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SoraNews24
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Tokio announces breakup following repeated harassment by member
Latest scandal simply too much for the remaining members to handle. The past couple of years have seen a reckoning for various members of the entertainment industry who stand accused of both sexual harassment and power harassment. Following the revelation of SMAP member Masahiro Nakai's repeated offenses that led to his ousting and the near collapse of Fuji TV, it has come to light that boy band Tokio member Taichi Kokubun has had a history of sexual harassment and abuses of power for many years. It all started last week, when Japanese broadcaster NTV announced the sudden removal of Kokubun from the popular and long-running variety show The Tetsuwan Dash , created by the pop group Tokio back in the '90s and featuring a range of physical challenges. ▼ An old promo for The Tetsuwan Dash At the time of Kokubun's removal from The Tetsuwan Dash and suspension from both Tokio and Starto Entertainment, little was mentioned about what he had done aside from 'compliance violations.' But in the days that followed, details of his behavior, including inviting women to private dinners, demanding lewd photos from women, and verbally abusing staff. Kokubun issued an apology for his behavior and said he accepted NTV's decision, but his overall career in show business remained in question. But on 25 June, Tokio released the following statement announcing that they were breaking up completely: The group Tokio, consisting of members Shigeru Joshima, Masahiro Matsuoka, and Taichi Kokubun, has decided to disband as of today. Taichi Kokubun's recent compliance violations have caused a great deal of distress and concern to everyone involved and we take this very seriously. 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. We want to sincerely apologize to our many fans and everyone else who has supported Tokio since our CD debut in 1994, as well as to the media and sponsors who have supported us and given us opportunities to perform. We also apologize for the suddenness of this announcement to the people of Fukushima Prefecture [Tokio has been serving as promotional ambassadors for Fukushima-grown rice since 2013] and other areas that have warmly welcomed our endeavors. Regarding the future, we would first like to apologize and extend our sympathies to everyone involved. Then, we will each look into ourselves and sincerely ask what we can do to give back to everyone who has helped us so far. Finally, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has been involved with Tokio over these past 31 years. Thank you very much. June 25, 2025 Tokio And with that, Tokio will no longer perform as a group but likely forge their own way as individual personalities and/or musicians. Fans online were sad about the end of an era, but many understood that given the situation there was little else Tokio as a unit could do. 'It's been fun. Thank you, Tokio.' 'I'm so sad. But if it was a group decision, I guess it can't be helped.' 'I guess there won't be any farming idols anymore.' 'Don't just break up! I hoped they'd be more considerate of fans' feelings.' 'When Fukushima was suffering, Tokio was there for us. Thank you, Tokio.' 'It's a shame you're breaking up, but I'll continue to support you individually.' 'This isn't the way it should end…' At the time of Kokubun's departure, it was determined that The Tetsuwan Dash would continue without him. However, the break-up of Tokio altogether may change things. The future of the show itself will likely remain up in the air while the producers sort everything out. Tokio started out as a five-member band but shrank to four in 2018 after Tatsuya Yamaguchi was removed when it was learned he engaged in indecent behavior with underage girls. In 2023, Tomoya Nagase left to pursue his own solo career, leaving the final three members who disbanded today. While it is a shame that a group many people have fond memories of had to go out under such dark circumstances, it's important that this culture of abuse and harassment is exposed and rooted out in order to make the entertainment industry a safer place to work. Source: Tokio, Nikkan Sports, Hachima Kiko Featured image: ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
NDTV
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Japanese Woman Returns Home From Work, Finds Underwear-Clad Boss In Her Bed
The Japanese police have arrested a man after he was found lying in his employee's bed, only wearing his underwear. The unidentified woman in her 20s, from Japan's western Fukuoka Prefecture, had returned to home during lunch break to pick up some belongings when she discovered her boss on the bed in a compromising position. The woman calmly left the apartment, shut the door behind and immediately alerted the police. Authorities later arrested the man in the vicinity of her residence, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The unidentified 47-year-old boss told the police during interrogation that he liked the woman and wanted to know more about her. However, it wasn't the first time he had sneaked into her room. The police are now investigating how he managed to get access and whether he may have installed any illegal surveillance devices. The woman had been completely unaware of any prior break-ins. The incident went viral on Japanese social media, with users demanding that authorities take strict action against the boss. 'I hope he did not go back to work like nothing had happened, and I hope the woman does not end up quitting her job,' said one user. Another added: "I think it was fortunate that she happened to go home to pick stuff up; otherwise she might have remained ignorant about the previous break-ins by her pervert boss and his behaviour would have become more dangerous," another said. Workplace harassment in Japan has become a much-discussed subject in recent times. In February, Japanese women started sharing their workplace harassment stories in the wake of Masahiro Nakai settling his sexual assault case. Nakai, a former member of the hugely popular boy band SMAP, allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at a private dinner that was arranged by a senior member of staff at Fuji TV, one of Japan's biggest broadcasters. The network came under scrutiny from workers who claimed that female employees were routinely pressured to "entertain" famous male celebrities. A Japanese equivalent of #MeToo called watashi ga taishoku shita hontou no riyuu (The real reason I quit my job) started trending on X (formerly Twitter) with women documenting their horrifying stories.
Mid East Info
03-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
e& enterprise and Exeed Industries team up to fast-track UAE's Industry 4.0 shift - Middle East Business News and Information
e& enterprise, the digital transformation arm of e&, and Exeed Industries, a leading UAE industrial group and a subsidiary of National Holding, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the partnership is a multi-year programme set to accelerate digital transformation across Exeed Industries' UAE-based factories. Together, both entities will develop a comprehensive Industry 4.0 roadmap – a strategic plan that guides manufacturers in adopting smart, connected technologies to boost efficiency and competitiveness – underpinned by AI and sustainability. The goal is to strengthen the resilience and global standing of UAE manufacturing. e& enterprise will lead the development of the Exeed Industries technology blueprint for Industry 4.0 strategy, working closely with each manufacturing unit and the Group. This roadmap will be key in enabling Exeed Industries to access funding opportunities from Abu Dhabi Investment Office through the Smart Manufacturing Accelerator Programme (SMAP), to implement transformative projects at scale. The scope covers conducting maturity assessments across five Exeed plants, developing tailored smart manufacturing roadmaps, and Deployment of Industrial IoT (IIoT) technologies integrated with AI and GenAI engines, digital twins (which use IIoT data to mirror the real-time performance and condition of physical assets), predictive maintenance and automation. It also includes deploying AI for functions like demand forecasting, quality control, and energy optimisation, as well as integrating ESG-driven platforms to monitor and reduce carbon impact. Majd Coussa, Acting Chief Revenue Officer, e& enterprise, said: 'This partnership represents a model for how we aim to work with forward-looking manufacturers. By combining Exeed's industrial leadership with our deep expertise in digital transformation, we will co-develop scalable solutions that align with the UAE's goals for innovation, sustainability and economic diversification.' Mohammed AlAmeer, Group CEO, Exeed Industries, added: 'At Exeed Industries, we are committed to evolving our manufacturing capabilities to meet the demands of a future-ready industrial sector. This MoU with e& enterprise allows us to reimagine our operations through the lens of digital innovation, contributing directly to national goals under Make it in the Emirates.' As part of the collaboration, e& enterprise will bring its wider climate commitment to the table. After setting ambitious environmental targets for 2030, e& launched its Climate Transition Plan, titled 'Ambition to Action', which sets out a clear roadmap to Net Zero. One of the first companies in the region to publish such a detailed approach, e& is working to decarbonise its operations and support partners like Exeed in embedding sustainable practices across value chains. Sustainability is embedded in e&'s transformation journey, aligned with national and global priorities such as the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, We The UAE 2031 Vision, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The partnership with Exeed will further strengthen ESG-led manufacturing, with the aim of building resilient, resource-efficient industrial models that are future-fit and climate-aligned. The collaboration supports the UAE's broader ambitions to become a global hub for advanced manufacturing, in line with its Industry 4.0 strategy and net zero goals. It will also serve as a replicable framework for other manufacturers in the UAE and the wider region, demonstrating how digital transformation can enhance industrial productivity, energy efficiency and competitiveness. About e& enterprise: e& enterprise is a digital transformation leader supporting governments and large-scale organisations in building and scaling their digital core. Through optimising operations, enhancing customer engagement, and data-driven decision-making, we enable seamless, sustainable, and secure transitions into the evolving digital world. Currently operating in the UAE, KSA, Egypt, Oman, Türkiye, Qatar, and South Africa, e& enterprise brings cutting-edge digital scalable solutions designed to deliver tangible business value and address the unique challenges faced by organisations and executives across industries. With a proven track record as a trusted digital transformation partner, technical expertise, and the ability to deploy and manage complex solutions, e& enterprise provides collaborative tailored solutions that empower customers to navigate their end-to-end digital transformation journey. About Exeed Industries: A subsidiary of National Holding and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Exeed Industries is a leading diversified manufacturing conglomerate playing a pivotal role in industrial manufacturing and directly contributing to the economic development of the UAE and the wider MENA region. Presently, its operations span six state-of-the-art manufacturing entities across the UAE and Jordan, specialising in building materials, construction, engineering, synthetic materials, and consumer goods. Each entity leads its respective sector with a strong focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability.
NHK
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NHK
Fuji TV third-party panel: Will no longer communicate with ex-TV star's side
A third-party panel set up by Fuji Television and its parent company says it will refrain from communicating with lawyers representing former TV personality Nakai Masahiro in the alleged sexual violence case, citing concerns over secondary damage to the victim. The panel said on Tuesday that it is also refusing again the lawyers' request to disclose evidence it had used to determine that Nakai had committed sexual violence against a former Fuji TV announcer. The panel went on to say that the views of both sides are far apart, adding that its members have found it difficult to bridge the gap. In a report released late March, the panel determined that the woman was subjected to sexual violence by Nakai while engaging in activities related to her work. Their finding was based on the definition of sexual violence by the World Health Organization. In mid-May, Nakai's lawyers requested that relevant evidence be disclosed. But the panel refused, arguing that the fact-finding process was appropriate and that it was under a confidentiality obligation to Fuji Television. On Friday, Nakai's legal team once again demanded that the panel disclose the evidence and provide an explanation, but were turned down in writing on Tuesday. Nakai was a member of the disbanded pop idol group SMAP. He became popular as a TV emcee and actor. He retired from show business in January, after a weekly magazine reported the scandal in December.
NHK
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NHK
Former TV personality Nakai's lawyer disputes panel's report on 'sexual assault'
A lawyer representing former Japanese television personality Nakai Masahiro has disputed a report by an independent panel that concluded Nakai sexually assaulted a woman who was a Fuji television employee at the time. The lawyer said violence and forceful sexual conduct, which the term "sexual assault" suggests, has not been confirmed. The lawyer said the panel's report lacks impartiality and fairness, and is extremely problematic. Nakai's representative issued a statement calling on the panel to disclose the relevant evidence and provide an explanation. Nakai was a member of the disbanded pop idol group SMAP. He became popular as a TV emcee and actor. He retired from show business in January after the scandal came out at the end of last year. A weekly magazine broke the story that Nakai had gotten into trouble with a former Fuji TV employee and paid a settlement.
