On November 26, TV personality Taichi Kokubun, a member of the group TOKIO that disbanded in June, held a press conference. Mr. Kokubun made his public appearance in June, saying that several past compliance issues had been confirmed and that he had been involved in the NTV “The! DASH! DASH!” and suspended his activities indefinitely. Mr. Kokubun, dressed in dark glasses and a navy blue suit, began the press conference by saying, “Today, I would like to thank you for allowing me, Taichi Kokubun, to have this opportunity. First of all, I would like to express my sincere apologies to those whom I have hurt by my actions, even though it is late and I am very sorry that it is in this form and not directly to them. I am truly sorry,” he tearfully apologized. In October, Mr. Kokubun filed a petition for human rights relief with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations through a proxy lawyer in regard to NTV’s handling of the program’s cancellation. At that time, the proxy attorney stated at the press conference that although Ms. Kokubu strongly wanted to apologize to the parties concerned, NTV, sponsors, and others, and had also attended compliance training by outside experts and was spending her days reflecting on her actions, NTV was not accepting her apology. Mr. Kokubun is a member of TOKIO, which debuted in September 1994. As an individual, he was also active in a wide range of activities as a TV personality and host, but when compliance issues surfaced in June of this year, he dropped out of all regular programs by September. He is currently on an indefinite hiatus. (ABEMA NEWS)
ABEMA TIMES Editorial Department