(*) Taichi Kokubun’s first press conference for “problematic compliance behavior Former TOKIO member Taichi Kokubun (51), who has been suspended from performing since he was dropped from a Nippon Television program for “problematic compliance behavior,” held his first press conference since the problem was discovered in Tokyo on March 26, and apologized for it. He then tearfully appealed 12 times, saying, “I would like to be allowed to answer” which of his actions were the problem. The lawyer representing the company who attended the meeting explained that Nittele was “refusing” to discuss the issue. In response, 90 minutes after the press conference ended, Nittele released a comment saying, “It is difficult to ‘answer the question’ due to the fear of secondary harm. Taichi Kokubun bowed deeply, revealing his feelings for his wife and children. His cheeks were puffy, his complexion was pale, and he looked gaunt. He was wearing black-rimmed glasses and a dark blue suit. In a weak voice, Kokubu apologized, saying, “I apologize for the delay, but I would like to express my heartfelt apologies to those whom I have harmed through my actions. He bowed deeply. He then went on to talk about his 30-year career at Nittele and the station’s “The! DASH! He also apologized to the people involved, sponsors, and fans who had supported him. At the beginning of the press conference, Masaru Komoda, an attorney who attended the meeting, announced that he had made three requests to Nittele, including confirmation of the case that was found to be a breach of compliance on the 28th of last month, but that the station’s representative had replied that it would be difficult to comply with his request. The case is said to fall under the category of sexual harassment. Kokubu bowed his head three times for a total of 17 seconds to explain the current situation, but it is not clear who the “injured party” is that he wants to apologize to first and foremost. For this reason, during the 50-minute press conference, including the 11-minute explanation at the beginning, he repeated 12 times, “I would like to answer the question,” “I have not been able to answer the question,” and “I would like to answer the question,” “I would like to answer the question,” “I would like to answer the question. He also revealed what happened on June 18, when he was interviewed by Nittele. He said that he was called in for a meeting for “DASH! When he was called in for a meeting to discuss “DASH! I recorded the conversation on my phone, but the lawyer instructed me to delete it. He was given a notebook and pen and told to write down what he thought, but he was so nervous and upset that he slumped down and said, “My hands were shaking and I couldn’t write anything. The executive officer told him on the spot that he was being removed from the board. “My mind went blank and all I could do was say, ‘I am so sorry. That was all I could think to say. He was forced to say, “I was so sorry,” and that was all he could manage to say. I couldn’t keep up with my heart. I lost everything in a few days,” he said, explaining that the situation continued to worsen. For about a month, he tried to recover his mind, and he revealed, “I even thought about retiring. He also apologized to his wife and two daughters, saying, “I deprived my family of their daily life. Last month, he filed a petition for human rights relief with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, claiming that Nittele’s handling of the situation was flawed, but lawyer Komoda said, “The process is expected to take several years. Kokubu left the meeting, saying emphatically, “I can’t think of anything right now” about his future talent activities.
