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| TOKIO Announces Sudden Disbandment After 3-Decade Run (Tokio) |
After more than three decades in Japan’s entertainment scene, iconic J-pop group TOKIO has officially disbanded as of 25 June 2025, marking a sudden but emotional end to their 31-year journey. The announcement, shared via their official site, came in the wake of compliance violations involving member Kokubun Taichi, which the group says made it difficult to regain public trust and continue activities as TOKIO.
In the official statement titled “Notice Regarding the Disbandment of TOKIO,” the group explained:
“Due to Kokubun Taichi’s recent actions in violation of compliance, we caused considerable concern and trouble to all parties involved. We take this matter very seriously and deeply apologise.”
After lengthy discussions among the remaining three members — Shigeru Joshima, Masahiro Matsuoka, and Taichi Kokubun — they ultimately agreed that the damage was too great to carry on as TOKIO:
“Given the current situation, 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.”
The group also expressed sincere thanks to everyone who’s supported them since their debut:
“To the many fans, media outlets, sponsors, and the communities — especially Fukushima Prefecture — who warmly embraced us over the years, we apologise for the sudden announcement and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
A Look Back at TOKIO’s Legacy
Formed under STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, TOKIO made their CD debut back in 1994 with “LOVE YOU ONLY”, kicking off a career that would blend idol charm with hands-on variety genius. Their musical run included hit singles like “Sorafune” and “do! do! do!”, while they gained massive household popularity thanks to their long-running variety show The! Tetsuwan! DASH!! — where they weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty building farms, boats, and even entire villages from scratch.
Other popular programmes like TOKIO Kakeru and 5LDK showcased the group’s unique balance of humour, technical skill, and tight-knit chemistry that fans adored.
However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing in recent years. In 2018, former member Tatsuya Yamaguchi left the group and agency following a separate scandal, and in 2021, Tomoya Nagase also departed. The remaining trio launched “TOKIO Company” as a new business venture that same year, hoping to carve out a fresh chapter.
What’s Next for the Members?
Though they’ve parted ways as a group, the statement suggests each member will continue to reflect on their future paths individually:
“We will take this time to face ourselves and consider how we can contribute meaningfully to those who’ve supported us until now.”
There are currently no announcements regarding solo projects or new group formations, but given their experience, it’s likely we’ll see them pop up in various forms across the industry.
Fans React with Mixed Emotions
Online, reactions have ranged from heartbreak to quiet understanding. Long-time fans have flooded social media with memories of growing up with TOKIO, while many expressed sadness that things ended not with a farewell tour, but a quiet, somewhat abrupt conclusion. Still, the overwhelming tone has been one of gratitude.
“They gave us 31 years of laughs, music, and inspiration. That’s something you don’t forget,” one fan tweeted.
TOKIO wasn’t just an idol group — they were a cultural staple, a reminder that idols could be builders, comedians, and mentors, all at once. Though their story has ended, their legacy as one of Japan’s most beloved and unique groups lives on.
Here’s to the journey, and thanks for the memories, TOKIO.