Japanese Pop Star Kokubun Apologizes for Compliance Violation

Tokyo, Nov. 26 (Jiji Press)–Japanese pop star Taichi Kokubun apologized Wednesday for a compliance violation that led to his removal from a Nippon Television Network Corp. program. “I want to express my sincere apologies to those I have hurt,” Kokubun, 51, told a press conference in Tokyo. It was his first public appearance since his removal from Nippon TV’s popular variety show “The Tetsuwan Dash” in June. The broadcaster has declined to provide specifics about Kokubun’s problematic acts, citing “privacy protection.” On the day when his removal was disclosed, Kokubun announced that he would halt his entertainment activities indefinitely. Male pop group Tokio, of which he was a member, disbanded five days later. But Kokubun filed with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations for human rights relief in October, claiming problems with Nippon TV’s procedures that led to his removal from the show. He said he has “no intention of fighting Nippon TV,” explaining, “I want to check which of my actions were deemed a compliance violation, learn the facts and properly face the issue and those involved.” “This situation arose from my lack of awareness of my own position and circumstances,” Kokubun said in tears. “I think there was a part of me that was being complacent in the position and environment I found myself in my long career.” “I must understand my position, responsibility and trust, and face the matter head on,” he added. In response to the press conference, Nippon TV effectively declined to give Kokubun an opportunity to check together what was wrong with his behavior, saying that victims “feel a strong fear of ‘secondary harm’ that could be inflicted.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]