Tokio (band)

Tokio
Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Music, Entertainment
Founded	1989
Founder	Johnny & Associates
Defunct	2025-06-25
Fate	Disbanded
Headquarters	Japan
Area served	Japan
Key people	Shigeru Joshima (President, CEO), Taichi Kokubun (Vice President), Masahiro Matsuoka (Vice President)
Products	Music albums, singles, television appearances
Owner	Johnny & Associates

Tokio was a Japanese rock and pop ensemble established by Johnny & Associates in 1989, officially debuting in 1994. Their initial contract was with Sony Music Entertainment from 1994 until 2001, after which they transitioned to Universal Music Japan between 2001 and 2008, and subsequently signed with J Storm (Storm Labels) until their eventual dissolution. Besides their musical pursuits, the group’s members frequently appeared in various television dramas and hosted variety programs both as a unit and individually.

The band's name, "Tokio," is derived from an older English romanization of Japan’s capital city, Tokyo. Differing from the typical Johnny & Associates idol groups, Tokio adopted a conventional band format consisting of a lead vocalist, drummer, guitarist, bassist, and keyboardist. Their style leaned heavily towards rock music, with limited emphasis on choreography during live shows and music videos.

Since their debut, Tokio has achieved sales totaling around nine million records. In May 2018, bassist Tatsuya Yamaguchi exited the group following allegations of sexual misconduct. Lead singer Tomoya Nagase left in July 2020 to focus on solo endeavors. Ultimately, the band disbanded on June 25, 2025, after member Taichi Kokubun became involved in a compliance breach.

1989–1993: Formation

Similar to SMAP, the members of Tokio began their careers as backup dancers for the idol group Hikaru Genji, participating within the Heikeha dance unit that also included future V6 members. In 1989, guitarist Shigeru Joshima and bassist Tatsuya Yamaguchi recognized their mutual instrumental talents and created a private group called Joshima Band or "Joh Band." They briefly operated under the name 'JURIA' before Johnny Kitagawa approved them as "Tokio Band," adding rhythm guitarist Kazuhisa Watanabe to the lineup.

By 1990, the core formation of Tokio was established with Joshima, drummer Masahiro Matsuoka, keyboardist Taichi Kokubun, and rhythm guitarist/vocalist Hiromu Kojima. After further discussions, Yamaguchi formally joined the band. Vocalist Tomoya Nagase participated as a support member during public appearances, rounding out a six-member configuration. Early performances included tours alongside the band SAY・S, featuring all six members.

1994–1999: Debut and onward

Shortly before releasing their debut single "Love You Only" in 1994, original member Kojima was replaced by Nagase. The single debuted on September 21, 1994, followed by their self-titled album Tokio released on November 21 of the same year. Their first major performance post-debut occurred at the 1994 NHK Kouhakutagassen New Year's Eve event.

Following their initial album Tokio, they issued their first remix collection Tokio Remix in 1995 and contributed the track "7 O'Clock News" for the anime Kodocha in 1996; however, licensing restrictions prevented its distribution in North America. That year also marked the release of their inaugural greatest hits compilation Best E.P Selection of Tokio.

Throughout the latter half of the 1990s, Tokio released eighteen singles alongside four studio albums: Bad Boys Bound, Blowing, Wild & Mild, and Graffiti. Starting in 1997, multiple singles were used as theme songs for television dramas featuring band members. Highlights include "Furarete Genki" for Psychometrer Eiji starring Matsuoka; "Julia" for Seiji No Mikata featuring Kokubun; "Love & Peace" for Matsuoka’s drama Love and Peace; and "Ai no Arashi" for the sequel drama Psychometrer Eiji 2.

2000–2004: Growth in Recognition

At the start of 2000, Tokio introduced the album Yesterday & Today. Following the release of the single "Doitsu Mo Koitsu Mo" in early 2001, the band transitioned from Sony Music Entertainment to UMG. Singles such as "Oh!Heaven" and "Hitoribotchino haburashi" were featured as theme songs for dramas starring members Matsuoka and Tomoya Nagase, initiating a pattern of linking singles with dramas led by band members. Their debut album under UMG, 5 Ahead, was launched in December 2001.

In May 2001, they issued the compilation Best EP Selection of Tokio II. Starting with the late 2002 single "Ding Dong / Glider", music videos began being directed by Masahiro Matsuoka. The seventh studio album, Glider, was released in February 2003. That same year, "Ambitious Japan!" was selected as the theme for JR Central's Nozomi services operating on the Tōkaidō and San'yō Shinkansen routes.

In 2004, member Taichi Kokubun collaborated with KinKi Kids’s Tsuyoshi Domoto to form a temporary unit named Toraji Haiji, producing the theme track for the film Fantastipo. Celebrating their tenth anniversary, Tokio released their inaugural cover album, TOK10, which achieved their first chart-topping position.

2005–2017: Established Presence

February 2005 saw the release of Tokio’s tenth studio album, Act II. The December 2005 single "Ashita o Mezashite!" marked the first time member Tomoya Nagase took part in composing and co-arranging. That year, Tokio hosted Johnny's Countdown 2005-2006. In 2006, the single "Sorafune" sold in excess of 400,000 copies and stayed on music charts for four months, becoming their highest-selling single to date. Their song "Get Your Dream" served as Japan’s official anthem for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Later that year, they unveiled their longest studio album so far, Harvest, which included seventeen songs plus two remixes.

In 2008, Tokio delivered their briefest album yet, Sugar, featuring seven tracks including three singles from 2007. This year also marked a switch to J Storm, a label owned by Johnny & Associates, with prior releases reissued in June 2009.

Their debut release under J Storm was the four-track single "Amagasa/Akireru Kurai Bokura wa Negaō" in September 2008, which included compositions by Ringo Shiina. This was succeeded by another four-track single "Taiyō to Sabaku no Bara/Subeki Koto" in August 2009. Early and mid-2010 saw singles "Advance/Mata Asa ga Kuru" and "Haruka" released respectively; "Haruka" became their first number-one hit since 2007. August 2010 featured "NaNaNa (Taiyo Nante Irane)", penned by Kōji Tamaki. The follow-up single "Miageta Ryūsei", used as a drama theme starring Matsuoka, was also released. Prior to their Plus tour running from March to May 2011, they launched their first digital single titled "Plus".

On August 22, 2012, Tokio presented their twelfth studio album, 17, marking their first full-length release in six years and supported by the 1718 tour. Their third compilation album, Heart, was released in July 2014 featuring two new songs written by Nagase and Joshima; it became their second chart-topping album. Tokio’s last single before hiatus, "Kumo", was issued on August 30, 2017.

2018–2025: Suspension of Musical Activities

On April 25, 2018, Yamaguchi was reported to prosecutors on allegations of forcibly kissing a female individual. Subsequently, on May 6, 2018, Johnny & Associates terminated their contractual relationship with him. In response to the controversy, Tokio halted all music-related activities indefinitely.

In July 2020, Nagase declared his intention to leave the group to focus on other pursuits, officially departing from Tokio and retiring from the entertainment industry as of March 31, 2021.

Starting April 1, 2021, the trio remaining in the band established Tokio Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Johnny & Associates. Joshima assumed the role of president, while Kokubun and Matsuoka were appointed vice presidents. On October 2, 2023, Joshima advanced to plenipotentiary president and CEO, succeeding Julie K. Fujishima; Kokubun and Matsuoka maintained their vice presidential positions.

2025: Group Dissolution

On June 25, 2025, Tokio declared its disbandment following a compliance breach by Taichi Kokubun that caused considerable distress. The members expressed profound remorse and issued a sincere apology. After thorough internal deliberations, they determined that continuing under the TOKIO name and regaining public confidence was unattainable, leading to the decision to disband. The group conveyed gratitude to their fans, collaborators, and the people of Fukushima for their ongoing support since debut and apologized for the abrupt announcement. Each member is now seeking personal avenues to show appreciation to their supporters.

Reports on July 2 indicated that "Tokio Ba," an outdoor field project in Fukushima spearheaded by Kokubun and inaugurated in 2022, would cease operations due to the closure of Tokio Co., Ltd. and completion of all administrative responsibilities.

Band members

Final lineup

– vocals, guitar, leader (1989–2025)
– drums, percussion, vocals (1990–2025)
– keyboards, piano, vocals (1990–2025)

Former members

– bass guitar, vocals (1989–2018)
– lead vocals, guitars (1990–1994)
– lead vocals, guitars (1994–2020)

Discography

Studio albums

Tokio (1994)
Bad Boys Bound (1995)
Blowing (1996)
Wild & Mild (1997)
Graffiti (1998)
Yesterday & Today (2000)
5 Ahead (2001)
Glider (2003)
Act II (2005)
Harvest (2006)
Sugar (2008)
17 (2012)

Compilation albums

Variety

Throughout their career, Tokio has been involved in hosting various variety shows such as (2012–2023), (1999–2008), (2008–2012), (concluded in 2023 due to network restructuring), and .

On June 20, 2025, Nippon Television announced Kokubun’s resignation from hosting duties on Dash following several compliance violations later disclosed as sexual harassment incidents. Kokubun acknowledged the decision and expressed apologies while taking an indefinite hiatus. Subsequently, other broadcasters and sponsors including Japanet Holdings have withdrawn him from their programs and promotional materials.

Notable solo appearances include:

– Taichi Kokubun
– Shigeru Joshima
– Shigeru Joshima
– Tatsuya Yamaguchi
R30 – Taichi Kokubun
– Taichi Kokubun
– Taichi Kokubun
– Taichi Kokubun
– Shigeru Joshima

Commercial Endorsements

In November 2013, Tokio took part in a countrywide promotional initiative endorsing rice produced in Fukushima Prefecture.

External links