Latest news with #NipponTV
Asahi Shimbun
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
TV host Kokubun steps down after misconduct surfaces
Celebrity entertainer Taichi Kokubun will step down from his popular TV show due to serious misconduct, Nippon Television Network Corp. announced, without disclosing the nature of the allegation. Nippon TV President Hiroyuki Fukuda addressed the media on June 20 following an emergency board meeting, expressing regret over the situation. 'It is a serious and unfortunate matter,' Fukuda said. However, he declined to disclose specific details of Kokubun's misconduct, citing privacy concerns. Kokubun, 50, also released a public apology, announcing that he would be suspending all entertainment activities for the time being. 'The root cause lies entirely in my own lack of awareness of the position I hold, my complacency, poor judgment and inadequate behavior,' he said in the statement. Kokubun rose to fame as a member of the popular boy band Tokio and later expanded into acting and hosting TV and radio programs. His sudden announcement of suspension will leave broadcasters scrambling to reschedule or even cancel six shows in which he has been appearing. According to Nippon TV, the company became aware of the issue on May 27 after a source alerted the broadcaster to Kokubun's misbehavior. A subsequent investigation involving a third-party lawyer included interviews with relevant individuals. The findings led to the decision for Kokubun's removal from 'The! Tetsuwan! Dash!!,' an iconic reality show he co-hosted for three decades. Despite the controversy, the broadcaster confirmed that the program will continue airing. 'This is an issue concerning an individual cast member, not the show itself,' Fukuda said. He emphasized that no Nippon TV staff members engaged in any misconduct but acknowledged the broadcaster's responsibility for continuing to cast someone with potential issues. The revelation comes as the entertainment industry increasingly confronts issues of harassment and human rights violations, typically involving sexual abuse and bullying. Earlier this year, another well-known TV show host, Masahiro Nakai, retired from show business following accusations that he sexually abused a female newscaster from Fuji Television Network Inc. Both Nakai and Kokubun are originally from Johnny & Associates Inc., now renamed, the powerful showbiz agency at the center of a major sexual abuse scandal involving its late founder. (This article was written by Sachi Matsumoto and Yusuke Miyata.)
Japan Times
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Pop group Tokio's Kokubun to leave Nippon TV program over compliance violations
Nippon Television Network on Friday announced its decision to remove Taichi Kokubun, a member of male pop group Tokio, from "The Tetsuwan Dash," its popular variety show, as he has been found to have committed compliance violations. Kokubun, 50, has accepted the decision, which was made based on the results of an investigation conducted by external lawyers over the compliance violations, according to the major Japanese broadcaster. Nippon TV will continue to broadcast the program. The firm and its parent, Nippon Television Holdings, decided on Kokubun's removal at their extraordinary board meetings the same day. Nippon TV President Hiroyuki Fukuda held a news conference on the matter later in the day, but he refrained from mentioning specifics about Kokubun's problematic acts out of concern for "privacy protection." "The Tetsuwan Dash" began airing in 1995, featuring Tokio members.
NHK
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NHK
Japanese TV personality Kokubun Taichi to be removed from popular weekly program
Tokyo-based commercial broadcaster Nippon TV says personality Kokubun Taichi will be removed from a popular weekly program due to multiple compliance-related problems. Kokubun is the keyboard player for the pop group TOKIO. He is a regular member of NTV's weekly variety show "THE TETSUWAN DASH," or " The Iron Dash." NTV President Fukuda Hiroyuki held a news conference from 1 p.m. on Friday. Fukuda said NTV had confirmed that Kokubun engaged in multiple problematic acts and decided it would be inappropriate for him to continue appearing on the program. NTV said it cannot reveal any details of the incidents that occurred from the viewpoint of protecting privacy. The TV station says it does not intend to file a criminal complaint.
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
Tokio's Kokubun to Leave Nippon TV Program after Compliance Issue
News from Japan Culture Jun 20, 2025 12:59 (JST) Tokyo, June 20 (Jiji Press)--Nippon Television Network Corp. on Friday announced a decision to remove Taichi Kokubun, a member of male pop group Tokio, from "The Tetsuwan Dash," its popular variety show, as he has been found to have committed several problematic acts regarding compliance in the past. Kokubun, 50, has accepted the decision, which was made based on the results of an investigation conducted by external lawyers over the compliance issue, according to the major Japanese broadcaster. Nippon TV will continue to broadcast the program. Nippon TV President Hiroyuki Fukuda will explain the decision in detail at a press conference to be held at the firm's headquarters in Tokyo from 1 p.m. the same day. The Tetsuwan Dash started in 1995, featuring Tokio members. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Pink Villa
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 21: Kyou-u Brings Trouble—Recap, Release Date, Where To Stream And More
In ' The Stronghold,' Shenmei beats Suirei for allowing Maomao and Kyou-u into the storehouse. Shishui reveals her identity as Loulan and persuades Shenmei to spare them, requesting Maomao be used to create an immortality drug. At the Shi clan's stronghold, Maomao uncovers details of the family's history, including Shenmei's cruelty and the stripping of Suirei's name, Shisui. Maomao suspects the Shi clan's actions are retaliation for palace reforms and recognizes their war preparations. Meanwhile, Lakan urges Jinshi to act, calling him a royal and demanding military mobilization. Expected plot in The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 21 The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 21 will see Maomao's situation grow more precarious as she works under Shenmei's supervision. Meanwhile Kyou-u's erratic presence nearby will risk drawing her more unwanted attention. Any disruption could lead to Maomao being punished alongside him. Within the Shi stronghold, Loulan's resentment toward Shenmei will only deepen, driven by her mother's abuse and past mistreatment of Suirei. Given the situation, Loulan appears ready to oppose Shenmei. The episode will likely focus on these growing internal fractures amidst Maomao's captors. The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 21, titled 'Taibon,' will be released on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 pm JST in Japan. The episode will first air on Nippon TV's 'FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT' block, followed by broadcasts on networks such as BS NTV, AT-X, and Animax. The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 21 will also stream on platforms like ABEMA Premium, Amazon Prime Video, and HULU. International viewers can watch the English subtitled version on Crunchyroll and Netflix. Keep up with Pinkvilla for more updates from second season of The Apothecary Diaries anime.
