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Tokio's Tatsuya Yamaguchi Halts All Entertainment Activities, Enters House Arrest

TOKIO bassist Tatsuya Yamaguchi revealed at a press conference on Thursday that he will take an indefinite hiatus from the entertainment industry, and will go on indefinite house arrest, after the opening of a criminal investigation regarding his alleged kissing a high school-aged girl against her will at his home in Tokyo in February.

At the press conference, a lawyer employed by Tokio's talent agency Johnny & Associates stated the details of the alleged events, saying that Yamaguchi invited the victim and her friend to his residence while drinking on February 12, and then kissed the victim against her will. Police launched an investigation in late March after receiving a report from the victim.

Investigators reported that Yamaguchi met the girl through work.

Yamaguchi stated at the press conference that "no amount of apology is enough" while bowing his head. When asked about how his fellow bandmates felt, he said, "When I think how bitter they must be at my selfish action, I don't know what to do." He added, "It may be naive of me to think this, but if there is a place waiting for me, then I can perform as part of TOKIO again in the future."

Yamaguchi also stated that he will take the time every day during his house arrest to reflect on his actions.

Tokio's talent agency Johnny & Associates earlier issued an apology from Yamaguchi. The statement reads, "I am deeply sorry for kissing the victim without considering her feelings after drinking alcohol. I have offered my whole-hearted apology to the victim, who has agreed to come to a settlement."

NHK has cancelled the Wednesday and Thursday episodes of its R no Hosoku variety program, for which Yamaguchi is an emcee. The show's website is currently unavailable.

The five-member band TOKIO debuted in 1994 and has performed theme songs for anime such as Kodocha, Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo, The Skull Man, Soar High! Isami, and Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai. The band has been working as special ambassadors for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games flag tour.

Source: Music Natalie