TOKYO, Jan 19 — Members of the decades-old Japanese pop group SMAP say they will remain together, ending rumors of a breakup that shocked fans in Japan and elsewhere in Asia.

The group apologised at the start of its weekly TV show yesterday for causing concern and sought its fans’ continuing support.

Formed in 1988 as a teenage boy group, SMAP, or “Sport Music Assemble People”, surged to stardom with choreographed singing and dancing. Its members are now between the ages of 38 and 43, and SMAP remains one of Japan’s most popular pop groups and a staple of entertainment shows and advertisements.

Rumours of its possible breakup surfaced last week, reportedly over disputes between a SMAP manager and its talent agency, Johnny & Associates. — TODAY