The Aftermath of a J-pop Sexual Abuse Scandal

The recent revelation of two more abusers within Johnny Kitagawa’s agency, Johnny & Associates, following the BBC investigation has caused a significant impact on Japan’s pop culture landscape. As nearly 1,000 men have come forward to report abuse by Kitagawa, the need for justice and transparency in handling these cases has become crucial. The internal investigation conducted in August 2023 implicated two more individuals at Johnny & Associates, leading to the dissolution of the agency and the establishment of Smile-Up to address abuse claims. The lack of clarity in the compensation process and allegations of harassment towards survivors have further complicated the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by victims of abuse. The responsibility to support survivors and seek accountability from the perpetrators remains a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action. As public awareness grows and calls for reform intensify, the aftermath of this scandal will continue to shape discussions around sexual abuse, accountability, and justice in Japan’s entertainment industry.