TOKIO's Kokubun Taichi to halt activity indefinitely due to 'compliance issues'
Kokubun Taichi, a member of the Japanese band TOKIO, is suspending his activities indefinitely due to breaches of compliance rules. This was announced by his management agency on Friday.
Earlier in the day, Nippon Television Network, or NTV, said it was removing Kokubun from a popular weekly program, "The Tetsuwan Dash." It cited the 50-year-old's multiple past acts deemed problematic in terms of compliance.
Kokubun said in a statement that, after spending long years in the entertainment world, he lacked a proper understanding of his position. He said he was naive and conceited, and acted poorly. He said he will halt all his professional activities indefinitely and reflect upon himself.
NTV has not said when the compliance-related problems took place or what exactly happened for privacy reasons. But it says they are not the kind of issues that warrant the filing of criminal complaints.
NTV says it first learned of the problems in late May. It says that, based on a probe by third-party lawyers, the company's board approved Kokubun's removal from the show at an extraordinary meeting on Friday. It says "The Tetsuwan Dash" will remain on the air.
NTV President Fukuda Hiroyuki told reporters that the program has been airing for a long time and is loved by its viewers. He said this makes it all the more necessary to strictly enforce governance.
"The Tetsuwan Dash" featured segments in which Kokubun and other members of TOKIO engaged in farming and other activities in Fukushima Prefecture and other rural locations.
Fukuda said the broadcaster will offer an explanation to the local people who have supported the show, and will seek their continued cooperation.
Kokubun debuted as a member of the all-male band TOKIO in 1994. Due to his friendly character, he has emceed variety shows and other programs, while also pursuing acting roles in TV dramas and movies.
Prior to Friday's announcement, Kokubun had six regular programs on TV and radio. He also appears in several TV commercials.
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