Latest news with #TOKIO
Hype Malaysia
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
J-Pop Group f5ve Drops Cryptic Tweet; Fans Concerned About Possible Disbandment
This year, fans of the Japanese music industry have been witnessing their favourite groups disbanding one by one. For instance, only a month ago, beloved J-rock band TOKIO announced they would no longer be active. As a result, this has left fans hoping that it isn't going to become a trend throughout 2025. Unfortunately, adding to the growing unease, Japanese girl group f5ve (ファイビー) recently tweeted a sudden message thanking fans for their support since their debut. Although brief and heartfelt, the unexpected post on on 28th July (Monday) quickly sparked concern among Hi-f5ves (f5ve fans), who worry it may quietly hint at an upcoming announcement. Debuting back in 2023 under the name SG5 (Sailor Guardians 5), the group quickly attracted global attention with their unique concept inspired by 'Sailor Moon'. Their early aesthetic leaned heavily into magical girl themes, which helped set them apart in a saturated idol market. However, after rebranding in April 2024, the group embraced a bold new identity as inter-dimensional dream agents, signalling a fresh creative direction both visually and musically. Their first release under the new name, 'Lettuce,' marked a turning point. The track gained significant traction on TikTok, earning international views and buzz for its quirky concept and sleek production. As their first song post-rebrand, it not only introduced a reinvented f5ve but also highlighted the group's creative range and potential to stand out on a global stage. Interestingly, two days prior to the cryptic thank-you tweet, the group asked Hi-f5ves to continue supporting them through hardships, hinting at struggles with their company without directly addressing the situation. This vague message quickly stirred concern among fans, who have since been closely watching for any signs of what might be unfolding. Overall, the tone of these recent posts has left many feeling uneasy. Nevertheless, despite growing worries about the group's future, fans remains fiercely loyal. Many have pledged to stand by f5ve through whatever decisions the members make. Whether this marks a farewell or a difficult transition, one thing is certain: their fanbase is devoted and ready to support them every step of the way. Here is the official post: thank you to everyone who has supported us. thank you for your patience while merch orders are shipping. thank you to everyone who has streamed sequence 01 and come to a fan event or has said something kind. we will never forget this year. we love you very much. hi-5 4ever… — f5ve (@f5ve_official) July 28, 2025 Source: Twitter Zaima Humaira contributed to this article
Hype Malaysia
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Japanese Band TOKIO Officially Disbands Following Controversy Involving Member
Sexual harassment cases involving idols have been on the rise recently. Furthermore, it often leads to not only the perpetrator being affected but also those around them as well. Yesterday (25th June, Thursday), the J-pop industry was in shock as the abrupt news of the disbandment of the legendary rock band TOKIO (トキオ). According to an interview, the group had decided to disband following internal conflict involving one of their members, Kokubun Taichi (国分太一). Taichi had reportedly been implicated in a case related to sexual assault, which led to tension within the band and ultimately influenced their decision to part ways. Last week (20th June, Friday) Nippon TV, a network that the band had been working with for years, announced that they were dropping Taichi due to issues related to sexual harassment. 'This is entirely due to my lack of awareness, my naivety, and my complacency,' he said. 'I've caused great inconvenience to so many people. I deeply regret my actions and will be stepping away from all work without a set return date.' Since then, the pianist had gone on an indefinite hiatus, stepping away from all public and entertainment activities to reflect on his actions. While this move was intended as a gesture of accountability, it did little to mend the damage done to the band he is associated with. As the controversy continued to cast a long shadow over the idols, TOKIO eventually made the painful decision to bring all group activities to an end. 'Given the current situation,' the group wrote in an official statement, 'we concluded that regaining the trust and support of our fans would be extremely difficult. As such, we've decided to put a full stop to our group activities.' In their farewell message, TOKIO expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who had supported them throughout their three-decade-long career. While the disbandment marked the end of an era, many fans continue to hold out hope that the remaining members will overcome these hardships and find new purpose in their solo endeavours—carrying the spirit of TOKIO forward in their own unique ways. Sources: Tonboriday, Koreaboo, TOKIO Zaima Humaira contributed to this article What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Yomiuri Shimbun
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Pop Group TOKIO Disbands After Problematic Acts by Kokubun on Popular Nippon Television Show ‘The Tetsuwan Dash'
The all-male pop group TOKIO said Wednesday it was disbanding, announcing the decision on the website of its management company of the same name. Band member Taichi Kokubun had been suspended indefinitely from TOKIO on Friday, after being removed from 'The Tetsuwan Dash,' a popular variety show on Nippon Television Network Corp. Kokuban was found to have committed compliance violations. 'We confirmed with each other that, given our current situation, it would be difficult to continue TOKIO and gain support and trust again. So we decided to bring our activities to an end,' the band stated in the announcement. TOKIO made its debut in 1994.
NHK
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NHK
Popular band TOKIO breaking up
The popular Japanese band TOKIO has announced it is breaking up. This comes after one of the members Kokubun Taichi violated the band's compliance rules.
The Mainichi
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Japan minister to seek Nippon TV report after TOKIO member Kokubun's removal from show
TOKYO -- Japan's communications ministry will request a detailed report from Nippon Television Network Corp. (Nippon TV) after Taichi Kokubun, 50, a member of the popular idol group TOKIO, indefinitely suspended his activities and the network removed him from its programs due to unspecified "past conduct." The ministry's move was announced by its minister Seiichiro Murakami at a post-Cabinet meeting news conference on June 24. "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," Murakami said. On June 20, Nippon TV announced that Kokubun would leave the network's popular variety program "The Tetsuwan Dash" after confirming multiple instances of past misconduct. At that press conference, Nippon TV President Hiroyuki Fukuda repeatedly cited "privacy protection considerations" in declining to disclose any details including the specific number or nature of the violations, or whether there were any victims involved. According to Murakami, on June 20, the ministry received a preliminary report from Nippon TV about Kokubun's misconduct and the company's subsequent decision to remove him from the program. The broadcaster informed the ministry it would refrain from explaining specifics due to privacy-related considerations. Following a recent series of problems at Fuji Television Network Inc., the communications ministry has set up a panel to discuss strengthened governance for private broadcasters, with its first meeting scheduled for June 27. Murakami refrained from commenting on whether the Nippon TV case would be placed on the panel's agenda, saying only that a decision would be made "appropriately at a later stage."
