First announced via video message by the 6 members of Kanjani8 to fanclub members, Shota Yasuda revealed that he underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor called meningioma in February 2017. The tumor was detected early and the operation was successful. In April 9th, 2018 he suffered a fall due to dizzines and suffered broken bones in his hips and back requiring 3 months of recovery. This injury is also the reason he was unable to attend Subaru Shibutani’s press conference.

In the video message, Yasuda mentioned that he wanted to tell fans directly to dismiss rumors and that he’s been missing show recordings so that he can be at his best for the upcoming tour of the group. There’s been plenty of discussions on whether it’s still possible for him to join the tour but they didn’t really want to disappoint fans supporting the new Kanjani8.

A statement is released by Johnny & Associates “We refrained from making this information public due to the feelings all of the fans and related individuals had recently experienced in response to the number of KANJANI EIGHT members decreasing from 7 to 6, but we have decided to make an announcement at this time to avoid burdening all of you with any additional worries about the situation. Although there was a reason, we are terribly sorry for our inability to share the truth.”

The members of the group also gave their collective message.

Announcement regarding this agency’s talent Shota Yasuda (KANJANI EIGHT)

First, we would like to express our thanks for the courtesies that you have extended to us.

We have an announcement for all of you regarding the physical condition of this agency’s talent Shota Yasuda (KANJANI EIGHT).

In early February, 2017, Yasuda had surgery to remove a benign brain tumor called a meningioma.
The operation was a success, and his condition was favorable for a time.

Although he was recovering smoothly, he had a fall on April 9th, 2018 as a result of dizziness he was experiencing, and suffered broken bones in his hips and back requiring 3 months of recuperation. This injury is the reason he was unable to attend Subaru Shibutani’s press conference.
We refrained from making this information public due to the feelings all of the fans and related individuals had recently experienced in response to the number of KANJANI EIGHT members decreasing from 7 to 6, but we have decided to make an announcement at this time to avoid burdening all of you with any additional worries about the situation.
Although there was a reason, we are terribly sorry for our inability to share the truth.

Also, the reason we are making this announcement now is that although Yasuda’s condition is improving, we have received large numbers of concerned messages from all of you, and decided we needed to inform you of the current situation to put all of your minds at ease.
Yasuda’s broken bones are healing well, but he is not yet fully recovered. For this reason, although he will be unable to perform up to his usual standard, Yasuda will do the best he can in his current condition on the group’s nationwide tour starting 7/15 Sun., “KANJANI’S EIGHTERTAINMENT GR8EST.” Please be aware of this when attending the performances.

Although Yasuda is not in peak condition, all of the members are going to give it everything they’ve got out on the stage as the KANJANI EIGHT ship sets sail. We hope all of you will watch the 6 of them as they are and share this special moment with the group.

No matter what the conditions are like, all of us at the agency, the members of KANJANI EIGHT, and all related staff will always put all of our effort into ensuring KANJANI EIGHT can deliver an enjoyable concert tour experience to all of you.

We would like to take this opportunity to, once again, reiterate that we are deeply sorry for the distress that we have caused.

We hope for your continued support of KANJANI EIGHT.

July 2nd, 2018
Johnny & Associates

For all of the fans who continue to give us their support,
although this may cause you to worry,
we have accepted Shota Yasuda’s wishes,
and all of the members and staff will do our utmost to provide him the best support we can.
We continue to concentrate our efforts in order to show all of you an even better version of KANJANI EIGHT than ever before.
Please continue to cheer for us as always.

July 2nd, 2018
The members of KANJANI EIGHT

(via Oricon, J-net)