Former children’s TV program singer dances to controversial “pedophile song”, offers apologies. “Way too desensitized”

1 comment

1. **TRANSLATION:**

   A TikTok video of Daisuke Yokoyama, who is gaining popularity as a former children’s TV program singer, has gained controversy on social media.

   Yokoyama, who was one of the host singers on NHK’s children’s program “Okaasan to Issho (With My Mommy)” from 2008 to 2017, uploaded a TikTok video on September 29, in which he danced to the song “Shukusei! Loli God Requiem☆ / Shigure Ui (9 years old)”, which has been criticized as a “pedophile song” for the past few days.

   The song, which was uploaded to YouTube in September, has received 19 million views so far, and has gained popularity mainly on TikTok, where many influencers have uploaded videos using the song. Yokoyama seems to have jumped on the bandwagon.

   However, the overall content of the lyrics is that 9-year-old Shigure Ui abuses “lolicons” (pedophiles). The lyrics are lined with extreme language, such as “Loliloli god descends,” “Touch me and you’ll be arrested,” and “See you in court”.

   *”Yokoyama-san is the longest-serving singer of the show and still enjoys strong popularity. Even after retiring from the show, he continued to do well, serving as an MC of the TV program “Suienser” (E-TV), forming a unit with other former program singers, and holding regular family concerts.*

   *In 2020, he reported the birth of a baby girl, but to cause such a commotion while working for children can only be described as careless.”* *(Celebrity Reporter)*

   Yokoyama updated her blog on October 4. He gave an apology that follows:

   *”We have received numerous comments about the music we use on TikTok. I posted a dancing of a popular song without understanding the lyrics or the background of the song, just because it was popular. I am very sorry that I deeply hurt the people who support me and that I made many people feel uncomfortable.”*　

   Later, in a blog that he updated again, has reported, “I take your comments seriously and will be deleting my TikTok account.”　

   Yokoyama is seen as a “singing buddy” for children and their parents, and is also a father of a daughter. But his thoughtless behavior has led to a string of disappointments.

   *”He really seems like he has been too desensitized, seriously.”*

   *”Even those who seem to have a sense of ethics are indifferent to the sexual abuse of children that has been so casualized. As someone with children, I feel betrayed.”*

   *”I think it’s really hard for moms who raised children during Daisuke’s generation. I feel extremely shocked by this betrayal, because those singing buddies and ladies were our partners during our child-rearing days.”*