dance/vocal group Exile. Currently at the peak of their success, the six-member group will continue under the leadership of Hiro (36) but their new album will be their last with the current lineup. “Asia” and a live DVD are due out on March 29, which will officially be Shun’s last day with the group. He has already been pursuing his solo career, performing and showing his calligraphy art under his real name Kiyokiba Shunsuke. Exile was formed by Hiro as a five-member group in 1999. After one member quit in 2001, two more were added after an audition, including Shun. Exile have released 21 singles and five albums, with sales totaling over 9 million copies.
• Talento Takada Mariko (35) is pregnant with her second child. The Tokyo University graduate has been married to famous violinist Hakase Taro (38) since March 1999. They had a daughter in July of the same year. Takada announced the pregnancy during her regular morning TV slot on “Sunday Japon” on TBS yesterday.