Japanese pop star Taichi Kokubun apologized Wednesday for a compliance violation that led to his removal from a Nippon Television Network program.
“I want to express my sincere apologies to those I have hurt,” Kokubun, 51, told a news 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.
In October, Kokubun filed for human rights relief with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, 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 during my long career.”
“I must understand my position, responsibility and trust, and face the matter head on,” he added.
Following the news conference, Nippon TV effectively declined to give Kokubun an opportunity to discuss what was wrong with his behavior, saying that victims “feel a strong fear of ‘secondary harm’ that could be inflicted.”