Latest news with #NipponTelevisionNetwork
Tokyo Reported
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Reported
TOKIO's Taichi Kokubun removed from NTV programming due to ‘problematic acts'
TOKYO (TR) – Nippon Television Network said last week that Taichi Kokubun, a member of the all-male group TOKIO, will be removed from the network's popular 'The Tetsuwan Dash' variety show due to compliance violations. 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.
Straits Times
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Tokio J-pop boy band member removed from TV show over past conduct
Taichi Kokubun was removed from The Tetsuwan Dash, a variety programme aired by Nippon Television Network and fronted by the members of Tokio. PHOTO: THE JAPAN NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK TOKYO - A member of Japanese all-male pop group Tokio has been removed from a popular TV programme due to past conduct that breached compliance rules on multiple occasions, a TV network said on June 20 . Taichi Kokubun, 50, was removed from 'The Tetsuwan Dash,' a variety programme aired by Nippon Television Network and fronted by the members of Tokio. The decision to remove Kokubun was approved at an extraordinary board meeting, based on findings from a third-party probe headed by lawyers. Kokubun has accepted the decision, the network said. In remarks to reporters, the network's president Hiroyuki Fukuda declined to elaborate further on the cases, citing a need to 'protect privacy.' He said it was not a criminal matter. According to Mr Fukuda, the probe was established after the misconduct came to light in late May. 'The Tetsuwan Dash' will continue broadcasting, the network said. Kokubun debuted with the then five-member Tokio in 1994 and has an extensive career in television and radio. After the Fukushima nuclear crisis in 2011, he helped promote local farming produce by appearing in commercials. His removal from the Nippon Television programme comes amid increased scrutiny of Japan's entertainment industry following recent revelations such as a sexual misconduct scandal that emerged at Fuji Television Network Inc. involving popular former TV host Masahiro Nakai. KYODO NEWS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Mainichi
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Yoroku: Streaming of 'Grave of the Fireflies' in Japan a chance to revisit tragic tale
The animated film "Grave of the Fireflies" (directed by Isao Takahata) was released in 1988 and screened together with "My Neighbor Totoro" (directed by Hayao Miyazaki), both produced by Studio Ghibli. At the time, I watched the films as a double feature, something which has now become rare. The lighthearted atmosphere created by "Totoro" was completely transformed by "Grave of the Fireflies" and I remember the people leaving the theater in tears after the screening, moved by the heart-wrenching storyline. "Grave of the Fireflies" tells the tale of siblings Seita and Setsuko, who lose their parents in World War II and eventually perish. The film is based on a novel of the same name by writer Akiyuki Nosaka, who also lost his younger sister at the place where they evacuated during the war. In the past, the movie was regularly aired on Nippon Television Network's "Friday Road Show," but screenings have been discontinued since a memorial broadcast in 2018 following Takahata's death. Video-on-demand service Netflix has now announced that it will stream "Grave of the Fireflies" in Japan from July 15. The film has been available in over 190 countries and regions since last fall. It ranked seventh in the non-English film category during its first week, garnering international attention. Some believe that the film's depiction of injuries caused by air raids is one reason for its absence from recent TV broadcasts. While it is true that there are painful scenes, that is the reality of war. And the film encourages viewers to think about war and society from various perspectives. When streaming the film, Netflix says it will provide advisories including the film's target age group, but in any case, it will be an opportunity for many people to encounter or become reacquainted with this masterpiece. Responding to an inquiry, Nippon Television said it was "considering" airing the movie this year. 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the air raid on Kobe, which darkened the fate of Seita and Setsuko in the film. ("Yoroku" is a front-page column in the Mainichi Shimbun.)
