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Rock Band TOKIO Announce Disbandment
posted on by Joanna Cayanan
The group sincerely apologized to all concerned parties for Kokubun's compliance violations. After the members confirmed each other's intentions, they decided to disband as it would be difficult to continue working as a group and regain the people's trust and support.
On June 20, the group's official website announced that Kokubun had been suspended indefinitely after it was discovered that he had violated compliance standards, and he was encouraged to deeply reflect on his actions. In Kokubun's comment, he apologized to the inconvenience the issue has caused. He stated that everything was caused by his immaturity, complacency, and inadequate actions, and lack of awareness of the position he was in.
Nippon TV president Hiroyuki Fukuda also held a press conference on June 20, confirming Kokubun's multiple past compliance violations, and also announced that he will leave the network's popular television program Tetsuwan Dash, where the group regularly appears.
Following TOKIO's announcement to disband, Nippon TV announced on Wednesday that the Tetsuwan Dash program will continue, adding that it would like to ask the two former members Shigeru Joshima and Masahiro Matsuoka to continue appearing on the show.
In 2018, the band's former bassist and singer Tatsuya Yamaguchi left the band and terminated his contract with then Johnny & Associates talent agency (now Starto Entertainment), after he was accused of indecent assault on a high school girl.
TOKIO had their CD debut in 1994. The group performed the opening theme songs to several anime series such as Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo, Kodocha, The Skull Man, Soar High! Isami, and Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai.
Sources: NHK World, Yomiuri Shimbun's The Japan News, TOKIO's website (link 2), livedoor News via Hachima Kikō (link 2)
