Taichi Kokubun Demands Accountability at Nippon TV’s “Zero-Answer” Apology Press Conference

Nippon TV’s president’s press conference was said to have zero answers

On June 20, Taichi Kokubun (50) of the nationally beloved idol group TOKIO announced an indefinite suspension of his entertainment activities due to a compliance violation.

Prior to that announcement, Nippon TV president Hiroyuki Fukuda held a press conference and announced Kokubun’s resignation from The! Tetsuwan! DASH!! due to multiple compliance violations. However, when it came to the specifics, he repeatedly stated:

“We cannot comment due to privacy concerns.”

He made no mention whatsoever of the actual content of the violations.

“At one point, some reporters even shouted angrily, but President Fukuda remained firm in not revealing any details. In that case, it might have been enough just to issue a press release about his resignation. It’s no wonder people are calling it a ‘zero-answer’ press conference,” said a morning show insider.

Indeed, while it’s understandable not to disclose the full details of the damage or those affected, the network could at least have clarified whether the issue involved sexual harassment, power harassment, when it happened, and how many cases had been confirmed. Without that, many viewers likely felt Nippon TV was trying to “protect” Kokubun and cover things up.

However, President Fukuda did offer some insight into the station’s stance through certain remarks.

When asked about an apology from Kokubun, he said:

“If anything is to be conveyed, I believe it should come from the person himself.”

When asked whether Kokubun had expressed an intention to hold a press conference, he replied:

“I haven’t confirmed it precisely, but I imagine he will respond in some way afterward.”

In short, they are placing the responsibility for apology and explanation squarely on Kokubun, the person at the center of the matter.

Fans will also remember that in 2018, when former member Tatsuya Yamaguchi (53) was referred to prosecutors on suspicion of indecent assault, he held a press conference himself. Afterward, the remaining four members of TOKIO also appeared together to issue a public apology.

The apology press conference just before his return to the company, an example of many failures

“At the time of the press conference, Kokubun-san said words of support for Yamaguchi-san like, ‘Even if his resignation is accepted, I cannot abandon him.’ In contrast, Masahiro Matsuoka (48) made a strikingly harsh remark: ‘If the root of his dependence was us, TOKIO, then I think it’s best that TOKIO cease to exist as soon as possible.’ Now that Kokubun himself has caused such a scandal, it raises the question of how Matsuoka views TOKIO as a group,” said a sports newspaper reporter.

This time, the compliance violation is believed to have occurred during the filming of Tetsuwan DASH, which involves not only the members of TOKIO but also many talents formerly affiliated with Johnny’s. Precisely because of that, more than during the Yamaguchi incident, the group TOKIO—including Kokubun and its president Shigeru Joshima (54)—should bear the responsibility of providing a proper explanation.

On the 20th, Kokubun released a statement:

“My lack of awareness of the position I’ve been in during my long career, my naivety, complacency, and inadequate behavior are the cause of everything. I will suspend all my activities without setting a return date and take time to reflect on myself.”

However, this statement alone can hardly be considered sufficient to fulfill his responsibility to explain.

Yet, on June 23, in response to a question from Nikkan Sports, STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, with whom Kokubun has an agent contract, responded:

“There are no plans for a press conference.”

According to those close to the matter, Kokubun does not seem to have given up on returning to the entertainment industry. If that’s the case, then all the more reason he should offer a proper explanation and apology before entering his hiatus. Holding a press conference just before a comeback carries a high risk of failure, as clearly demonstrated by the cases of Unjash’s Ken Watabe and former politician Shiori Yamao.

It’s not just Nippon TV that believes Kokubun must take full responsibility and provide a clear explanation—surely the public feels the same.