In a momentous turn of events, several major Japanese brands have made the bold decision to cut ties with Johnny and Associates, the country’s largest talent agency, following the shocking revelation of a sexual abuse scandal involving its late founder, Johnny Kitagawa. Firms like Nissan and Asahi have announced that they will not be renewing any contracts with the agency, whilst Toyota has stated that it has no plans for future deals featuring Johnny talents.
The sexual abuse scandal erupted following an independent investigation that uncovered Kitagawa’s extensive history of abusing hundreds of boys and young men throughout his six-decade career as one of Japan’s most influential entertainment figures. The issue gained national attention after a BBC documentary aired in March, catalyzing a wave of reports from J-pop stars about their own experiences of abuse.
The public outcry reached its peak with the resignation of Julie Fujishima, Kitagawa’s niece, who had taken over management of Johnny & Associates after her uncle’s passing in 2019. Fujishima publicly acknowledged the sexual abuse committed by her uncle, leading to her resignation amidst mounting pressure.
The repercussions of the scandal have now extended to corporate relationships, as various big-name brands have chosen to sever ties with Johnny and Associates. Asahi Group Holdings, a prominent drinks company, has decided to withdraw ongoing television and online advertisements featuring the agency’s stars, with its president, Atsushi Katsuki, emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights over profit.
Nissan Motors, another major brand, has stated that it will refrain from developing new sales promotion materials involving the talent agency until further notice. This decision has been attributed to the agency’s conduct, which directly contradicts Nissan’s Human Rights Policy Statement. Furthermore, allegations have emerged against Johnny & Associates’ new boss, Noriyuki Higashiyama, regarding the sexual assault of young boys, adding fuel to the criticism faced by the agency.
Many have questioned why the agency has chosen to retain the name of a sexual predator. Despite Kitagawa’s crimes, he remained a celebrated figure in Japan until his death, holding world records for the most number-one artists, singles, and concerts produced by an individual. However, following the investigation, the prestigious Guinness World Records removed his achievements from their official website.
International pressure for justice has also intensified, with a United Nations working group urging the Japanese government to conduct a transparent and legitimate investigation with a clear timeline. Damilola Olawuyi, the chair of the group, criticized the country’s mainstream media for remaining silent about the alleged abuse for decades.
Johnny and Associates’ domination of the male-dominated entertainment industry finally seems to be waning, with television networks now facing pressure to drop Johnny’s stars from their programming. Additionally, many companies are postponing decisions regarding sponsorship of shows affiliated with the agency. Moreover, some artists who were once represented by Johnny and Associates have chosen to defect to other talent agencies.
This scandal has had far-reaching implications within Japanese society and the entertainment industry. The courage of those who have come forward to share their experiences has not only exposed the dark secret of sexual abuse within the industry but has also empowered others to demand accountability and change. The actions taken by major brands reflect a growing shift in public opinion, highlighting the importance of prioritizing human rights over the reputation and success of talent agencies. It remains to be seen how this scandal will continue to unfold and reshape the landscape of Japan’s entertainment industry.
