On June 20, 2025, the Japanese entertainment world was shaken by a startling announcement involving Taichi Kokubun, a well-known member and Vice President of the popular idol group TOKIO. The company TOKIO Inc. declared on its official website that Kokubun would suspend all his activities indefinitely due to confirmed compliance violations. This decision followed a thorough investigation and a series of developments that have left fans and industry insiders alike in disbelief.
Taichi Kokubun, aged 50, expressed deep remorse in a public statement. He acknowledged that the root of the issue lay in his "lack of self-awareness regarding my position, the naivety and complacency of my thinking, and the carelessness of my actions." He apologized sincerely for the "great inconvenience caused" and vowed to take an unspecified period to reflect and reassess himself. "I will cease all activities without a set timeline to look inward," Kokubun said, emphasizing his commitment to personal growth and accountability.
The announcement came shortly after Nippon TV revealed that Kokubun would be removed from the long-running and beloved variety show "The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!" due to multiple compliance violations. The network's president, Hiroshi Fukuda, held a press conference on the afternoon of June 20, 2025, confirming the disciplinary breaches but declined to provide detailed information, citing privacy concerns. Fukuda described the situation as "serious and regrettable," adding that the violations were not criminal in nature, and no criminal charges would be filed.
According to reports, the initial concerns were brought to Nippon TV's attention on May 27, 2025. Subsequently, a third-party lawyer conducted an investigation that confirmed multiple breaches of compliance by Kokubun. The network responded swiftly, announcing Kokubun's removal from "The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!" and promising to continue the program without interruption. In addition, other broadcasters such as TV Tokyo and BS10 began replacing Kokubun's appearances, while TBS stated it was verifying facts and would take appropriate measures.
Adding to the fallout, the major online retailer Japanet Takata decided to suspend commercials featuring Kokubun. This move further underscores the broad impact of the scandal on Kokubun's professional engagements.
While the specifics of the compliance violations remain undisclosed, insiders speculate that the issues might involve disputes related to a woman or financial matters. However, the TV station's president was clear in stating that the matter does not constitute a criminal case. He also emphasized that this was Kokubun's personal problem alone, and the actions taken were deemed unforgivable. The president expressed frustration during the hour-long press conference, which yielded no concrete details, much to the dismay of the Japanese media.
Taichi Kokubun has been a prominent figure in Japanese entertainment since debuting with TOKIO in 1994. Known for his versatility, he has hosted six regular programs across multiple networks, including TBS's "Sekai Kurabete Mitara," TV Tokyo's "Danshi Gohan," and the group's flagship show "The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!" His popularity and public approval were exceptionally high, having been the artist with the most program appearances for six consecutive years, setting a record in the industry.
The announcement of Kokubun's indefinite suspension has sent ripples through the entertainment community. TOKIO Inc., where Kokubun serves as Vice President and fellow member Shigeru Joshima as President, jointly released the statement. Joshima, 54, also confirmed the compliance violations and explained that the decision for Kokubun's activity suspension was made after thorough discussions with him. Both agencies expressed their apologies to fans and stakeholders, though they refrained from revealing the precise nature of the violations.
Furthermore, the scandal has affected TOKIO's longstanding involvement in social causes. The group has been actively supporting the recovery of Fukushima Prefecture, devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster. Since 2012, Kokubun has appeared in 66 promotional commercials for Fukushima's agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, with a new commercial reportedly in production. Officials from Fukushima expressed confusion and concern, stating they were "collecting information and want to respond appropriately" to the unfolding situation.
The repercussions of Kokubun's suspension extend beyond television and advertising. His six regular programs, including radio shows, are now facing uncertainty. Broadcasters and production companies are scrambling to adjust schedules and replace Kokubun's segments, underscoring the significant disruption caused by the scandal.
Despite the turmoil, fellow TOKIO members Shigeru Joshima and Masahiro Matsuoka have been reported as unaware of the situation and are not implicated in any wrongdoing. The company has assured fans that the group will continue its activities, albeit without Kokubun for the foreseeable future.
As the entertainment industry grapples with this unexpected development, questions remain about the full extent of the compliance violations and their implications. Kokubun's decision to step back indefinitely suggests a serious commitment to addressing the issues at hand, but the path ahead is uncertain both for him and for TOKIO.
For now, the focus remains on the ongoing investigations, the responses of broadcasters and sponsors, and the reactions of a devoted fanbase coming to terms with the sudden absence of one of Japan's most recognizable entertainers.
