TOKIO's Matsuoka Masahiro Accuses NTV of "Compliance Violations" in Handling of Kokubun Taichi, Sparks Social Media Outcry

Matsuoka Masahiro, a member of the popular group TOKIO, recently gave an interview to "Daily Shincho," where he strongly questioned Nippon TV's (NTV) series of responses regarding fellow member Kokubun Taichi. Matsuoka stated, "Isn't Nippon TV's approach a compliance violation?" His remarks have sparked a significant reaction on social media.

Matsuoka revealed that neither he nor TOKIO's leader, Shigeru Joshima, had received any explanation from NTV since President Fukuda's press conference. He stated, "'You will continue to appear on the program (The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!).' Of course, we are very grateful for that. However, we can't help but wonder if our wishes regarding appearing or not don't matter to Nippon TV. If they insist on our continued appearance, shouldn't there be some explanation within a permissible scope?" He expressed complex feelings about a situation where the performers' intentions do not seem to be fully respected.

Matsuoka's "first candid confession" has garnered widespread empathy on X (formerly Twitter), with many users severely criticizing NTV's stance. Comments like "Exactly," "Viewers can't be convinced either," and "NTV is out of line, don't get carried away" have poured in. Furthermore, distrust in NTV's opaque information disclosure system is growing, with questions like, "As a mass media outlet, NTV hasn't even explained to the viewers, let alone to the group members and the company TOKIO?"

Some users also pointed out a "double standard" in NTV's response, saying, "NTV seems to have a biased response, protecting faceless individuals but not visible talents, including this double standard." Other comments questioned the difference in treatment compared to other stations, stating, "Other stations have said there were no issues. If the program continues without explanation, who is truly being insincere?"

While some opinions suggest that Kokubun Taichi had previously admitted to sexual harassment of staff, most criticism focuses not on the veracity of those facts, but on NTV's failure to fulfill its proper accountability to stakeholders and viewers regarding the incident.

Amid harsh opinions circulating, such as "Does Nippon TV, which doesn't value its performers, have the right to create entertainment?", NTV is strongly urged to provide a sincere and transparent explanation to the questions raised by Matsuoka Masahiro.

The context

The article discusses a controversy involving Nippon TV (NTV) and Matsuoka Masahiro, a member of the popular Japanese idol group TOKIO, which was formerly managed by Johnny & Associates. This issue is set against the backdrop of a major scandal that unfolded in 2023, involving the late founder of Johnny & Associates, Johnny Kitagawa, who was posthumously accused of widespread sexual abuse of male talents over decades. This scandal led to a significant restructuring of Johnny & Associates, which was rebranded as SMILE-UP. and later STARTO ENTERTAINMENT.

Following these revelations, media companies faced scrutiny over their past relationships with Johnny & Associates and their handling of talents associated with the agency. Many talents from the former Johnny & Associates were impacted, with some facing reduced appearances or contract terminations.

In this context, TOKIO member Kokubun Taichi's continued appearances on NTV's popular variety show "The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!" became a point of contention. While the article mentions past allegations against Kokubun (which some suggest involved sexual harassment of staff), the core of Matsuoka's criticism and public concern lies with NTV's perceived lack of transparency and explanation. Matsuoka highlights that NTV has not provided adequate explanations to the TOKIO members themselves or the public regarding their decision-making process for Kokubun's continued involvement, especially when other talents from the former agency faced different outcomes or when the network's president held a press conference without providing internal clarification. Matsuoka's strong statements, questioning NTV's compliance and respect for performers' will, have resonated widely, leading to public demands for greater accountability from the broadcaster.