(Update 2) Tokio's Kokubun to Leave Nippon TV Program after Compliance Issue

   Tokyo, June 20 (Jiji Press)--Nippon Television Network Corp. on Friday announced a decision to remove Taichi Kokubun, a member of male pop group Tokio, from "The Tetsuwan Dash," its popular variety show, as he has been found to have committed problematic acts in terms of compliance.
   Kokubun, 50, has accepted the decision, which was made based on the results of an investigation conducted by external lawyers over the compliance issue, according to the major Japanese broadcaster. Nippon TV will continue to broadcast the program.
   The firm and its parent, Nippon Television Holdings Inc., decided on Kokubun's removal at their extraordinary board meetings the same day.
   Nippon TV President Hiroyuki Fukuda held a press conference on the matter later in the day. But he refrained from mentioning specifics about Kokubun's problematic acts for "privacy protection."
   The Tetsuwan Dash started in 1995, featuring Tokio members.

(2025/06/20-14:53)