After TOKIO’s Disbandment: Why Taichi Kokubun May Have Lost His Comeback Chance While Hiroshi Ikushima Didn’t

Workplaces and clients outside of NTV are also in turmoil

Following Taichi Kokubun’s (50) indefinite suspension from activities due to compliance violations, remaining members Shigeru Jōshima (54) and Masahiro Matsuoka (48) announced the disbandment of TOKIO on June 25. The company they had founded and belonged to, Kabushikigaisha TOKIO, will be dissolved.

The scandal surrounding Kokubun, known for his high favorability, was made public on June 20. Nippon TV, which airs TOKIO’s regular program The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!, decided to remove Kokubun from the show after confirming multiple compliance violations.

At a press conference held the same day, Nippon TV president Hiroyuki Fukuda revealed that the company became aware of the matter on May 27 and declared:

“I felt it was an unforgivable act.”

However, when it came to the details of the compliance violations, he repeatedly avoided giving a clear explanation, stating:

“From a privacy protection standpoint, I cannot speak about it here.”

This inevitably prompted the media to investigate the cause. Before long, reports emerged indicating a high likelihood that the violations were related to sexual and power harassment.

“Nippon TV even held an emergency board meeting to decide on disciplinary action against Kokubun. That alone shows how serious it was. While a gag order has been issued within the station, from what has leaked, it’s been confirmed that Kokubun had a domineering attitude toward staff and pressured them into exchanging explicit photos. Still, this information is the result of independent media investigations—not from any official statement. Business partners and clients outside of Nippon TV are now struggling with how to respond,” said a sports newspaper reporter.

A similar case involved popular radio personality Hiroshi Ikushima (74), who was disciplined for comparable reasons.

In January of this year, he stepped down from his regular program Ikushima Hiroshi no Ohayō Teishoku / Icchokusen on TBS Radio. At the time, TBS Radio issued a statement:

“Our company confirmed that Mr. Ikushima committed a serious compliance violation that goes against the TBS Group Human Rights Policy. As a result, we determined that continuing his appearance on the program was impossible and decided to have him step down.”

They added:

“Regarding the details of Mr. Ikushima’s compliance violation, we will refrain from explaining out of respect for the privacy of those involved.”

The first to provide an explanation should have been Kabushikigaisha TOKIO (TOKIO, Inc.)

Up to this point, the response mirrored that of NTV. What stands out, however, is what came next: following TBS Radio’s announcement, Hiroshi Ikushima’s the-agency, Ikushima Kikakushitsu, acknowledged to the media both his harsh behavior toward staff and the act of sending inappropriate images.

They apologized, stating:

“There was a lack of awareness regarding power harassment and sexual harassment.”

A radio industry insider noted:

“Fortunately or unfortunately, Mr. Ikushima’s agency revealed the details of his compliance violation. But because of that, it became easier for him to begin moving toward a comeback, rather than leaving everything shrouded in mystery. Mr. Ikushima has apologized to all relevant parties and is currently under suspension. He remains motivated to work and has vowed to change his ways and approach his job sincerely if given another chance.”

Reportedly, Ikushima has since shaved his head and is spending his days in reflection.

On the other hand, in Taichi Kokubun’s case, both Kabushikigaisha TOKIO (TOKIO Inc.), which he belongs to, and STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, with whom the group has an agent contract, released statements of apology—but neither mentioned the nature of the compliance violation, leading to a situation where speculation continues to spiral.

“STARTO is essentially a sales arm, so the one who should’ve explained things first was Kabushikigaisha TOKIO—even before President Fukuda of NTV. They could have also arranged for Kokubun himself to hold a press conference,” said a source in the entertainment industry.

Amid all this, the announcement of TOKIO’s disbandment and the dissolution of Kabushikigaisha TOKIO was made. It’s said the decision was made solely by the remaining two members, Shigeru Jōshima and Masahiro Matsuoka, excluding Kokubun.

“Of course, the biggest issue is that Kokubun hasn’t held a press conference. But it’s also problematic that Jōshima, who serves as the agency’s president, hasn’t come forward to explain anything. I hear the members are making rounds to apologize to those involved, but unless the public’s question of ‘What exactly did he do?’ is resolved, it will be difficult for them to resume activities. In such a situation, dissolving the company can only be seen as irresponsible. Not only has it closed the path for Kokubun’s return, but it’s also likely to negatively impact the careers of Jōshima and Matsuoka,” the same source added.

Will the day come when the truth is spoken from Kokubun’s own mouth—?