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Tatsuya Yamaguchi to Leave Tokio Band After Indecent Assault Accusation
posted on by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Shigeru Joshima, Taichi Kokubun, Matsuoka Masahiro, and Tomoya Nagase — four members of the TOKIO band — publicly apologized during a press conference on Wednesday after the band's bassist and singer Tatsuya Yamaguchi was accused of indecent assault on a high school girl. The band members also announced that, after discussing the matter, Yamaguchi will leave the band.
Tokio's talent agency Johnny & Associates had issued an apology from Yamaguchi last Wednesday. The agency stated that Yamaguchi had "offered [his] wholehearted apology to the victim, who has agreed to come to a settlement." Investigators reported that Yamaguchi met the girl through work.
At a separate press conference last Thursday, a lawyer from Johnny & Associates stated 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.
Yamaguchi is currently on an indefinite hiatus from the entertainment industry and was on indefinite house arrest following the launch of the criminal investigation last week.
The Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office then announced on Tuesday that it will not prosecute the charge after the alleged victim withdrew her complaint.
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: Oricon News
