Victims in Scandal Involving Prominent Japanese Boy Band Producer Seek Redress and Assurance Against Reoccurrence

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A coalition of men alleging sexual abuse by a renowned Japanese boy band producer came forth on Monday, aspiring for monetary reparation and systemic changes to avert future incidents.

They claim Johnny Kitagawa exploited budding artists and dancers over an extended period, inviting them to his upscale residence, dispensing financial incentives, and leveraging offers of prospective stardom. Johnny & Associates, the enterprise in question, wields significant influence in the Japanese entertainment sector.

During a media briefing on Monday, the men revealed that their grievances have been consistently disregarded by Johnny & Associates, wider Japanese society, and conventional media outlets.

Julie Keiko Fujishima, the company’s CEO, briefly touched upon the allegations through a YouTube statement in May but has yet to face the press. An official press conference from the company is scheduled for this coming Thursday.

“As the CEO and proprietor of the firm, we expect Julie to extend an apology,” remarked Shimon Ishimaru, a member of the nine-man coalition demanding redress and contrition from Johnny & Associates. “The inaction by a corporation implicated in a scandal of this magnitude is inconceivable.”

Johnny’s, as it is colloquially referred to, is a family-owned entity and is not publicly traded. Kitagawa, an uncle to Fujishima, passed away in 2019 without facing any criminal charges.

A specialized task force established by the Tokyo-based organization recently interviewed 23 complainants and anticipates that the number will potentially surge into the hundreds. The task force has also suggested that Fujishima step down.

Junya Hiramoto, another member of the complainant coalition led by Ishimaru, said their objective is to be a catalyst for change for others who have been victimized. “Our emotional scars are indelible,” he expressed. “Can you fathom our enduring pain? Can you comprehend the humiliation we feel in bringing these issues to light?”

Persistent claims against Kitagawa have generally been trivialized as unfounded gossip in the past, while mainstream media outlets have largely remained reticent.

The U.N. Working Group on Business and Human Rights has called upon the Japanese administration to ensure that Johnny’s offers an apology and financial compensation, and also to improve governmental supervision of corporate practices. No action has yet been taken by the Japanese government.

Japan is often perceived as lagging behind Western nations in terms of gender equality, children’s rights, and sexual awareness.

Public focus on the allegations was rekindled only after a BBC documentary featuring Kitagawa was broadcasted earlier this year.

Kauan Okamoto, another accuser, expressed more confidence in international media over domestic outlets when he spoke at the Foreign Correspondents Club in April. Okamoto, akin to numerous others who have publicly accused Kitagawa, was formerly affiliated with a subsidiary boy band named Johnny’s Jr.

The Big Big News generally refrains from disclosing the identities of alleged sexual abuse victims, but the recent accusers have opted for public identification in news reports.

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Yuri Kageyama can be reached on Twitter https://twitter.com/yurikageyama

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sexual abuse allegations in Japanese entertainment industry

More about Sexual abuse allegations in Japanese entertainment industry

• Johnny & Associates Company Profile
• U.N. Working Group on Business and Human Rights Report
• BBC Documentary on Johnny Kitagawa
• Foreign Correspondents Club April Meeting Minutes
• Overview of Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Japan
• Sexual Abuse Allegations in Entertainment Industry: Global Perspective
• Julie Keiko Fujishima’s YouTube Statement
• Historical Public Response to Sexual Abuse Claims in Japan