Four prominent members of the celebrated Japanese theater troupe, Gekidan EXILE, including Keita Machida, have announced their graduation from the group. The news was received with a mix of surprise and heartfelt wishes from fans and fellow performers alike. The departure of these members is expected to bring a significant shift to the group dynamics and future performances. No official dates have been released yet regarding their final stage performance.

In Japan, "graduation" from a group such as a theater troupe, a pop idol band, or a TV program is a typical way of expressing a member's departure. It holds a more positive connotation than "leaving" or "quitting", often signaling the start of a new chapter in one's career. Gekidan EXILE's influence is significant, and its members' graduations can create waves in the Japanese entertainment industry.

In similar instances in the US or EU, a group member leaving is typically associated with internal conflict or the pursuit of a solo career. Yet, in Japan, it is often viewed as a natural transition and is more likely to be accepted graciously, reflecting a cultural difference in perceiving career changes.