Entertainment · K-Culture & Anime · 20 hrs ago
Kikuchi’s apology highlights the burden on Japan’s working managers
Fuma Kikuchi apologized at a news conference after former timelesz member Shuto Inomata was arrested and his contract was ended.
Kikuchi is a leading figure in the group, and the episode showed him balancing frontline work with leading the group.
That combination is known as being a “player-manager”: someone who does the work while also managing others.
The piece uses Kikuchi’s position to examine the burdens placed on middle managers in Japanese organizations.
It argues that relying on player-managers can weaken companies by leaving managers to carry both roles.
It does not describe any specific next step for Kikuchi or timelesz.
After former timelesz member Shuto Inomata was arrested and his contract terminated, Fuma Kikuchi bowed at a press conference.
Kikuchi is described as a leader-like figure in the group who also remains active on the front line.
The article presents his position as an example of a “playing manager,” balancing hands-on work with management responsibilities.
Journalist Norifumi Yoshida uses the case to examine the burdens placed on middle managers in Japan.
- Who
- Fuma Kikuchi, a leader-like figure in timelesz, and former member Shuto Inomata.
- What
- Kikuchi bowed at a press conference after Inomata was arrested and his contract was terminated.
- When
- Not stated
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- The press conference followed Inomata’s arrest and contract termination.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Former timelesz member Shuto Inomata was arrested and his contract was terminated.
Fuma Kikuchi bowed at a press conference.
- Group
- timelesz
- Former member
- Shuto Inomata
- Group figure
- Fuma Kikuchi, described as a leader-like presence
- Journalist
- Norifumi Yoshida
- Outlet
- Toyo Keizai
What people are saying
The structure of the thankless role borne by middle managers prompts consideration of the challenges facing Japanese organizations.