Why Koichi Domoto Skipped Kaucon—and Why Fans Are Applauding Him After Marriage

Surprise appearance at Kaucon

Domoto Koichi (47) of “DOMOTO” (formerly KinKi Kids) announced his marriage on December 28, ’25. After that, he made a surprise appearance at his agency’s year-end countdown live ‘COUNTDOWN CONCERT 2025-2026 STARTO to MOVE’ (commonly known as ‘Kaucon’), which began performances from the night of the 31st. While many people were shocked by the news of his marriage, it is said that praise is pouring in for Domoto, who remains just as considerate of his fans as ever (entertainment writer).

Domoto reported his marriage through STARTO ENTERTAINMENT. On the company’s official website, he offered greetings such as: “I apologize for this personal matter, but I would like to report to everyone concerned who has supported my journey thus far that Domoto Koichi has decided to get married,” and “From here on as well, with feelings of gratitude toward everyone in my heart, I will face each and every job sincerely more than ever before, and continue to devote myself with appreciation for the bonds I share with you all.”

“The comment released by the agency makes no mention of the partner. On the other hand, a web article distributed on the 28th by Sports Nippon reported that according to those involved, the partner is a former actress who has experience co-starring with him on stage.

Speaking of Domoto, he has long been rumored to be in a relationship with Sato Megumi (41), who previously co-starred with him in his starring stage production ‘Endless SHOCK.’ She left the talent agency Stardust Promotion, where she had been affiliated for 27 years, at the end of September ’25. Because it has been reported that the two were close to marriage, it seems that Domoto’s fans believe without a doubt that his partner is Sato” (entertainment writer).

That Domoto suddenly appeared at the agency’s “Kaucon” held at Tokyo Dome. During the shuffle medley segment, when the classic song “Andalusia ni Akogarete,” sung by former Johnny’s office senior Masahiko Kondo (61), began, Domoto suddenly descended onto the stage. The venue was enveloped in loud cheers of “Kyaa!”

He performed “Andalusia ni Akogarete” together with Sato Shori (29), Teranishi Takuto (31), Hara Yoshitaka (30) of “timelesz,” who have appeared in the “SHOCK” series, as well as Kawashima Noel (31), Matsukura Kaito (28), and Matsuda Genta (26) of “Travis Japan.”

“Domoto is one of the people who has covered ‘Andalusia ni Akogarete’ for a long time. This time, it was the first-ever ‘Kaucon’ held by STARTO as a company, and at first he apparently intended to pass the baton to the younger generation, but he was approached by timelesz’s Kikuchi Fuma (30), who was in charge of the production, saying, ‘If Koichi-kun doesn’t come out, we can’t do “Andalusia”!’ and that’s how he decided to appear.

In addition, when it came to the former ‘Kaucon,’ it had become a standard flow to celebrate Domoto, whose birthday is January 1, after the New Year rolled over. However, after finishing the song and engaging in some talk during the MC time, Domoto declared, ‘I’ll take my leave here.’ Since it was still before the date had changed, voices of disappointment were raised by junior members and audience members at the venue” (ibid.).

Praise pours in for Domoto, who stayed true to being an idol

After announcing his marriage, Domoto performed singing and dancing in front of an audience for the first time. Once he finished his appearance at “Kaucon,” he then started a live broadcast on his own Instagram account. This was because Domoto’s name had not originally been listed among the artists appearing at “Kaucon,” making his appearance a complete surprise. It seems he felt some lingering concern for the fans who support him.

Domoto said, “I wanted to do the (New Year’s) countdown,” and “I hadn’t notified my own fans about appearing at ‘Kaucon,’ so instead of doing it there, I thought I should do it somewhere everyone could see, and that’s why I chose this.”

“In ’25, the unit name was changed from KinKi Kids to DOMOTO as of July 22. During the Instagram live, the year turned and Domoto became 47, and he said, ‘There have been various changes for my fans, for our fans. Even so, I truly feel heartfelt gratitude that you always continue to support us,’ he remarked.

Although the ‘Kaucon’ performance itself was live-streamed (paid) on ‘FAMILY CLUB online,’ it is set to be exclusively distributed on Netflix from 10 p.m. on January 7, and he promoted it to his fans by saying, ‘I hope you’ll watch it there as well’” (same as above).

In this Instagram live, although he talked about his birthday, Domoto did not touch on his own marriage and maintained his image as an idol. From fans,

“I was happy that he did a countdown on Instagram live and showed how much he treasures his fans. Koichi-san hasn’t changed at all. He’s still the wonderful Koichi-san!”
“Even just a few minutes, choosing to do an Instagram live with fans—he’s full of the same thoughtfulness as ever. I’m glad I’m a fan of Koichi-san.”
“Watching ‘Kaucon’ and the Instagram live made me realize again how much I love Koichi-san. Reality is hard to face in many ways, but I was happy that at that countdown moment, he chose the fans.”
“Koichi-kun doing an Instagram live after ‘Kaucon’ ended—I felt once again how much he cares about his fans.”

—voices of praise poured in one after another.

With “Kaucon,” where he readily accepted an offer from his juniors and fulfilled his sense of duty, followed immediately by the live broadcast, it seems many fans have fallen in love with Domoto all over again. It does not appear that his popularity will decline because of marriage.