Fans Call on TOBE to Address Online Abuse as Number_i Supporters Worry

Many call for anti-slander measures

On November 8, TOBE—the talent agency led by Hideaki Takizawa (43)—announced on its official X account (formerly Twitter) that it had opened mid-career recruitment. In response, fans of the agency’s talents flooded the company with a specific request.

TOBE’s post read: “We have started mid-career recruitment on the TOBE official website. We are looking for new colleagues to support our artists’ activities. Would you like to apply your experience in music, video, and entertainment?”

The linked site listed three available positions: artist manager, media sales desk, and music copyright management.

However, in the post’s replies and quote tweets, many fans called for stronger measures against online abuse:

“Please hire someone who can handle abuse aimed at the agency’s talents.”

“It would be great if staff specializing in online harassment joined.”

“Please establish a department to deal with abuse and the spread of false information.”

“Before recruiting, take measures against online abuse. Also, posting a job listing from this account feels off and kind of scary.”

Judging from the profiles of users leaving these comments, most are fans of Number_i, the unit consisting of former King & Prince members Sho Hirano (28), Yuta Kishi (30), and Yuta Jinguji (28).

The concern comes after recent criticism online regarding the lyrics of Number_i’s songs.

On November 1, the group performed “Shiawase Ippai Hara Ippai” from their latest album No.Ⅱ (released September 22) on the music program Venue101 Presents Number_i THE LiVE (NHK General). A line in the song including the word “Pocahontas” sparked controversy, with some claiming it might be a discriminatory expression.

Because Hirano produced the song and the lyrics were credited to artist Pecori and Number_i, negative comments such as “Both the writers and the performers are reckless” and “They’re artists but so ignorant” quickly spread online, intensifying fan concerns about online harassment.

Fans were critical of Number_i, calling it lax

Meanwhile, Number_i has also been in the spotlight due to a concert mishap.

On November 6, during a concert in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, a section of the trolley carrying Sho Hirano malfunctioned. A railing collapsed, causing Hirano to lose his balance for a moment.

Because this was a scene that could be filmed, clips quickly spread on social media, and some fans expressed concern that Hirano might have injured his finger.

Including both the controversy over the song lyrics and the concert incident, fans have voiced sharp criticism of TOBE:

“Regarding the trolley incident, TOBE hasn’t issued any explanation or apology… I was shocked, but if the agency can’t even handle harassment, what can they do?”

“They’re doing nothing about online abuse. That the trolley broke like that—whether due to outsourced contractors or sloppy staff—makes the company seem careless and kind of scary.”

“TOBE, get it together.”

TOBE’s official website states that “posting content that defames or insults our artists may constitute defamation, insult, or interference with our business” and suggests that legal action could be considered.

However, with the recent increase in hurtful comments directed at Number_i members, fans are clearly hoping for renewed warnings and stricter measures. Going forward, they want a system in place where they can support the artists safely and with peace of mind.