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Tokio Band Member Tatsuya Yamaguchi Referred to Prosecutors for Indecent Act With High School Girl
posted on by Karen Ressler
TOKIO bassist Tatsuya Yamaguchi (46) has been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of kissing a high school-aged girl against her will at his home in Tokyo in February. Investigators reported that Yamaguchi met the girl through work and invited her to his apartment to drink alcohol.
Tokio's talent agency Johnny & Associates issued an apology from Yamaguchi. The statement reads, "I am deeply sorry for kissing the victim without considering her feelings after drinking alcohol. I have offered my whole-hearted apology to the victim, who has agreed to come to a settlement."
NHK has cancelled the Wednesday and Thursday episodes of its R no Hosoku variety program, for which Yamaguchi is an emcee. The show's website is currently unavailable.
The five-member band TOKIO debuted in 1994 and has performed theme songs for anime such as Kodocha, Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo, The Skull Man, Soar High! Isami, and Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai. The band has been working as special ambassadors for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games flag tour.
Sources: NHK, The Japan Times
