TOBE flooded with calls to “take action against slander! Why “Number_i” fans are worried?

Many call for “anti-slander” measures

On November 8, the official X (formerly Twitter) of TOBE, an entertainment agency headed by Hideaki Takizawa (43), sent out information that the company had begun recruiting for mid-career positions. In response, fans of the company’s talent have been inundated with certain requests.

TOBE announced through X, “TOBE has started mid-career recruitment on the official TOBE website. We are looking for new colleagues to support our artists’ activities. Come and put your experience to work in the world of music, video, and entertainment.” And the post.

When I accessed the site with the details, I found that the “list of currently recruiting positions” contained three items: artist manager, media sales desk, and music rights management.

However, looking at the quotes and replies section of the post,

I’d like you to hire someone who can take action against slander against our talent.
I hope they bring in a staff member with strong anti-slander skills.
Please set up an anti-slander department to deal with the spread of slander and false information.
[Joon] Please take measures against slander before recruiting for mid-career positions. I mean, it’s so out of touch and scary to recruit on this account.

Many users have called for stronger measures against slander and libel, such as “This account is too scary to be recruiting for mid-career job openings.

Looking at the profiles of the users leaving these comments, most are fans of “Number_i,” a unit consisting of former King & Prince members Shiyou Hirano (28), Yuta Kishi (30), and Yuta Jinguji (28).

The reason is that the members of Number_i were recently criticized on the Internet for the lyrics of their songs.

On the November 1 broadcast of the music program “Venue101 Presents Number_i THE LiVE” (NHK Sogo), the group sang “Happiness Full of Belly” from their latest album “No. II” (released on September 22), and the lyrics, “Pocahontas,” were called The controversy arose because the lyrics, “Pocahontas,” were considered “discriminatory.

The song was produced by Hirano, and the lyrics were written by artists Pecori and Number_i. “The people who wrote the lyrics and the people singing the song are too dangerous,” “This is what happens when you are an artist and you are ignorant,” and other negative comments were made one after another. (Entertainment writer)

Fans were critical of Number_i, calling it “lax.

On the other hand, as for Number_i, troubles during a concert performance also became a topic of conversation.

At a concert held in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, on November 6, an accident occurred in which a part of the trolley on which Hirano was riding broke down. A fence collapsed, and there was a moment when Hirano lost his position.

Since it was a scene that could have been captured on video, the scene was spread on SNS, and some people were concerned that Hirano might have injured his finger …….

Including the lyrics uproar and happenings at the concert,

I thought it was too bad that TOBE didn’t give any explanation or apologize for the trolley ……, but what can an office that can’t even take action against slander do?
[Claire] They don’t do anything to address the slander. The fact that the trolley broke like that also suggests that it was either an outsourced contractor or the staff was sloppy. I’m afraid of the office, because they seem to be sloppy in the most important areas.
[Claire] TOBE, get a grip!

The following are some of the harsh opinions about TOBE.

TOBE’s official website states, “Posting content that defames or slanders the artists belonging to TOBE may constitute defamation or insult of the artists, or obstruction of our business” and suggests that legal action may be considered.

However, since there has been an increase in the number of heartless words directed at Number_i members recently, fans are probably hoping that they will be warned once again.

We hope that the company will continue to provide a system that allows fans to support the talent with peace of mind.