TOKIO Disbands After Taichi Kokubun’s Compliance Violations, Nippon Television Removes Him From The Tetsuwan Dash

Japanese pop group TOKIO has officially disbanded following compliance violations by member Taichi Kokubun. On June 20, 2025, Nippon Television Network announced Kokubun's removal from its popular program "The Tetsuwan Dash" after confirming multiple past compliance breaches. Kokubun subsequently announced an indefinite hiatus from all activities. The decision to remove him from the show was based on investigations by an external lawyer and approved by Nippon Television's board.

On June 25, 2025, the group's management company,株式会社TOKIO, declared the group's dissolution, citing Kokubun's compliance violations as the primary reason and stating that regaining public trust and support was deemed difficult. Members Shigeru Joshima, Masahiro Matsuoka, and Taichi Kokubun were part of the group at disbandment. Following the announcement, members including Matsuoka and Joshima issued apologies. Joshima also personally apologized to Fukushima Prefecture Governor Uchibori by phone. In response to the incident, Nippon Television Holdings established an external governance evaluation committee to review the handling of Kokubun's compliance issues, focusing on human rights and accountability from the broadcaster's perspective.