BBC Releases Sequel to Sexual Abuse Cases

Mar 31, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - The BBC has aired additional segments of its interview with Noriyuki Higashiyama, president of "Smile Up," revealing discussions on compensation related to two more staff members involved in sexual misconduct.

This comes after a documentary aired on the BBC addressing the sexual abuse issues associated with Johnny Kitagawa.

On the 30th, the BBC broadcast a sequel to its documentary that initially tackled the sexual abuse scandal linked to Johnny Kitagawa. Following the airing, parts of the interview with Noriyuki Higashiyama, president of "Smile Up"—a body created for victim relief—that had not been previously released, were made public on their website.

The newly released interview, lasting 30 minutes, revealed that internal investigations found that, in addition to Johnny Kitagawa, two other staff members from the former Johnny's Office had committed sexual abuses. The interview also covered topics on compensation for the victims.

Towards the end of the interview, when asked if he had anything to say about Johnny Kitagawa, Mr. Higashiyama responded, "I think he was a very sinful person."

Source: TBS

Strong Quake Hits Aomori Prefecture

A powerful earthquake registering a maximum intensity of 6 upper on Japan’s seismic scale struck Aomori Prefecture at around 7:30 a.m. today. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicenter was off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, with a depth of about 50 kilometers. The earthquake’s magnitude was estimated at 6.9.

Two Typhoons Move North as Okinawa and Honshu Brace for Heavy Rain

As of 5 a.m. on June 25, Typhoon No. 7, Mekkhala, was south of Okinawa, moving slowly north with strong intensity, and is expected to move north east of Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture later in the day before passing west of Okinawa’s main island, bringing storm-force winds and heavy rain. Typhoon No. 8, Higos, located farther east of the Philippines, is not expected to develop significantly.

Inside The Shadow Market For Japan’s Temples And Shrines

The sale of religious corporations that operate temples and shrines across Japan is drawing growing scrutiny from authorities, who fear the transactions could be used for tax evasion and money laundering, as brokers openly advertise properties and corporate status for tens or even hundreds of millions of yen.

Japanese Among 17 Detained in Laos Over Special Fraud Operation

Nine Japanese nationals were among 17 people detained in Laos on suspicion of involvement in a special fraud operation, while Japanese authorities have sought cooperation from Cambodian police over dozens of Japanese citizens believed to have gone missing after traveling to Cambodia.

Japan Moves to Ease Thinner Shortage as Naphtha Shock Hits Builders

Japan will begin a new system on June 23 to sell paint and thinner directly from manufacturers to construction firms and other businesses, aiming to ease supply bottlenecks and curb price increases as worsening conditions in the Middle East make such materials harder to obtain.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Ex-Wife Arrested After Leaving Husband’s Body in Freezer for 14 Years

A 50-year-old woman has been arrested in Kobe on suspicion of abandoning the dismembered body of her former husband in a large freezer at a condominium unit, where she allegedly continued paying rent for more than 14 years while hiding his death.

Wanted Yakuza Arrested in 2017 Kobe Gangland Killing

A 50-year-old member of an organization affiliated with the Yamaguchi-gumi crime syndicate has been arrested in Yamaguchi Prefecture after nearly nine years on the run over the 2017 fatal shooting of a bodyguard for the leader of a rival group in Kobe.

Iranian Man Busted Smuggling 40kg Stimulants in Naan Machine

An Iranian national has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to smuggle more than 40 kilograms of stimulants from the United Arab Emirates into Japan in March, after customs officers found the drugs hidden in the bottom section of a machine used in the process of making naan bread.

Japanese Among 17 Detained in Laos Over Special Fraud Operation

Dutch Tourist Arrested Over Drift Driving in Museum Parking Lot

A 32-year-old Dutch tourist has been arrested on suspicion of leaving tire marks on the asphalt after performing drift driving in the parking lot of the Oya History Museum, a tourist facility in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture.

Handprint Carved Into Legendary Demon Rock

A giant stone at Mitsuishi Shrine in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, said to be linked to the origin of the prefecture’s name through a legend about a demon’s handprint, has been carved by an unknown person in what appears to be the shape of a palm.

Ringleader Admits Charges in Killing of Restaurant Owner and Wife

The first trial of two men accused of killing restaurant owner Ryutaro Takarajima and his wife, Sachiko, began at the Tokyo District Court on June 22, with the 30-year-old defendant described as a directing figure admitting the charges, while the other defendant acknowledged involvement but argued that he was only an accessory.

Emperor And Empress Join Photo Shoot With Belgian Royal Family

Japan's Emperor and Empress appeared before the press with the Belgian royal family during their official visit to Belgium, joining King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and their children for a commemorative photograph at the royal residence of Ciergnon Castle.

< 2 3 4 5 >