TOKIO's Taichi Kokubun removed from NTV programming due to ‘problematic acts'
On June 20, NTV Hiroyuki Fukuda spoke to reporters from the network's headquarters in the capital. He explained that Kokubun, 50, had been involved in multiple compliance-related issues in the past, which led to his departure from 'The Tetsuwan Dash,' reports Sports Nippon (June 20).
NTV became aware of the incident on May 27. Fukuda also said, 'We have decided to have him step down as we have become aware of multiple problematic acts in the past.' He added, 'I cannot comment on the timing due to privacy reasons.'
When asked if it was sexual or power harassment, he said, 'I cannot answer that.' However, he did say that the case did not warrant criminal charges, have any connection to NTV's employees or have a link to organized crime.
That same day, Kokubun apologized to his fans and announced that he would be taking an indefinite hiatus from showbiz. 'The cause of all this is a lack of awareness of the position I'm in, my naivety and complacency, and my inadequacy in my actions, he said.
Starto Entertainment, Kokubun's agency, also announced the suspension. Taichi Kokubun (YouTube) Six programs on television and radio
Kokubun made his debut in TOKIO in 1994. Before the suspension, Kokubun appeared on six programs on television and radio. He is also a pitchman in a number of commercials.
For 'The Tetsuwan Dash,' Kokubun and other members of Tokio carried out farming and other activities in remote locations, including Fukushima Prefecture.
Fukuda said the broadcaster will offer an explanation to people living in rural areas who have supported the show.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tokyo Weekender
6 days ago
- Tokyo Weekender
Tokio Announce Breakup Following Taichi Kokubun Scandal
Japanese pop group Tokio announced that it is breaking up on Wednesday following a compliance violation by its keyboardist Taichi Kokubun. Sankei Sports broke the story about the violation last Thursday. Details about what he did have yet to be revealed. However, a source close to the matter said it involved behavior that could be considered sexual harassment. List of Contents: The Statement About Tokio Related Posts The Statement 'Taichi Kokubun's recent compliance violations have caused a great deal of distress and concern to everyone involved, and we take this very seriously,' read Wednesday's statement . 'We would like to once again offer our sincerest apologies . We are truly sorry. 'Having come to a mutual conclusion about our intentions, we agree that , given the current situation, it would be difficult to continue working as the group Tokio in a way that could regain all of your trust and support. Therefore, we have decided to bring all of our activities as a group to an end.' The statement went on to apologize to fans who have been with the group for the past 31 years, as well as the people of Fukushima, where Tokio has actively participated in reconstruction and revitalization efforts since the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. About Tokio Formed by Johnny & Associates, Tokio debuted in 1994 with five members. That number was reduced to four in 2018 with the termination of Tatsuya Yamaguchi 's contract. He was referred to prosecutors for allegedly kissing a girl against her will at his home. Two years later, four became three as Tomoya Nagase announced that he was leaving the band to pursue his own endeavors. Last Friday, Kokubun's management announced that he was being suspended by the group. Earlier in the day, Nippon Television Network (NTV) said it was removing Kokubun ,50, from its weekly program, The Tetsuwan Dash . Speaking at a post-Cabinet meeting press conference on Tuesday, Communications Minister Seiichiro Murakami said , 'We would like to hear extensively from Nippon TV about how it sees the issue and how it will respond as a company in the future.' Related Posts Taichi Kokubun of Tokio To Be Suspended for Compliance Violation Japanese Director Sion Sono Accused of Sexual Assault BBC Documentary Exposes Abusive Past of Johnny Kitagawa
Kyodo News
6 days ago
- Kyodo News
Ex-Johnny's group Tokio to disband after scandal revelation
KYODO NEWS - 14 hours ago - 20:35 | Arts, All, Japan Japanese pop group Tokio, formerly part of Johnny & Associates Inc., said Wednesday it has decided to disband following member Taichi Kokubun's hiatus over a misconduct scandal, according to a statement on its official website. The all-male group is widely known in Japan for its support for Fukushima Prefecture following the 2011 nuclear crisis. It debuted under the talent agency but later left after hundreds of sexual abuse allegations surfaced against the agency's late founder Johnny Kitagawa. "We decided it would be difficult to regain trust and continue receiving support as a group," the group posted on its official website. Last week, Kokubun, 50, said he was indefinitely suspending his activities in a press release from his office, also named Tokio. Neither Kokubun nor his office has elaborated on what the breaches entailed, but a source close to the matter said they involved behavior that could be considered sexual harassment. After the 2011 accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the then five-member group helped promote local agricultural products through commercials, as their variety program had featured them engaging in farming in the prefecture. Kokubun's hiatus comes amid a recent sexual scandal involving former TV host Masahiro Nakai, who also belonged to Johnny & Associates. Another former Tokio member, Tatsuya Yamaguchi, left the group in 2018 after he forcibly kissed a high school girl at his home. Related coverage: Tokio pop group member removed from TV show over past misconduct Japan TV host, ex-SMAP pop idol Masahiro Nakai quits showbiz amid scandal
The Mainichi
6 days ago
- The Mainichi
Ex-Johnny's group Tokio to disband after scandal revelation
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese pop group Tokio, formerly part of Johnny & Associates Inc., said Wednesday it has decided to disband following member Taichi Kokubun's hiatus over a misconduct scandal, according to a statement on its official website. The all-male group is widely known in Japan for its support for Fukushima Prefecture following the 2011 nuclear crisis. It debuted under the talent agency but later left after hundreds of sexual abuse allegations surfaced against the agency's late founder Johnny Kitagawa. "We decided it would be difficult to regain trust and continue receiving support as a group," the group posted on its official website. Last week, Kokubun, 50, said he was indefinitely suspending his activities in a press release from his office, also named Tokio. Neither Kokubun nor his office has elaborated on what the breaches entailed, but a source close to the matter said they involved behavior that could be considered sexual harassment. After the 2011 accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the then five-member group helped promote local agricultural products through commercials, as their variety program had featured them engaging in farming in the prefecture. Kokubun's hiatus comes amid a recent sexual scandal involving former TV host Masahiro Nakai, who also belonged to Johnny & Associates. Another former Tokio member, Tatsuya Yamaguchi, left the group in 2018 after he forcibly kissed a high school girl at his home.
