Tensions Rise as NTV Rejects Taichi Kokubun’s Rights Complaint — Industry Eyes Turn to the Arashi Bidding War

He was summoned under the pretext of a greeting from the newly appointed producer

Japan Television Network (NTV) has been shaken by a major development.

On October 23, former TOKIO member Taichi Kokubun (51) filed a human rights relief petition with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA), claiming that NTV’s procedures leading to his removal from a program for compliance violations were flawed.

At NTV’s regular presidential press conference on October 27, company president Hiroyuki Fukuda expressed clear discomfort with Kokubun’s allegations:

“We are extremely puzzled.”

He also reiterated:

“We have handled this matter with full consideration for Mr. Kokubun’s human rights.”

Kokubun stepped down from the NTV show “The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!” in June of this year. The specific nature of the compliance violation has not been disclosed.

■ Kokubun’s distrust centers on the process leading to his removal

According to the final opinion report published in September by NTV’s Governance Evaluation Committee — composed of external lawyers and experts — the network became aware of the compliance allegations against Kokubun on May 27. By the next day, company executives, including President Fukuda, were already sharing information and holding meetings almost daily.

Kokubun was first questioned on June 18. He had been summoned under the pretext of a “Tetsuwan DASH” meeting and a greeting from a newly appointed producer, but the real purpose was a hearing conducted by compliance staff.

NTV insists:

“The hearing with Mr. Kokubun was conducted with an explanation and his consent.”

However, on social media, many have described it as a surprise interrogation.

After his violation was deemed substantiated, NTV announced his departure from the program on June 20 — a rapid decision, which led Kokubun’s side to believe the hearing was held with removal already predetermined.

■ NTV pushes back

The network maintains that the final decision was made after questioning Kokubun, during an extraordinary board meeting, and strongly refutes Kokubun’s claims. In a public statement, NTV said:

“This is an erroneous description that casts doubt on the propriety of our procedures, and we hereby lodge our protest.”

The dispute between Kokubun and NTV is rapidly escalating.

A penalty so severe that he may have to sell his own home

According to a talent agency insider:

“Kokubun doesn’t want a fight with NTV. But once someone brings up human rights, the network is forced to respond.

In the case involving Masahiro Nakai and the former Fuji TV employee, the problem escalated because the woman’s human rights were downplayed, which led to sponsors pulling out. NTV will absolutely maintain the stance that the disciplinary action followed proper procedure.”

Within NTV’s production floor, many staff members are said to want the issue resolved quickly and quietly.

Kokubun, together with the other members of TOKIO, left the former Johnny’s agency in 2021 to establish TOKIO Inc.(now dissolved). Even after Johnny’s rebranded as STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, relations remained amicable.

NTV has been cultivating an especially close partnership with STARTO. Many of the company’s talents appear in their dramas and variety shows. One NTV insider commented:

“There are still many STARTO talents who look up to Kokubun. Some even said, ‘I can’t imagine Taichi-kun doing something like that.’

I think a lot of them are unsettled by Kokubun’s petition.”

Kokubun’s attorney, Masaru Komoda, emphasized that this petition was filed solely on Kokubun’s behalf, adding only:

“We prefer not to disclose the details of how we initially got involved. I hope you can understand.”

Komoda is a heavyweight in the legal community — a former vice president of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations. He successfully represented Masayuki Takashima in his high-profile 2010 divorce case against Mio, and he has strong ties to the entertainment world.

■ The looming TV war over ARASHI

Industry insiders note that TV networks are already battling behind the scenes for the five members of ARASHI, who will cease group activities next spring. NTV had been seen as the frontrunner, but:

“This situation could affect that,” said one TV network insider.

“ARASHI and TOKIO were both under Julie Fujishima. Julie is no longer managing STARTO, but if troubled talents seek her advice, she might influence certain decisions.
When you consider all that, escalating this conflict benefits neither Kokubun nor NTV.”

At a press briefing, attorney Komoda described Kokubun’s condition after the disciplinary action:

“He was utterly devastated.”

Only recently has Kokubun begun to recover emotionally. But when asked about the penalties Kokubun may still face, Komoda admitted:

“The amount could be substantial.

In the worst case, he might even have to sell his home.”

This case now threatens to ripple through the entire industry — even affecting national icons like ARASHI.

Where will the two sides find a compromise?