Johnny & Associates president's apology for alleged sexual abuse by late founder

May 15, 2023 | News On Japan

TOKYO - The president of Japanese talent agency Johnny & Associates has offered an apology over allegations of sexual misconduct by its late founder and former president.

Johnny Kitagawa died in 2019, but was recently accused of misconduct in his career. One accusation was lodged by a former J-pop idol in April. Musician Kauan Okamoto told reporters that he was abused by Kitagawa about 15 to 20 times from the age of 15.

In a video issued on Sunday, his successor Julie K. Fujishima said she would like to express a deep apology to those who say they are victims.

She also released a document explaining the agency's views on the matter and its responses.

Fujishima noted that it is not easy to confirm whether individual allegations are true or not as Kitagawa is dead. But she added the agency is taking it very seriously that there are those who say they were abused.

She also said the agency will fundamentally overhaul its management system by inviting outside directors, and will set up a consultation contact point by the end of the month under the guidance of experts including counselors and doctors. ...continue reading

Source: 日テレNEWS

Players to Watch When Japan Faces the Netherlands

Japan's World Cup campaign begins on June 14 when the Samurai Blue face the Netherlands at Dallas Stadium in Texas, a clash that will showcase some of the game's most talented players and pit two ambitious teams against one another in a crucial Group F opener. While Japan arrives without injured winger Kaoru Mitoma, one of its most recognizable stars, the squad still boasts a wealth of talent drawn from Europe's top leagues.

El Nino Returns, But Japan Faces Another Hot Summer

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced that an El Niño phenomenon is believed to have developed this spring, warning that Japan is likely to experience above-average temperatures nationwide this summer despite the climate pattern's traditional association with cooler summers.

Narita Airport Advances Compulsory Land Acquisition for Runway

Narita International Airport Corporation is expected to announce next month that it will apply to the national government for project certification as part of the process to enable compulsory land acquisition for the construction of a new runway at Narita Airport, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Fire Destroys Historic Arima Inari Shrine

A fire broke out at Arima Inari Shrine near the Arima Onsen hot spring resort area in Kobe on the night of June 9th, destroying multiple buildings and leaving an elderly Shinto priest and his wife with minor injuries.

Japan National Team Holds First Training Session in Nashville

Japan's national soccer team arrived in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 8th from Monterrey, Mexico, where it had been conducting a pre-World Cup training camp, and held its first practice session at its base camp for the FIFA World Cup in North America.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Kabuki Star Opens Fukuoka's New NCB Hall

A new multifunctional hall inside the West Japan City Building, the new headquarters of Nishi-Nippon City Bank, officially opened on June 8th, with renowned kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro performing a celebratory dance during the opening ceremony.

Facebook Dating Review 2026: Is It Worth It for Real Love?

The global online dating market is absolutely booming, and meeting your significant other online has become the new normal for millions of singles worldwide.

From Atari to Nintendo, the War for the Video Game Industry (Docummentary)

In this NHK documentary, the history of video games is told as the story of a new kind of empire: the rise of software.

The Beginning of a Powerful Kabuki Alliance?

Today, we take a look at the kabuki performance at the Hakata-za theatre in Fukuoka, which conclude the shūmei ceremony of the actor Onoe Kikugorō VIII and his son, Onoe Kikunosuke VI.

BAKI-DOU: The Invincible Samurai Part 2 | Official Trailer

Beneath Tokyo Skytree, in a research laboratory owned by preeminent martial arts enthusiast Mitsunari Tokugawa, a forbidden experiment is underway. Using cutting-edge science and technology, the experiment aims to create a clone from the corpse of legendary swordsman Musashi Miyamoto and resurrect him in the present day.