Taichi Kokubun (国分 太一, Kokubun Taichi, born September 2, 1974) is a Japanese keyboardist and actor.^[1][2] He plays keyboard for Tokio, a Johnny & Associates musical group.

Early life

Taichi Kokubun was born in Higashikurume, Tokyo.

Career

As an artist

Before debuting with Tokio, Kokubun, like other Tokio members, was a backup-dancer for Johnny's Entertainment boy bands, including Hikaru Genji.^[3] In 1990 he became the keyboardist of Tokio, but it was not until 1994 that the band debuted.^[3]

In 2004, Kokubun took a break from Tokio to form a temporary group with KinKi Kids member Tsuyoshi Domoto.^[3] Together they released the theme song to Fantastipo, a movie in which they starred.

As an actor

Kokubun began his acting career with a role in Abunai Shōnen III, a 1989 Japanese drama. Since 1993, he has played parts in drama shows and movies such as Fantistipo and Shaberedomo Shaberedomo.

He has hosted Gachinko! with other Tokio members.^[2] Currently Kokubun hosts Kaitai Shin Show and Shonen Club Premium on NHK, Tetsuwan Dash and Guruguru Ninety-Nine on NTV, R30 and Sekai Kurabete Mitara on TBS, Mentore G on Fuji TV, and Aura no Izumi on TV Asahi.^[4]

In April 2009, Kokubun became a sportscaster for the Fuji TV show Sports!.^[5]

Filmography