Debt troubles linger for Taichi Kokubun and TOKIO-BA, fueling local confusion

No human rights relief claim will be filed

Former TOKIO member Taichi Kokubun (51) issued a statement on February 12, revealing that he met with Hiroyuki Fukuda, president of Nippon TV, to apologize for a series of compliance violations. He also delivered letters of apology to the affected parties.

Kokubun explained:

“I directly apologized for the trouble my actions caused.”

He also commented:

“I informed President Fukuda that I will not file any new human rights relief claims.”

Last June, Kokubun stepped down from the Nippon TV program The! Tetsuwan! DASH‼ after past compliance violations were cited at the program’s site. At that time, he filed a human rights relief request with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) in October, citing that Nippon TV had not provided a detailed explanation of the violations. In December, the request was not accepted, but Kokubun’s attorney, Yu Komoda, had been waiting for another opportunity.

A reporter covering entertainment for a sports newspaper said:

“The attorney had been working to restore Kokubun’s reputation, but this time they reached an agreement with Nippon TV and promised no new actions. The prolonged lack of progress and the passage of time likely played a major role.”

Concluding his statement, Kokubun said:

“I am determined to do my utmost to repay, even a little, those who have supported me, everyone involved with Tetsuwan DASH, and my TOKIO bandmates Jōjima and Matsuoka, with whom I have shared my life for many years.”

In response to Kokubun’s apology, Nippon TV commented:

“While Kokubun’s violations themselves are unacceptable, we recognize the sincerity of his reflection and accept it as a genuine apology.”

Going forward, the key for Kokubun is first receiving forgiveness from the victims to whom he delivered letters. Once that is achieved, the conflict between the parties can be considered resolved, allowing Kokubun to move forward into the future.

The surrounding area is full of mega-solar panels

However, according to sources, even if the victims give their approval, Kokubun has no intention of returning to the entertainment industry at this time.

“Not just at Nippon TV, but for the stations in general, even if the disputes between the parties are resolved, it’s still difficult to use him. Kokubun understands that,” said a television station insider.

There are still pending matters to handle.

The co-creative outdoor field TOKIO-BA in Nishigo Village, Fukushima Prefecture, for which Kokubun serves as CEO, has already announced its closure. However, the site is deserted, and there is no sign of dismantling work being carried out. The site covers an area equivalent to two Tokyo Domes. Since its opening in 2022, it featured athletic equipment, tree houses, and farmland for agricultural experiences, earning popularity mainly among families.

“The area around TOKIO-BA is now full of mega-solar panels. Online, there are rumors that a mega-solar facility will be built on the TOKIO-BA site, with many comments like ‘We won’t forgive if it’s sold to China’ or ‘Protect the environment.’ In reality, nothing has been decided, but Kokubun’s handling of the TOKIO-BA land may spark renewed debate,” said the previously cited sports newspaper reporter.

There are also voices on site hoping for the reopening of TOKIO-BA.

When our site interviewed the Nishigo Village office, where TOKIO-BA is located, they said:

“The land belongs to TOKIO Co., so there’s nothing for us to do… There have been no discussions between the village and TOKIO. We also don’t know anything about future plans.”

They seem somewhat perplexed about the fate of the vast property.

Although the compliance violation issue has been concluded, Kokubun still faces a mountain of challenges ahead.