The largest talent agency in Japan, Johnny and Associatesrecognized for the first time that its founder, Johnny Kitagawa, committed sexual abuse against minors throughout decades.
Julie Keiko Fujishima, Kitagawa’s niece and current president of the agency, expressed her apologies at a press conference and announced her resignation: “Both the company and I are fully aware that sexual abuse occurred by the late Johnny Kitagawa. I deeply apologize to the victims, people affected and the fans”.
Fujishima’s resignation as president of Johnny’s follows an internal investigation that confirmed the sexual abuse that occurred “repeatedly and continuously” over decades under the direction of Kitagawaalthough the exact number of victims involved has not been determined.
Noriyuki Higashiyamaformer member of the musical group shonentai, actor and television moderator long represented by Johnny’s, will take over as agency president from Fujishima.
In his public appearance, higashiyama he also apologized to the victims and declared his commitment to honestly address these incidents.
“For a long time the victims and their families have suffered physically and mentally. I want to face this situation and I have the firm intention to deal with this issue sincerely and with all my efforts.”, he expressed.
Despite the events, neither the previous nor the new directive advanced the procedures to avoid similar situations in the future, nor did they mention whether financial compensation or psychological support will be provided to the victims.
A recent internal investigation, which spanned three months, revealed that sexual abuse was a common practice since Johnny’s founding in the 1960s until the middle of the last decade. Although an exact number of cases or victims was not provided, the group of experts that carried out the investigation mentioned “multiple acts”.
The report also cites former recruits alleging in graphic detail how Kitagawa performed oral sex on them, fondled their genitals or forced himself into their beds at night.
The investigation noted that Fujishima, who was named Kitagawa’s successor after his death, failed to investigate the allegations despite being aware of them.
Johnny Kitagawa (1931-2019) was a widely respected producer and agent in Japan, recognized for his contribution to the stardom of young artists and whose legacy still influences the recording industries. K-Pop and J-Pop in South Korea and Japan.
Numerous victims have admitted that this type of abuse was standard practice at the agency, as young talents knew they were risking their careers if they refused to accede to Kitagawa’s demands.
The allegations of abuse emerged in the Japanese media in 1999, but it was not until this year that they caused alarm among the population, after a documentary by the BBC and complaints from victims.
Before his death, Kitagawa had successfully filed a defamation suitalthough the verdict was partially overturned on appeal. He was never criminally charged.
(With information from EFE)
Source-www.infobae.com