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.¡±
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