ＴＯＫＩＯ突然の解散発表　福島県民に驚きと寂しさ広がる　福島県はCMを「検討中」　今後のつながりは？ (25/06/25 19:12)

It was a sudden "disbandment." TOKIO, who had continuously supported the recovery of Fukushima after the unprecedented earthquake and nuclear accident, announced their disbandment on their website on June 25th. Five days after Taichi Kokubun's compliance violation was confirmed, the sudden disbandment has caused great surprise throughout Fukushima Prefecture. Reactions to TOKIO's disbandment from Fukushima residents included: "Oh, really? I didn't know. I'm a little sad, I suppose there must have been some reason," and "I think it's a little disappointing. I liked TOKIO's songs, so it's a shame that we won't be able to hear their music anymore." Residents also spoke about TOKIO's connection to Fukushima. "I was shocked that even a group that has been around for so long would disband. It's a little sad, it's sad that their connection (to Fukushima) will disappear," and "It's a bit of a shock. They were a group that worked for Fukushima. They worked hard for Fukushima's recovery, so it's a shock." On the afternoon of the 25th, TOKIO announced their disbandment on their website. "We sincerely apologize to the people of Fukushima Prefecture and other regions who have warmly welcomed our activities for this sudden announcement." "What do you think we can do? We can definitely do something. Please look forward to it. I can't say anything yet," said Taichi Kokubun when he visited the "TOKIO-BA" exchange center in Nishigo Village, Fukushima Prefecture in May, discussing the further development of the project. On June 20th, after multiple compliance violations came to light, they stepped down from their popular program and announced an indefinite hiatus from activities. Five days later, TOKIO chose to "disband." In front of the Agricultural Products Distribution Division of the Fukushima Prefectural Government, posters of commercials featuring TOKIO members for many years are displayed. To support the recovery of Fukushima, which faced an unprecedented earthquake and nuclear accident, TOKIO had been appearing in commercials promoting the appeal of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products from Fukushima Prefecture every year since 2012. With the broadcast of the 2025 commercial approaching, the announcement of their "disbandment" came as a prefectural official commented that "future plans are under consideration." Meanwhile, an official from the "TOKIO Division" established at the prefectural office stated that "we cannot comment further." The suspension/closure of "TOKIO-BA" has been announced without a specified period. The future of its connection to Fukushima is attracting attention. Following TOKIO's disbandment, Nishigo Village Mayor Hiroshi Takahashi commented, "I was extremely shocked by the sudden news of the disbandment. TOKIO-BA, which started operations in Nishigo Village in May 2022, had just completed three years and was finally starting to get on track when this happened. I can only say that it is regrettable."