The chief of Japan’s largest pop talent agency, Johnny and Associates, Julie Fujishima, has stepped down after acknowledging the sexual misconduct carried out by its founder, Johnny Kitagawa. Fujishima offered a public apology last Thursday to those harmed by her uncle.
This announcement follows a week after reports revealed that Kitagawa had victimized numerous young men and boys over a 60-year period while leading the boyband agency. A documentary earlier this year brought more attention to the issue, prompting more victims to speak out.
Despite accusations, Kitagawa, who passed away in 2019, had consistently rejected any allegations and was never legally charged. During a recent press event, Fujishima publicly admitted to her uncle’s wrongdoings for the first time.
Many of Kitagawa’s victims appeared at the press conference, and some felt that Fujishima’s acknowledgment and apology were genuine, yet believed there’s still a long path to healing.
The magnitude of this controversy is likened to the Hollywood scandal surrounding Harvey Weinstein. Kitagawa, a significant figure in the Japanese entertainment scene, had a history of taking advantage of aspiring stars who felt their careers might be jeopardized if they didn’t meet his demands. Although there had been whispers and some media coverage about his actions for years, no decisive steps were taken.
Following the documentary’s airing, which highlighted victim accounts, a massive public outcry ensued, resulting in the agency initiating its own inquiry. This investigation confirmed Kitagawa began his predatory behavior in the 1950s, with the agency’s management allowing it to continue for many years.
Earlier this year, Fujishima had been resistant to a third-party investigation and had only offered a vague apology to victims. This week, she named Noriyuki Higashiyama, a renowned TV figure in Japan and one of the agency’s original talents, as her successor. Higashiyama, aware of the circulating rumors about Kitagawa, admitted he hadn’t taken action regarding them.
While there’s talk of restructuring within the agency, the specifics remain uncertain. The future of Johnny and Associates, once a symbol of prestige and allure, is now under scrutiny due to the public scandal.
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