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| No Return in Sight? Kokubun Taichi Quits All Shows as Scandal Explodes (FRIDAY) |
Kokubun Taichi (50) of legendary boyband-turned-variety-unit TOKIO has officially stepped back from all activities as of 20 June, following serious allegations of compliance violations — including sexual harassment and power harassment, with multiple victims reportedly involved.
It all happened at lightning speed. Whispers started bubbling beneath the surface on 19 June that Kokubun was facing disciplinary action. By the next morning, it wasn’t just a rumour — it was everywhere.
TV stations scrambled, and NTV’s midday 'Straight News' outright announced: “Kokubun Taichi to leave all shows effective immediately.”
What went down?
According to statements released by Nippon TV, the decision came after confirming Kokubun had been involved in “multiple acts that violated compliance standards.”
Without detailing specifics, the broadcaster made it clear: his continued presence on shows like The! Tetsuwan! DASH!! was no longer appropriate. Following an urgent board meeting, it was decided Kokubun would resign from all appearances, with the star reportedly agreeing without resistance. The show itself will continue on.
The network’s president, Hiroyuki Fukuda, held a press conference the same afternoon. He confirmed they were first made aware of the situation on 27 May via internal reports. But when pressed by media for more details, Fukuda remained tight-lipped, citing “privacy reasons” — which only raised more questions.
One reporter shot back, “We’re not asking for names — just what happened!” Still, the president didn’t budge.
Harassment claims: More than just whispers
Despite the vague official statements, insiders familiar with the situation started speaking out. According to one TV production source:
“There were multiple violations. One was power harassment towards staff — he reportedly used aggressive, commanding tones with junior crew, especially when in a bad mood. The other was sexual harassment involving women, particularly via inappropriate photo exchanges. It’s not a criminal case, but the number of people affected makes this serious.”
This clashes starkly with Kokubun’s long-standing “nice guy” image — he was often seen as one of the more grounded, scandal-free members of the former Johnny’s empire. But staff who’ve worked with him paint a more complicated picture.
“He’s polite to his peers and seniors, but he could be cold and bossy to people beneath him,” said a crew member. “If he wasn’t feeling it, you’d know immediately — people tiptoed around him.”
Some comedians and junior talents have privately voiced similar sentiments in recent months: “He was icy... didn’t even acknowledge me backstage.”
Fallout: TV and radio chaos
With Kokubun stepping away from public life, broadcasters are in crisis mode. His flagship BS show 'The CRAFTSMEN', as well as his radio programme 'Taichi’s Radio Box', were pulled from air immediately. Other regulars like TOKIO Terrace, Danshi Gohan, and Sekai Kurabete Mitara are all reviewing their plans.
Most awkward of all? He was scheduled to host TV Tokyo’s 2025 Summer Music Festival on 9 July, a major annual event. Insiders say the team is “scrambling” to figure out what to do, with little time left.
Kokubun’s statement: A mix of regret and self-reflection
In a public apology through his agency, Kokubun didn’t deny the issues:
“This all stems from my lack of awareness, naivety, and arrogance over the years. I’m deeply sorry. I’ve decided to suspend all activities indefinitely to reflect on my actions and take responsibility.”
But will reflection be enough?
Industry voices aren’t so sure. “His image was one of his biggest assets — and now, that’s crumbled,” said one network executive. “Depending on what comes next, he might not return to the industry at all.”
Meanwhile, the media has begun digging through Kokubun Taichi’s past with renewed vigour, hoping to uncover more behind-the-scenes conduct that never made headlines… until now.