Fuma Kikuchi Speaks Out: Not Bullying, But Brotherhood — The Truth Behind the Type-Ro Audition

Kikuchi is the embodiment of honor and bravery

However, many in the industry believe that the backlash against Kikuchi is misplaced. It is widely said that his willingness to go nude on Dokkiri GP or take on bungee jumping challenges was all for the sake of increasing the group’s visibility.

“He may seem cool and mischievous at first glance, but he has always been incredibly supportive of his peers and juniors since his trainee days. In short, he’s the embodiment of honor and loyalty. He is well known for inviting junior members who struggle to debut to perform at his solo concerts, giving them exposure to the media. His teasing of Hara is also likely an act of affection, aimed at helping him showcase his personality.

About ten years ago, there was a period when Matsushima had significantly fewer job offers. I once saw Kikuchi bowing his head to TV staff, saying, ‘Right now, our Matsushima is willing to do anything, so please consider him.’ And in 2020, before leaving Sexy Zone, when Marius Yo (24) was rushed to the hospital due to health issues, Kikuchi was the first one to arrive and stay by his side,” said a staff member from a commercial TV variety show.

That being said, Kikuchi wasn’t always a model performer. In his early debut days, he was often labeled as the least engaged member when appearing on variety shows.

“There was a time when he would bring his phone to the studio and scroll through it during VTR segments. Even when the camera cut to him in the reaction frame, he barely reacted at all. After the recording, we would review the footage and ask, ‘Wait, did Fuma even say anything today?’ We had to struggle to find any notable moment from him. It made us wonder if he just wasn’t interested in doing variety shows.

But a few years later, when I saw him going all out to make people laugh on Dokkiri GP, I was genuinely shocked. Sexy Zone went through a lot—members leaving, returning, and taking breaks—so I believe he changed his mindset, thinking, ‘I have to step up and do something about this,’” recalled a veteran variety show staff member.