Taichi Kokubun, a member of Japan’s long-running boy band TOKIO, was reported on the 20th for repeated rule violations and announced an indefinite suspension from activities. TOKIO Co., Ltd., which he is affiliated with, announced on June 25 that the group would be disbanded effective immediately. The statement pointed out that after confirming each other's intentions, the three members—Shigeru Joshima, Masahiro Matsuoka, and Taichi Kokubun—believed that under the current circumstances, it would be extremely difficult to win back the public’s trust and support under the name “TOKIO,” leading them to bring their 31 years as a group to a close.
On June 20, Taichi Kokubun suddenly announced an indefinite suspension of activities and resigned from his ongoing television programs, sparking heated discussions. Insiders revealed that Kokubun might have been involved in disputes relating to women or money. At a press conference on the afternoon of the 20th, Hiroyuki Fukuda, president of Nippon TV, which produces the program “The Tetsuwan Dash” that Kokubun hosts, only discreetly stated that the artist was involved in multiple “disciplinary violations.” The press conference lasted an hour but did not disclose specific details, much to the dissatisfaction of Japanese media.
TOKIO was a band nurtured by Johnny & Associates, comprised of guitarist Shigeru Joshima, bassist Tatsuya Yamaguchi, keyboardist Taichi Kokubun, drummer Masahiro Matsuoka, and lead vocalist Tomoya Nagase. The five debuted on September 21, 1994, with the single “LOVE YOU ONLY.” Just two months later, on November 2, they held a concert at Nippon Budokan, and on December 31, they made their first appearance at the NHK Red and White Song Festival. By 2017, they had appeared in the festival for 24 consecutive years, with representative works such as “Sorafune” and “AMBITIOUS JAPAN!”
Furthermore, since 1995 they hosted the variety show “The Tetsuwan Dash,” and in 2000 launched the “DASH Village” project, sparking conversations by personally engaging in farming and construction. With a down-to-earth image distinct from typical idols, they were called “agricultural idols,” earning broad support across all age groups.
“DASH Village” was set in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture. After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, TOKIO actively participated in disaster reconstruction. They also enthusiastically promoted Fukushima agricultural products, helping to combat the negative effects and reputational damage caused by the nuclear disaster.
In 2018, on the 25th anniversary of their debut, Tatsuya Yamaguchi left the group following an incident of drunkenly kissing a female high school student, which caused TOKIO to temporarily halt their music activities. Later, Tomoya Nagase left Johnny’s and the entertainment industry in 2021. The remaining three members established “TOKIO Co., Ltd.,” continuing to work with the Fukushima Prefectural Government on agricultural and local development projects; the government even set up a special “TOKIO Division” for this purpose.
Now, in light of Taichi Kokubun’s disciplinary scandal, TOKIO has announced an immediate disbandment. A statement posted on their official website reads: “We sincerely thank everyone who has been connected with TOKIO over the past 31 years. Thank you all very much.” The news has left fans shocked and saddened.
On June 20, Taichi Kokubun suddenly announced an indefinite suspension of activities and resigned from his ongoing television programs, sparking heated discussions. Insiders revealed that Kokubun might have been involved in disputes relating to women or money. At a press conference on the afternoon of the 20th, Hiroyuki Fukuda, president of Nippon TV, which produces the program “The Tetsuwan Dash” that Kokubun hosts, only discreetly stated that the artist was involved in multiple “disciplinary violations.” The press conference lasted an hour but did not disclose specific details, much to the dissatisfaction of Japanese media.
TOKIO was a band nurtured by Johnny & Associates, comprised of guitarist Shigeru Joshima, bassist Tatsuya Yamaguchi, keyboardist Taichi Kokubun, drummer Masahiro Matsuoka, and lead vocalist Tomoya Nagase. The five debuted on September 21, 1994, with the single “LOVE YOU ONLY.” Just two months later, on November 2, they held a concert at Nippon Budokan, and on December 31, they made their first appearance at the NHK Red and White Song Festival. By 2017, they had appeared in the festival for 24 consecutive years, with representative works such as “Sorafune” and “AMBITIOUS JAPAN!”
Furthermore, since 1995 they hosted the variety show “The Tetsuwan Dash,” and in 2000 launched the “DASH Village” project, sparking conversations by personally engaging in farming and construction. With a down-to-earth image distinct from typical idols, they were called “agricultural idols,” earning broad support across all age groups.
“DASH Village” was set in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture. After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, TOKIO actively participated in disaster reconstruction. They also enthusiastically promoted Fukushima agricultural products, helping to combat the negative effects and reputational damage caused by the nuclear disaster.
In 2018, on the 25th anniversary of their debut, Tatsuya Yamaguchi left the group following an incident of drunkenly kissing a female high school student, which caused TOKIO to temporarily halt their music activities. Later, Tomoya Nagase left Johnny’s and the entertainment industry in 2021. The remaining three members established “TOKIO Co., Ltd.,” continuing to work with the Fukushima Prefectural Government on agricultural and local development projects; the government even set up a special “TOKIO Division” for this purpose.
Now, in light of Taichi Kokubun’s disciplinary scandal, TOKIO has announced an immediate disbandment. A statement posted on their official website reads: “We sincerely thank everyone who has been connected with TOKIO over the past 31 years. Thank you all very much.” The news has left fans shocked and saddened.