I don’t know exactly what the reaction was (after the press conference), but I think it was generally understood. On November 26, Kokubu held an emergency press conference in Tokyo with his lawyer, Masaru Komoda. Kokubu held an emergency press conference with attorney Komoda in Tokyo on November 26. A reporter for a national newspaper said, “On June 20, NTV announced that it was going to suspend the meeting. On June 20, NTV announced that it was suspending the “DASH! DASH! DASH! DASH!” On June 20, NTV announced that Kokubu had been removed from the program due to multiple compliance issues. Therefore, on October 23, Kokubun filed a petition for human rights relief with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, claiming that the station’s handling of the case was flawed. Since the station did not inform him of the grounds for the disciplinary action, he was unable to explain it to all parties concerned, which resulted in the cancellation of programs on other stations, termination of contracts with advertising companies, and other significant consequences. At the beginning of the press conference, the representative explained the reason why he had set up the press conference with the intention of “conveying his feelings of apology to those who had caused him trouble and expressing his own feelings,” since he was unable to apologize directly to the victims. Kunibake said, “Please allow me to convey my sincere apologies. I am truly sorry.” He bowed his head for about seven seconds. The victim and the other members of the “The! DASHH! DASHH!” he apologized again to the people involved, sponsors, TOKIO members, and fans. He said he was not fully aware of the situation and position he was in. I lost everything in a few days,” he said tearfully. He added, “I have no desire to be at odds with NTV,” and insisted, “I have continued discussions with them in the hope of getting answers, learning the facts, and properly dealing with the case and the people involved, but none of my requests have been fulfilled, and I have come to this day. However, none of our requests have been fulfilled, and we have come to this point,” he insisted. I have been unable to move and have been left behind in the world. NTV strongly distrusted the “answer-all” comment. The NTV team reacted vehemently, saying, “This is truly regrettable and we will strongly protest. A source at the TV station said, “Originally, the August meeting was held with Kokubu’s side. Originally, in August, Mr. Kokubu offered to apologize, but the station refused, saying it was “premature. However, I heard that the bureau has a strong sense of distrust toward Mr. Kokubu, who has repeatedly used the phrase ‘answer the questions’ in this case. According to some reports, Kokubu confessed at the hearing that he had sexually harassed two female staff members. The station seems to be concerned that if the victims’ identities are revealed in an “answer-and-answer” session, their future careers in the TV industry may become difficult for them.
