TOKIO’s SNS Controversy: Backlash Over Mention of Tatsuya Yamaguchi in Wedding Post

The meaning is very different.”

Yamaguchi has a strong impression of being an alcoholic, but in ’18, when he was a regular on “ZIP!” (Nippon Television Network), he was sent to prosecution for indecent assault of a high school girl he was co-starring with on another program and was removed from the program. Although he reached a settlement with the victim and the prosecution was suspended, it was a legal matter. That is why the meaning of Yamaguchi’s announcement on his website and TOKIO members publicly congratulating him must be very different.

Yamaguchi is now sober and gives lectures to other addicts to encourage them. If you look at his schedule on his official website, it is packed with lectures all over the country. He is extremely busy, and at the same time, there are probably people who are encouraged by him.

At the same time, however, there is no denying the possibility that Yamaguchi’s “negative image” will remain with him for the rest of his life.

Even after so much time has passed, people tend not to forgive him for his past sexual assaults. There are many celebrities who have returned to work if they were involved in underage lewdness, but the hurdle to return to work is extremely high for sexual assault. Even though Ms. Yamaguchi is now a civilian, there is still a great deal of backlash at every turn.

Nevertheless, it is not unforgivable that a person who has committed a crime or scandal can also reflect and reform while fulfilling his or her life. It seems certain that the members of TOKIO are supporting Mr. Yamaguchi as he continues to show his rehabilitated image.