The sexual abuse scandal surrounding Johnny Kitagawa has deeply affected Japan’s entertainment scene. After the disbanding of his talent agency, Johnny and Associates, many are questioning if real change will come or if it’s just a show.
On March 7, 2023, the BBC aired a documentary titled Predator: The Secret Scandal of J-Pop, revealing Kitagawa’s abuse of young boys for the first time. Kitagawa, who founded Johnny and Associates and passed away in 2019, was long suspected of these actions.
Following this report, an independent investigation was launched by the newly reorganized agency, now called Smile-Up. That August, lawyer Hayashi Makoto confirmed that Kitagawa had indeed committed sexual abuse, prompting a press conference on September 7, 2023. Key figures, including former president Julie Fujishima and new president Higashiyama Noriyuki, apologized publicly.
Fujishima, visibly emotional, took responsibility, saying, “These were my uncle’s actions.” Higashiyama condemned Kitagawa’s behavior, calling it horrific. They pledged to compensate victims more than legally required and announced that Johnny and Associates would dissolve, transitioning its work to a new company where Fujishima would have no role. This seemed to indicate a real commitment to reform.
However, things began changing later in the year. In November, Fukuda Atsushi, a former executive from Sony, was named CEO of the rebranded agency, now called Starto Entertainment. Although Fukuda briefly spoke to select media in December, there’s been no formal press conference since taking over.
In April 2024, Starto signed contracts with nearly 300 individuals from Johnny and Associates, backed by 10 million yen. Yet, details about this funding remain hidden, raising suspicions that Fujishima might still play a significant role, which would suggest that Starto is merely a reincarnation of the old agency.
While victim compensation efforts are ongoing, there’s confusion about the criteria used by Smile-Up. As of December 2024, over 1,000 victims had come forward, but many are still uncertain about their compensation status. Criticism has emerged for keeping the process unclear, and some victims are now pursuing legal action against the company.
Starto’s approach towards TV networks also appears to echo the strict policies of its predecessor. For example, it pulled its artists from NHK’s renowned annual music show Kōhaku Uta Gassen. This action stirred responses from various quarters, highlighting how Starto may be returning to old ways that prioritize control over true reform.
Despite the scandal, many TV networks resumed hiring talents from the old agency. NHK, which severed ties in September 2023, announced it would start featuring Starto performers again in 2024. Critics argue that this move undermines efforts to hold the entertainment industry accountable.
Some networks, like TV Tokyo, initially maintained their distancing stance. However, they too are returning to practices reminiscent of the past, chasing higher ratings rather than true accountability for the scandals.
The recent airing of a documentary critical of Johnny Kitagawa and his agency has intensified scrutiny of the industry’s practices. While it aimed to shed light on the scandal, it has also revealed the resistance within the TV sphere to confront its role in enabling such abuses. Media professionals have often felt pressured to remain silent, fearing repercussions.
Overall, as Japan’s entertainment industry grapples with the fallout from these revelations, the path forward remains uncertain. The public continues to watch, hoping for genuine accountability and reforms that can prevent future tragedies.
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