Contract Over, Songs at Risk? DOMOTO Faces a Major Music Rights Battle After Leaving STARTO

Why did the Orchestra participate?

In July, DOMOTO (formerly KinKi Kids) held their dome tour “DOMOTO Concert 2026 ～Stay with me～” in Tokyo and Osaka. The performances featured a collaboration with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. The grand orchestral arrangements, combined with the vocals of Koichi Domoto (47) and Tsuyoshi Domoto (47), captivated audiences.

However, it appears there were complicated circumstances behind the orchestra’s participation.

DOMOTO made their CD debut as KinKi Kids in 1997. On July 22 last year, they relaunched under their current group name. Their agency agreement with STARTO ENTERTAINMENT (formerly Johnny & Associates, hereafter “STARTO”) expired on July 21 this year. Going forward, only Koichi will continue to have an individual agency agreement with the company. The two released a statement saying, among other things, “We have decided that we ourselves will manage our group activities,” and “Although our environment will change significantly, the feelings we have held dear will not change in the slightest.”

“Their first dome tour since the name change was held at Tokyo Dome on July 15–16 and Kyocera Dome Osaka on July 22–23. During a July 28 broadcast of the radio program ‘DOMOTO no Donna Mon Ya!’ (JOQR), Koichi explained how the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra came to participate in the tour. He revealed that with their contract with STARTO coming to an end, various issues will arise, including things related to the musical side. For example, we can no longer use the karaoke backing tracks we’ve used until now. That’s also why we asked the Tokyo Philharmonic to participate.” (Sports newspaper entertainment reporter)

While there apparently would be no problem using a live band, concerns have also arisen over issues such as “What will happen with their singing on television programs?” Even if a TV station requests the use of karaoke backing tracks, arrangements will now be necessary. On the aforementioned radio program, Koichi said, “I want to continue singing these songs in the future.” Although DOMOTO has become independent, it seems they intend to continue performing their past songs as before.

Following these comments on the radio program, reactions spread across social media:

“So they can’t use the karaoke backing tracks anymore. I’m a little worried about what happens from here, but everything will be okay, right?”

“If a TV music show can’t bring in a live band, does that mean even the members themselves can’t perform songs from their KinKi Kids days using karaoke backing tracks?”

Koichi prioritizes the legacy Johnny’s sssets

“Koichi has previously discussed the issue of music rights in his column for ‘Nikkei Entertainment!’ (Nikkei Business Publications). As the former Johnny & Associates was rocked by the sexual abuse scandal involving its founder, Johnny Kitagawa (who died at 87), talents such as former V6 member Junichi Okada (45), who mainly work as actors, announced their departures.

In the January 2024 issue of the magazine, Koichi discussed the status of his own contract, candidly saying, ‘The troublesome part is the issue of music rights. Taxes and laws are involved, and for a group like ours, which has many self-written songs, there are an enormous number of things to consider, making it extremely complicated.’” (Same source)

Tsuyoshi left the former Johnny & Associates (then known as SMILE-UP.) at the end of March 2024. As mentioned above, however, Koichi has continued his individual contract with STARTO ENTERTAINMENT.

This November, he will direct “Hyakki Yakyo,” a stage production at EX THEATER ARIAKE in Tokyo featuring six Junior members as the main cast, along with Kohta Yabu (36) of Hey! Say! JUMP and Shota Totsuka (39) of A.B.C-Z. The original story follows modern-day high school students who travel back in time to the Muromachi period and encounter “oni” (demons).

“It seems Koichi considers the ability to create original stage productions, which he cultivated during his years with the former Johnny & Associates, to be a major asset. In his column in the August 2026 issue of ‘Nikkei Entertainment!,’ he passionately stated, ‘I believe we must never lose this treasure that the former agency carefully nurtured.’

Koichi himself served as the lead performer of the original musical series ‘SHOCK’ for 24 years. Perhaps he chose to remain with STARTO ENTERTAINMENT individually in order to pass this legacy on to his juniors.” (Entertainment agency executive)

After many twists and turns, DOMOTO will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its CD debut next July. With that milestone year approaching, will they be able to successfully resolve the difficult issue of music rights?