The case involving Johnny Kitagawa and allegations of sexual abuse is a complex and disturbing series of events that have unfolded over the years. The initial claims date back to 1988 when Koji Kita, a former member of the Four Leaves, published diaries alleging that Kitagawa had made unwanted sexual advances towards young boys under his agency's contracts. These allegations were further supported by Junya Hiramoto, a former member of another band managed by Kitagawa, who claimed to have witnessed Kitagawa forcing a boy into a sexual encounter in one of the talent agency's dormitories.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-boyband-agency-admits-founder-johnny-kitagawas-sexual-abuse-633384">Japan boyband agency admits founder Johnny Kitagawa's sexual abuse</a>

<h2>When did allegations against Johnny Kitagawa first come to light?</h2>

In 1999, the magazine Shukan Bunshun published a series of articles that detailed numerous allegations of sexual improprieties. These accusations came from a dozen teenage boys who had been recruited into Johnny &amp; Associates. The accusers chose to speak anonymously, fearing the consequences of coming forward. Additionally, the series accused Kitagawa of allowing minors in his employ to consume alcohol and tobacco, adding another layer to the scandal.

These allegations gained significant attention and led to a hearing in April 2000 conducted by Yoshihide Sakaue, a member of Parliament. While the National Police Agency acknowledged investigating Kitagawa's agency, they did not find sufficient evidence to confirm sexual harassment had occurred. Instead, they warned the agency about permitting minors to use alcohol and tobacco.

<h2>Johnny Kitagawa denies any wrongdoing</h2>

Throughout this period, Kitagawa vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and his attorney portrayed the claims as the grievances of disgruntled former employees. In response to the allegations, Kitagawa sued Shukan Bunshun for libel.

One notable aspect of this case was the lack of coverage by major Japanese media outlets. The New York Times attributed this absence of coverage to Kitagawa's significant influence over popular media in Japan. Johnny &amp; Associates also denied access to its performers to Shukan Bunshun and other media owned by its parent organisation.

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<h2>Legal battles and Johnny Kitagawa's death</h2>

Years of legal battles ensued. In 2002, the Tokyo District Court awarded Kitagawa a judgement against Shukan Bunshun for defamation, though this decision was partially reversed by the Tokyo High Court in 2003. The Supreme Court ultimately rejected Kitagawa's appeal in 2004.

The case resurfaced after Johnny Kitagawa's death in July 2019, with new allegations emerging. Former Johnny's Jr. members made claims suggesting inappropriate relations between Kitagawa and young talents. In March 2023, a BBC documentary titled Predator: The Secret Scandal of J-Pop shed light on the sexual harassment allegations against Kitagawa, further bringing the issue to international attention.

In April 2023, singer Kauan Okamoto held a press conference alleging sexual abuse by Kitagawa and called on the company's management to acknowledge the misconduct. Johnny &amp; Associates released a statement in response, vowing to strengthen its governance and compliance measures.

<h2>Johnny Kitagawa finally gets his comeuppance&nbsp;— after death</h2>

The situation took a significant turn in August 2023 when an independent probe commissioned by Johnny &amp; Associates confirmed that Kitagawa had repeatedly committed sexual abuse from the early 1970s until the mid-2010s. Recommendations included the resignation of Julie Keiko Fujishima, the company's president and Kitagawa's niece, and making amends for the abuse.

Finally, on September 7, 2023, Johnny &amp; Associates formally acknowledged Kitagawa's abuse. Fujishima resigned from her post, and former Johnny's member Noriyuki Higashiyama assumed the role of CEO.

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The case involving Johnny Kitagawa and allegations of sexual abuse is a complex and disturbing series of events that have unfolded over the years. The initial claims date back to 1988 when Koji Kita, a former member of the Four Leaves, published diaries alleging that Kitagawa had made unwanted sexual advances towards young boys under his agency's contracts.

The case involving Johnny Kitagawa and allegations of sexual abuse is a complex and disturbing series of events that have unfolded over the years. The initial claims date back to 1988 when Koji Kita, a former member of the Four Leaves, published diaries alleging that Kitagawa had made unwanted sexual advances towards young boys under his agency's contracts. These allegations were further supported by Junya Hiramoto, a former member of another band managed by Kitagawa, who claimed to have witnessed Kitagawa forcing a boy into a sexual encounter in one of the talent agency's dormitories. Also Read | Japan boyband agency admits founder Johnny Kitagawa's sexual abuse When did allegations against Johnny Kitagawa first come to light? In 1999, the magazine Shukan Bunshun published a series of articles that detailed numerous allegations of sexual improprieties. These accusations came from a dozen teenage boys who had been recruited into Johnny & Associates. The accusers chose to speak anonymously, fearing the consequences of coming forward. Additionally, the series accused Kitagawa of allowing minors in his employ to consume alcohol and tobacco, adding another layer to the scandal. These allegations gained significant attention and led to a hearing in April 2000 conducted by Yoshihide Sakaue, a member of Parliament. While the National Police Agency acknowledged investigating Kitagawa's agency, they did not find sufficient evidence to confirm sexual harassment had occurred. Instead, they warned the agency about permitting minors to use alcohol and tobacco. Johnny Kitagawa denies any wrongdoing Throughout this period, Kitagawa vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and his attorney portrayed the claims as the grievances of disgruntled former employees. In response to the allegations, Kitagawa sued Shukan Bunshun for libel. One notable aspect of this case was the lack of coverage by major Japanese media outlets. The New York Times attributed this absence of coverage to Kitagawa's significant influence over popular media in Japan. Johnny & Associates also denied access to its performers to Shukan Bunshun and other media owned by its parent organisation. Legal battles and Johnny Kitagawa's death Years of legal battles ensued. In 2002, the Tokyo District Court awarded Kitagawa a judgement against Shukan Bunshun for defamation, though this decision was partially reversed by the Tokyo High Court in 2003. The Supreme Court ultimately rejected Kitagawa's appeal in 2004. The case resurfaced after Johnny Kitagawa's death in July 2019, with new allegations emerging. Former Johnny's Jr. members made claims suggesting inappropriate relations between Kitagawa and young talents. In March 2023, a BBC documentary titled Predator: The Secret Scandal of J-Pop shed light on the sexual harassment allegations against Kitagawa, further bringing the issue to international attention. In April 2023, singer Kauan Okamoto held a press conference alleging sexual abuse by Kitagawa and called on the company's management to acknowledge the misconduct. Johnny & Associates released a statement in response, vowing to strengthen its governance and compliance measures. Johnny Kitagawa finally gets his comeuppance — after death The situation took a significant turn in August 2023 when an independent probe commissioned by Johnny & Associates confirmed that Kitagawa had repeatedly committed sexual abuse from the early 1970s until the mid-2010s. Recommendations included the resignation of Julie Keiko Fujishima, the company's president and Kitagawa's niece, and making amends for the abuse. Finally, on September 7, 2023, Johnny & Associates formally acknowledged Kitagawa's abuse. Fujishima resigned from her post, and former Johnny's member Noriyuki Higashiyama assumed the role of CEO. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Johnny Kitagawa sexual abuse scandal: Everything to know

Julie Fujishima, the boss of Japan's biggest boyband agency, finally stepped down after admitting for the first time on Thursday (September 7) that its late founder sexually abused young stars. She even apologised to the victims.&nbsp;

Fujishima, niece of the accused music mogul Johnny Kitagawa who died in 2019, said, "Both the agency itself and I myself as a person recognise that sexual abuse by Johnny Kitagawa took place. I apologise for his victims from the bottom of my heart. I take seriously what happened."&nbsp;

The most powerful talent agency in Japan's pop music industry was headed by Kitagawa, but the scandal, which emerged fully earlier this year, has horrified the country and tainted his image.&nbsp;

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The&nbsp;allegations that he abused young men who wanted to be stars surfaced in Japanese media in 1999, but there was nothing concrete until this year after a BBC documentary revealed details.&nbsp;

The tell-all documentary in March led to shock and outrage in Japan, which was a lot similar to the reactions seen after the scandals involving Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein, and British TV star Jimmy Savile.&nbsp;

The story was widely covered by the national media and also grabbed international headlines, putting pressure on the authorities. Japanese lawmakers voiced outrage, while the United Nations human rights experts also criticised the talent agency for its handling of the allegations.&nbsp;

The 57-year-old Fujishima said she had stepped down effective Tuesday and named singer and actor Noriyuki Higashiyama, a veteran member of the talent agency, as her successor. But she said that she would remain in the agency's leadership to help "compensate" victims.

"It will take an enormous amount of time before we can regain trust. I will stake the rest of my life on addressing this problem," said Higashiyama, 56.&nbsp;

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<h2>Full recovery will take time&nbsp;</h2>

Kitagawa had successfully sued for defamation over the claims, although the verdict was partially overturned on appeal. He was never criminally charged.&nbsp;

But after the latest move by the agency, victims said that full recovery remains far off but they felt vindicated.&nbsp;

Yukihiro Ohshima, a member of the Johnny's Sexual Assault Victims' Association, said: "I think she [Fujishima] acknowledged and sincerely apologised for what happened. It's not like the emotional scars are gone but I think out of 100 points things have gotten a little easier by about 10."

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Julie Fujishima, the boss of Japan's biggest boyband agency, finally stepped down after admitting for the first time on Thursday (September 7) that its late founder sexually abused young stars.

Julie Fujishima, the boss of Japan's biggest boyband agency, finally stepped down after admitting for the first time on Thursday (September 7) that its late founder sexually abused young stars. She even apologised to the victims. Fujishima, niece of the accused music mogul Johnny Kitagawa who died in 2019, said, "Both the agency itself and I myself as a person recognise that sexual abuse by Johnny Kitagawa took place. I apologise for his victims from the bottom of my heart. I take seriously what happened." The most powerful talent agency in Japan's pop music industry was headed by Kitagawa, but the scandal, which emerged fully earlier this year, has horrified the country and tainted his image. Also read: Myanmar photojournalist receives 20-year jail term for cyclone coverage The allegations that he abused young men who wanted to be stars surfaced in Japanese media in 1999, but there was nothing concrete until this year after a BBC documentary revealed details. The tell-all documentary in March led to shock and outrage in Japan, which was a lot similar to the reactions seen after the scandals involving Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein, and British TV star Jimmy Savile. The story was widely covered by the national media and also grabbed international headlines, putting pressure on the authorities. Japanese lawmakers voiced outrage, while the United Nations human rights experts also criticised the talent agency for its handling of the allegations. The 57-year-old Fujishima said she had stepped down effective Tuesday and named singer and actor Noriyuki Higashiyama, a veteran member of the talent agency, as her successor. But she said that she would remain in the agency's leadership to help "compensate" victims. "It will take an enormous amount of time before we can regain trust. I will stake the rest of my life on addressing this problem," said Higashiyama, 56. Also read: Microsoft says hackers penetrated its engineer's account to steal emails of US officials Watch: How much will it cost to change India’s name to Bharat? × Full recovery will take time Kitagawa had successfully sued for defamation over the claims, although the verdict was partially overturned on appeal. He was never criminally charged. But after the latest move by the agency, victims said that full recovery remains far off but they felt vindicated. Yukihiro Ohshima, a member of the Johnny's Sexual Assault Victims' Association, said: "I think she [Fujishima] acknowledged and sincerely apologised for what happened. It's not like the emotional scars are gone but I think out of 100 points things have gotten a little easier by about 10." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan boyband agency admits founder Johnny Kitagawa's sexual abuse, chief quits

A group of men who say they were sexually abused by a Japanese boy band producer have expressed hope the company will provide financial compensation and introduce measures to prevent a recurrence.

They say producer Johnny Kitagawa sexually preyed on young dancers and singers for decades, having them stay at his luxury home, handing them cash and leveraging promises of potential fame. The company, Johnny &amp; Associates, is a powerful force in Japan’s entertainment industry.

The men said at a news conference Monday that they have been ignored for decades by the company, Japanese society, and mainstream media.

Company Chief Executive Julie Keiko Fujishima released a brief statement on YouTube in May about the accusations but has not appeared before reporters. The company has set a news conference for Thursday.

“We want Julie to apologize, as the chief executive and company owner,” said Shimon Ishimaru, one of nine men who have formed a group demanding an apology and compensation from the company. “For a company behind this big a crime to do nothing is unimaginable.”

Johnny’s, as the company is known, is family-run and not publicly listed. Kitagawa, Fujishima’s uncle, died in 2019 and was never charged.

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A special investigative team set up by the Tokyo-based company recently spoke to 23 accusers but has said the total will likely balloon to at least several hundred people. The team also recommended that Fujishima resign.

Junya Hiramoto, another member of Ishimaru’s group, said they hope to set an example for others who have suffered.

“Our wounds never fade,” Hiramoto said. “Do you think we aren’t still hurting? Do you think we can forget? Do you know what it’s like for us to come forward like this, filled with shame?”

Over the years, persistent allegations against Kitagawa have generally been dismissed as malicious rumours.

The UN&nbsp;Working Group on Business and Human Rights has urged the Japanese government to act to make sure that Johnny’s provides an apology and compensation and that government oversight of businesses is improved.

It was only after a BBC documentary about Kitagawa aired this year that the scandal again became a topic of scrutiny.

Another accuser, Kauan Okamoto, spoke at the Foreign Correspondents Club in April, saying he trusted foreign media more than Japanese media. Okamoto, like many others who have come forward, was part of a backup boys’ group called Johnny’s Jr.

The Associated Press does not usually identify people who say they were sexually assaulted, but Kitagawa’s recent accusers decided to be named publicly in news accounts.

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A group of men who say they were sexually abused by a Japanese boy band producer have expressed hope the company will provide financial compensation and introduce measures to prevent a recurrence.

A group of men who say they were sexually abused by a Japanese boy band producer have expressed hope the company will provide financial compensation and introduce measures to prevent a recurrence. They say producer Johnny Kitagawa sexually preyed on young dancers and singers for decades, having them stay at his luxury home, handing them cash and leveraging promises of potential fame. The company, Johnny & Associates, is a powerful force in Japan’s entertainment industry. The men said at a news conference Monday that they have been ignored for decades by the company, Japanese society, and mainstream media. Company Chief Executive Julie Keiko Fujishima released a brief statement on YouTube in May about the accusations but has not appeared before reporters. The company has set a news conference for Thursday. “We want Julie to apologize, as the chief executive and company owner,” said Shimon Ishimaru, one of nine men who have formed a group demanding an apology and compensation from the company. “For a company behind this big a crime to do nothing is unimaginable.” Johnny’s, as the company is known, is family-run and not publicly listed. Kitagawa, Fujishima’s uncle, died in 2019 and was never charged. Also read: Woody Allen calls cancel culture 'silly' as Coup de Chance premieres at Venice Film Festival A special investigative team set up by the Tokyo-based company recently spoke to 23 accusers but has said the total will likely balloon to at least several hundred people. The team also recommended that Fujishima resign. Junya Hiramoto, another member of Ishimaru’s group, said they hope to set an example for others who have suffered. “Our wounds never fade,” Hiramoto said. “Do you think we aren’t still hurting? Do you think we can forget? Do you know what it’s like for us to come forward like this, filled with shame?” Over the years, persistent allegations against Kitagawa have generally been dismissed as malicious rumours. The UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights has urged the Japanese government to act to make sure that Johnny’s provides an apology and compensation and that government oversight of businesses is improved. It was only after a BBC documentary about Kitagawa aired this year that the scandal again became a topic of scrutiny. Another accuser, Kauan Okamoto, spoke at the Foreign Correspondents Club in April, saying he trusted foreign media more than Japanese media. Okamoto, like many others who have come forward, was part of a backup boys’ group called Johnny’s Jr. The Associated Press does not usually identify people who say they were sexually assaulted, but Kitagawa’s recent accusers decided to be named publicly in news accounts. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Accusers in Japanese boy band producer’s sex abuse scandal hope for company apology, compensation

Japan's most powerful talent agency&nbsp;is facing pressure to address allegations against its founder Johnny Kitagawa who has been accused by a number of survivors,&nbsp;including a few celebrities,&nbsp;of sexual abuse. Many have called out Kitagawa and want the talent agency Johnny &amp; Associates to address the issue publically.&nbsp; 
 
Kitagawa, who died in 2019 at the age of 87, has been accused of sexually assaulting multiple boys, but it is claimed he evaded justice because his victims knew that speaking out would ruin their careers. 
 
The number of survivors who have gone public about Kitagawa has increased since a BBC documentary about the pop mogul aired in March. 
 
Among those who have called him out in public include an actor and a dancer. Both were teenagers when they were recruited to Kitagawa's agency Johnny &amp; Associates and they have now urged Japanese MPs to introduce legislation to better protect minors against sexual assault, including those who were part of the entertainment industry. 
 
Celebrities who have accused Kitagawa of sexual abuse 
 
Japanese-Brazilian musician Kauan Okamoto recently said&nbsp;in a parliamentary hearing that he was abused at a penthouse apartment in Tokyo where Kitagawa would invite proteges to stay overnight. Okamoto said, “This is not restricted to the entertainment industry … but when someone in a higher position asks you for something, it’s difficult to refuse.” Okamoto alleged he had been assaulted 15 to 20 times over a period of four years and he was first assaulted at the age of 15. 
 
He urged other survivors to come forward, saying, “Society is now at a stage where people will listen to our demands." 
 
Former pop star Yashushi Hashida claimed&nbsp;Kitagawa had performed oral sex on him when he was 12, about a year after he joined Johnny’s Jr – a group of trainees who also worked as a talent pool for Johnny &amp; Associates. 
 
This is not the first time that Kitagawa's name has been dragged into sexual abuse scandal. For years, many have accused him of sexual abuse, but owing to his clout the cases have not been reported by Japan’s biggest newspapers and TV networks, who feared losing access to the agency’s stars, who they depended on to attract a younger audience. 
 
His agency has been instrumental in launching the careers of a string of boybands, including perennial favourites Smap and Arashi. At its peak, Johnny &amp; Associates managed clients who appeared in dozens of TV programmes and commercials. 
 
In 1999, the weekly magazine Shūkan Bunshun ran a series of articles based on interviews with teenage boys who claimed Kitagawa had sexually abused them. A legal battle ended in 2004 with the Tokyo high court ruling key parts of the magazine’s reporting were accurate. Kitagawa was never charged with a crime. 
 
The current president of the talent agency, Julie Fujishima,&nbsp;had initially refused to address the claims made in the BBC documentary. But she later apologised to men who had come forward with abuse claims.&nbsp; 
 
Fujishima, who is Kitagawa’s niece, said in a video posted on the agency’s website: “Obviously, we do not believe there was no problem. As a business and as an individual, I absolutely do not tolerate these acts. 
 
“On the other hand, it is not easy for us to simply declare by ourselves whether individual allegations can be recognised as facts or not when we cannot confirm with the individual directly concerned, Johnny Kitagawa.”

&nbsp;

Japan's most powerful talent agency is facing pressure to address allegations against its founder Johnny Kitagawa who has been accused by a number of survivors, including a few celebrities, of sexual abuse.

Japan's most powerful talent agency is facing pressure to address allegations against its founder Johnny Kitagawa who has been accused by a number of survivors, including a few celebrities, of sexual abuse. Many have called out Kitagawa and want the talent agency Johnny & Associates to address the issue publically. Kitagawa, who died in 2019 at the age of 87, has been accused of sexually assaulting multiple boys, but it is claimed he evaded justice because his victims knew that speaking out would ruin their careers. The number of survivors who have gone public about Kitagawa has increased since a BBC documentary about the pop mogul aired in March. Among those who have called him out in public include an actor and a dancer. Both were teenagers when they were recruited to Kitagawa's agency Johnny & Associates and they have now urged Japanese MPs to introduce legislation to better protect minors against sexual assault, including those who were part of the entertainment industry. Celebrities who have accused Kitagawa of sexual abuse Japanese-Brazilian musician Kauan Okamoto recently said in a parliamentary hearing that he was abused at a penthouse apartment in Tokyo where Kitagawa would invite proteges to stay overnight. Okamoto said, “This is not restricted to the entertainment industry … but when someone in a higher position asks you for something, it’s difficult to refuse.” Okamoto alleged he had been assaulted 15 to 20 times over a period of four years and he was first assaulted at the age of 15. He urged other survivors to come forward, saying, “Society is now at a stage where people will listen to our demands." Former pop star Yashushi Hashida claimed Kitagawa had performed oral sex on him when he was 12, about a year after he joined Johnny’s Jr – a group of trainees who also worked as a talent pool for Johnny & Associates. This is not the first time that Kitagawa's name has been dragged into sexual abuse scandal. For years, many have accused him of sexual abuse, but owing to his clout the cases have not been reported by Japan’s biggest newspapers and TV networks, who feared losing access to the agency’s stars, who they depended on to attract a younger audience. His agency has been instrumental in launching the careers of a string of boybands, including perennial favourites Smap and Arashi. At its peak, Johnny & Associates managed clients who appeared in dozens of TV programmes and commercials. In 1999, the weekly magazine Shūkan Bunshun ran a series of articles based on interviews with teenage boys who claimed Kitagawa had sexually abused them. A legal battle ended in 2004 with the Tokyo high court ruling key parts of the magazine’s reporting were accurate. Kitagawa was never charged with a crime. The current president of the talent agency, Julie Fujishima, had initially refused to address the claims made in the BBC documentary. But she later apologised to men who had come forward with abuse claims. Fujishima, who is Kitagawa’s niece, said in a video posted on the agency’s website: “Obviously, we do not believe there was no problem. As a business and as an individual, I absolutely do not tolerate these acts. “On the other hand, it is not easy for us to simply declare by ourselves whether individual allegations can be recognised as facts or not when we cannot confirm with the individual directly concerned, Johnny Kitagawa.”

Japan's top talent agency under pressure to address sexual abuse allegations against founder

The head of a major Japanese boys-group talent agency has released a YouTube video apologizing for the sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated by her predecessor and promised to prevent a recurrence.

Allegations against Johnny Kitagawa, a powerful figure in Japanese entertainment and the founder of Johnny &amp; Associates, have been tossed around for more than 20 years, although he was never charged with crimes. He died in 2019.

The allegations resurfaced as a hot topic of scrutiny after BBC News did a special earlier this year, focusing on several people who said they were sexually abused.

“More than anything, I apologize very deeply to the victims,” said a solemn Julie Keiko Fujishima, bowing four times during a one-minute video released late Sunday.

The scandal has served as a wake-up call for Japan’s lagging fight against sexual harassment. A consumer boycott has begun against Johnny’s, as the company is also known, making for an extensive list, as dozens of the “tarento,” or “talent,” appear in various advertisements. A petition drive expressing outrage has collected thousands of signatures.

Fujishima apologised for the “disappointment and worries” fans must be feeling. In an additional written statement, she stressed she had not known of any wrongdoing, although acknowledging that was no excuse. Compliance teams and counselling have been set up, she said, while stopping short of lining up an outside third-party investigation.

According to the allegations, Kitagawa asked fledgling singers and dancers, many of them children, to stay at his luxury home. When he told one of them to go to bed early, everyone knew “it was your turn.”

That kind of testimony from musician Kauan Okamoto, appearing at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Tokyo last month, raised the level of criticism against Johnny. Okamoto was the first accuser who appeared before reporters under his real name to share his story and be photographed.

He had been part of the backup group Johnny’s Jr., which also worked as a talent pool for Johnny &amp; Associates. The company has under its wing some of Japan’s top actors.

Fujishima recently met with Okamoto.

She could not say with certainty whether his allegations were accurate or not. But she sees people are alleging abuse, and such a thing “should never happen again.”

“We are barely getting started, but he has given us an opportunity to change,” she said.

Okamoto’s reaction to his first meeting with Fujishima, whom he called “Julie san,” was overwhelmingly positive. It was like talking to a mom, he added. He understood she was genuinely sorry but had privacy and legal concerns.

Some critics said Fujishima’s apology was not sufficient, the company should hold a news conference, and she should resign to take responsibility.

Others have slammed mainstream Japanese media for long being silent, suggesting they feared retaliation and losing access to the talent pool. Shukan Bunshun, a weekly magazine, has been an exception, aggressively covering Johnny’s scandal from the start.

Japanese entertainers have been facing serious competition from neighbouring South Korea, where groups like BTS have met far greater international success. Some of Johnny’s stars have been leaving the company over the years, including Okamoto.

“Everyone should come forward and tell the truth,” Okamoto said in his latest YouTube video.

He had been afraid of being rejected by Japanese society, when he had simply wanted love, as a person and a musician. “It’s not easy to deliver dreams through entertainment and to truly move people,” Okamoto said.

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The head of a major Japanese boys-group talent agency has released a YouTube video apologizing for the sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated by her predecessor and promised to prevent a recurrence.

The head of a major Japanese boys-group talent agency has released a YouTube video apologizing for the sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated by her predecessor and promised to prevent a recurrence. Allegations against Johnny Kitagawa, a powerful figure in Japanese entertainment and the founder of Johnny & Associates, have been tossed around for more than 20 years, although he was never charged with crimes. He died in 2019. The allegations resurfaced as a hot topic of scrutiny after BBC News did a special earlier this year, focusing on several people who said they were sexually abused. “More than anything, I apologize very deeply to the victims,” said a solemn Julie Keiko Fujishima, bowing four times during a one-minute video released late Sunday. The scandal has served as a wake-up call for Japan’s lagging fight against sexual harassment. A consumer boycott has begun against Johnny’s, as the company is also known, making for an extensive list, as dozens of the “tarento,” or “talent,” appear in various advertisements. A petition drive expressing outrage has collected thousands of signatures. Fujishima apologised for the “disappointment and worries” fans must be feeling. In an additional written statement, she stressed she had not known of any wrongdoing, although acknowledging that was no excuse. Compliance teams and counselling have been set up, she said, while stopping short of lining up an outside third-party investigation. According to the allegations, Kitagawa asked fledgling singers and dancers, many of them children, to stay at his luxury home. When he told one of them to go to bed early, everyone knew “it was your turn.” That kind of testimony from musician Kauan Okamoto, appearing at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Tokyo last month, raised the level of criticism against Johnny. Okamoto was the first accuser who appeared before reporters under his real name to share his story and be photographed. He had been part of the backup group Johnny’s Jr., which also worked as a talent pool for Johnny & Associates. The company has under its wing some of Japan’s top actors. Fujishima recently met with Okamoto. She could not say with certainty whether his allegations were accurate or not. But she sees people are alleging abuse, and such a thing “should never happen again.” “We are barely getting started, but he has given us an opportunity to change,” she said. Okamoto’s reaction to his first meeting with Fujishima, whom he called “Julie san,” was overwhelmingly positive. It was like talking to a mom, he added. He understood she was genuinely sorry but had privacy and legal concerns. Some critics said Fujishima’s apology was not sufficient, the company should hold a news conference, and she should resign to take responsibility. Others have slammed mainstream Japanese media for long being silent, suggesting they feared retaliation and losing access to the talent pool. Shukan Bunshun, a weekly magazine, has been an exception, aggressively covering Johnny’s scandal from the start. Japanese entertainers have been facing serious competition from neighbouring South Korea, where groups like BTS have met far greater international success. Some of Johnny’s stars have been leaving the company over the years, including Okamoto. “Everyone should come forward and tell the truth,” Okamoto said in his latest YouTube video. He had been afraid of being rejected by Japanese society, when he had simply wanted love, as a person and a musician. “It’s not easy to deliver dreams through entertainment and to truly move people,” Okamoto said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Major Japanese talent agency apologises over sexual assault claims

A former teen idol has come forward with a shocking allegation against the late Johnny Kitagawa, the founder and president of Johnny &amp; Associates. Kauan Okamoto has revealed that he was among the multiple boys who were sexually abused by Kitagawa. 
 
On Wednesday, during a press conference, the&nbsp;Japanese-Brazilian singer made the shocking revelation against Kitagawa, as he revealed that he abused him multiple times over a four-year period when he was 15 years old.&nbsp;

“I believe that almost all of the boys who went to stay at Johnny’s place were victims,” Okamoto told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, as per The Guardian. “If you stayed there, you were unlikely to evade him. I would say 100 to 200 boys stayed there on a rotation basis during my four years at the agency.”

A day later, Kitagawa gave Okamoto&nbsp;10,000 yen (about US$75) without telling him&nbsp;any reason.&nbsp;

Okamoto alleged that at least 100 boys stayed at the business mogul's home and he believed all of them had been abused. While he's no plans to take legal action against the company, his only motive behind speaking out is to inspire other victims.&nbsp;

“I hope other victims will also come forward, all of them,'' he said during the press conference.&nbsp;

For the unversed, Johnny passed away in the year 2019 at the age of 87.&nbsp;

Reacting to the shocking allegation, Johnny &amp; Associates said in a statement released to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, per CNN, “Since the change in management following the death of the former president in 2019, we have developed a trustworthy, highly transparent organizational structure and systems that are in line with the times.''

“The entire company will continue to work together to ensure thorough compliance without exception by management and employees, and strengthen the governance system with the cooperation of neutral experts,” the statement reads.&nbsp;

Kitagawa has launched and trained some of Japan's biggest male idols since the 60s and still his company remains one of Japan's&nbsp;most powerful agencies. SMAP, Arashi and Kinki Kids are some of the biggest stars produced&nbsp;by the agency.&nbsp;

Over the years, several serious allegations have been labelled against Kitagawa. In the year 1999, Shukan Bunshun, a weekly magazine, shocked the entire world as they released a series of articles revealing the misconduct done by Kitagawa.&nbsp;

The articles were based on the interviews of the boys, who had been sexually abused by him. However, Kitagawa was never charged with a crime.

A former teen idol has come forward with a shocking allegation against the late Johnny Kitagawa, the founder and president of Johnny & Associates. Kauan Okamoto has revealed that he was among the multiple boys who were sexually abused by Kitagawa.

A former teen idol has come forward with a shocking allegation against the late Johnny Kitagawa, the founder and president of Johnny & Associates. Kauan Okamoto has revealed that he was among the multiple boys who were sexually abused by Kitagawa. On Wednesday, during a press conference, the Japanese-Brazilian singer made the shocking revelation against Kitagawa, as he revealed that he abused him multiple times over a four-year period when he was 15 years old. “I believe that almost all of the boys who went to stay at Johnny’s place were victims,” Okamoto told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, as per The Guardian. “If you stayed there, you were unlikely to evade him. I would say 100 to 200 boys stayed there on a rotation basis during my four years at the agency.” A day later, Kitagawa gave Okamoto 10,000 yen (about US$75) without telling him any reason. Okamoto alleged that at least 100 boys stayed at the business mogul's home and he believed all of them had been abused. While he's no plans to take legal action against the company, his only motive behind speaking out is to inspire other victims. “I hope other victims will also come forward, all of them,'' he said during the press conference. For the unversed, Johnny passed away in the year 2019 at the age of 87. Reacting to the shocking allegation, Johnny & Associates said in a statement released to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, per CNN, “Since the change in management following the death of the former president in 2019, we have developed a trustworthy, highly transparent organizational structure and systems that are in line with the times.'' “The entire company will continue to work together to ensure thorough compliance without exception by management and employees, and strengthen the governance system with the cooperation of neutral experts,” the statement reads. Kitagawa has launched and trained some of Japan's biggest male idols since the 60s and still his company remains one of Japan's most powerful agencies. SMAP, Arashi and Kinki Kids are some of the biggest stars produced by the agency. Over the years, several serious allegations have been labelled against Kitagawa. In the year 1999, Shukan Bunshun, a weekly magazine, shocked the entire world as they released a series of articles revealing the misconduct done by Kitagawa. The articles were based on the interviews of the boys, who had been sexually abused by him. However, Kitagawa was never charged with a crime.

Former J-pop idol accuses late Japanese music mogul Johnny Kitagawa of sexual abuse

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