HiHi Jets, a beloved group from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, is saying goodbye to one of its pillars—Yuto Takahashi. As one of the most iconic figures in the group, Yuto leaves behind an irreplaceable presence and countless cherished memories.
HiHi Jets—Yuto Takahashi, Mizuki Inoue, Soya Igari, Ryo Hashimoto, Ryuto Sakuma—has always been about more than just music; they are a group that exudes the feeling of youth and friendship. Like their senior group from the agency, Kis-My-Ft2, HiHi Jets specializes in roller-skate performances. During appearances at STARTO’s signature concert “Summer Paradise” back in the day and on the TV show “Music Station,” they captivated audiences with performances that featured their signature style as they skated around the venue.
The essence of HiHi Jets‘ charm lies in their sense of youthfulness, invincibility, and the feeling of being the protagonist.
They boldly declare their group’s goal “to become a legend.” When the five of them get together, they always act like high school classmates, goofing around, and they are close friends even in private. In this era, they demonstrate strong performances rooted in their unwavering belief that “we are the strongest.“
They openly say, “We’re betting everything on HiHi Jets,” without holding anything back, which was very evident in their performance in Act ONE. Their theme of “freedom” resonated through the Imperial Theater and encapsulated their essence as a group.
Yuto, or more endearingly called “Yuupi,” the eldest member of HiHi Jets, joined the group in 2016, bringing with him the charisma and warmth that made him the perfect center.
Despite being the most recent addition to the group in terms of STARTO’s history, Yuupi quickly became the heart of HiHi Jets. In addition to that, he was also quite inexperienced both in dancing and rollerskating at first. Due to his inexperience, he had to wear safety gear and always bumped, fell, and crashed everywhere. Even so, Yuupi never once complained and was very still persistent until he got it right as shared by his fellow member Mizuki.
His genuine personality and ability to connect with his members and fans alike played a huge role in creating the close-knit, family-like atmosphere that HiHi Jets is known for. When asked if the group were a baseball team in one of the episodes of “Ride on Time” he immediately went into detail on which position the members could be in showcasing how well enough he knew his members.
As the eldest, Yuupi‘s role in the group extended far beyond the stage—his fun, carefree attitude helped maintain the bond that tied the group together. Whether in rehearsals or during TV appearances, his playful energy brought out the best in everyone around him. This energy also brings out the best in all the juniors he interacted with as he acted as the Juniors’ “leader” especially during the all-junior concert “Wasshoi CAMP“ where he led all the Juniors to a group photo.
His talents went beyond singing, dancing, and roller skating. Yuupi found acting as his weapon and strength, opening more paths for him. His presence on television as an actor showcased another side of his versatility.
From a character similar to his personality as a playful and cheeky student who can’t talk to girls in “Koi no Yamai to Yarougumi” to his performance as a nurse in the drama “RemoteLove“, Yuupi was all about the range. His performance in the drama was praised by fans and critics alike, establishing him as a talent to be watched in the acting scene.
The role brought out a different side of Yuupi—more mature, yet still exuding his signature warmth and sincerity that captured everyone’s hearts making all his efforts worthwhile.
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Aside from acting, Yuupi‘s role as an MC made a mark for the current juniors. His ability to speak and make the most out of the situation is something worth noting for. Being able to find the proper words, hype the crowd, and making sure everyone was able to speak is not an easy feat to do. However, for Yuupi it seems just like a breeze.
One unforgettable aspect of Yuupi’s time in HiHi Jets has always been his quirky fashion sense. Known for his love of bold, patterned clothing, his fashion choices became a topic of lighthearted teasing among his members.
This quirkiness was even referenced in the group’s introduction song, “Darkness Dragon,” with the line “even my casual clothes and personal items are striped,” which speaks to just how iconic his style had become.
Over time, Yuupi began to embrace a simpler, more refined style, but that playful twinkle in his eye never disappeared. His growth in style reflected his overall journey—maturing while always staying true to himself.
HiHi Jets‘ journey has been filled with numerous highs, and Yuupi’s role in shaping the group’s success cannot be overstated. His performance during the Baseball Tournament the agency hosted, where he won the Fine Play Award, showcased his passion for baseball, something that continued to be a defining part of his character.
It was this spirit that inspired his fellow members and fans, making him the perfect embodiment of HiHi Jets‘ core values—freedom, energy, and passion.
Beyond his skills as an entertainer, Yuupi is also of a great character. He shared that his parent was raising him to be always grateful and mindful. In his words, even though he is the one appearing on screens, there are countless of staff and crew working behind the scenes to make things possible.
He balances work and play very well, and is always persistent in doing his best. Due to this character, he always find ways to challenge himself, trying out new things just like how he entered the company.
However, on September 19, 2024, STARTO ENTERTAINMENT announced that he would be leaving the agency on October 1, marking the end of his journey with HiHi Jets. Yuupi‘s decision to leave was driven by his desire to take on new challenges in a different field, a decision made after heartfelt discussions with his fellow members and the agency. The group, as well as STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, chose to honor his wishes, supporting his new path with love and understanding.
His departure marks the end of an era for HiHi Jets. Yet, it’s also the beginning of an exciting new journey—not just for Yuupi but for HiHi Jets as well. His time with the group has left an indelible mark, and his contributions will continue to be felt in every performance, every song, and every smile shared between the members.
The group’s dynamic will inevitably change, but the bonds Yuupi helped forge among the members will remain unbreakable. HiHi Jets will continue to honor Yuupi by carrying the spirit he embodied—working hard, cherishing each moment, and never shying away from having a bit of fun.
The chemistry that fans have always loved about HiHi Jets, their genuine friendships and their passion for entertaining will continue to shine brightly, just as he would want it.
As Yuupi moves forward into the next phase of his life, fans are left with the wonderful memories of his time in HiHi Jets. From his charismatic stage presence to his playful antics behind the scenes, his legacy will forever be a part of HiHi Jets‘ history.
We are excited to see what the future holds for Yuupi, and we know that wherever he goes, his passion, talent, and kindness will guide him to success.
From Yuupi‘s incredible dedication, hard work, warmth, and leadership — We wish nothing but success and he embarks unto this new journey. As HiHi Jets continues to move forward, we know that Yuupi will always be a part of their story, and we can’t wait to see where this new dreams will take him.
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