Fans express mixed feelings as Johnny's Shops close amid sex abuse scandal

Oct 17 (NHK) - Fans of entertainers belonging to the Japanese talent agency Johnny & Associates have expressed mixed feelings over the closure of shops selling official merchandise.

These so-called Johnny's Shops, which sell photos and other goods featuring the agency's talents, are scheduled to shut down on Monday. This follows the sexual abuse scandal involving the agency's late founder, Johnny Kitagawa.

The closure of the shops in Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya cities comes one day before the agency changes its name to Smile-Up.

Many fans gathered at the shop in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, from early on Monday. ...continue reading

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