Some sad news to report on a story that came out a few months ago. Nakao Shota of the pre-debut LDH group FANTASTICS has succumbed to his fight with stomach cancer. He passed away at 7:23 AM JST on July 6. He was 22 years old.

Shota halted his activities back in March to focus on his illness.

The members of FANTASTICS have left comments on the group’s site. One of the group’s leaders, Sekai, said Shota has always lived in the group’s hearts and will continue to do so. FANTASTICS will continue to believe in Shota and will shine as nine souls, just as they had before his passing.

The group’s other leader, Saito Taiki, had similar sentiments, saying that Shota will be remembered by the eight members he left behind, as proof that he kept fighting til the very end of his life. FANTASTICS now have a mission to keep going forward, so that Shota can make it to the big stage, like a dome, in spirit.

We here at Arama! Japan are sorry for this tragic loss and send well wishes to his family and friends.

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