[rer]

“If we let them go and disband, it means Japan is finished.”

Why does this happen?

Many of their most ardent fans are women who grew up with them.

This can't be the only reason. Why do people have such a hard time letting go?

[nihonde]

The quote in the article is hyperbole. It's not unlike fans of *NSYNC or whatever other boy band you might know--there are super fans who indulge in the drama. Also, television personalities in Japan begin to feel like part of the family, as the bangumi format encourages a sense of hanging out together on a regular basis. SMAP is very much a part of the family, so to speak.