BBC "Johnny Kitagawa Accused of Sexual Assault Over 50 Years"
Recognized as Leading Figure in Japan's Idol Industry Including SMAP
A revelation has emerged that Johnny Kitagawa, the representative of Johnny's Office who was praised for building the Japanese idol kingdom, sexually abused teenage boys during his lifetime.
On the 7th (local time), the BBC reported under the headline "Johnny Kitagawa, the revered Japanese J-POP giant despite allegations of minor sexual exploitation," detailing the atrocities Johnny committed while running Japan's largest entertainment agency, Johnny's.
A large screen in Tokyo, Japan, on July 10, 2019, reporting the death of Johnny Kitagawa, a giant in the Japanese entertainment industry. [Photo by EPA·Yonhap News]
Johnny's is a male idol-focused entertainment agency that has produced the most popular boy groups to date, including the national group SMAP. Johnny Kitagawa, the founder of Johnny's, led the agency until his death in 2019 at the age of 87, holding records for producing the most number-one artists worldwide, the most number-one singles, and the most concerts produced globally.
At Johnny's funeral, then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended, along with numerous celebrities representing Japan, not just those affiliated with Johnny's.
However, allegations have surfaced that while reigning as the idol king, he sexually molested teenage boys and engaged in sexual abuse, including having sexual relations with them. Johnny's had a trainee system called 'Junior.' Trainees could only officially debut with Johnny's approval. Because of this, those dreaming of becoming idols could not refuse Johnny's sexual abuse, the BBC explained.
Hayashi (a pseudonym) told the BBC in an interview, "Within a week of meeting, I was invited to stay at one of Johnny's residences, and shortly after, Johnny approached me and told me to 'go take a bath,'" adding, "Johnny washed my entire body as if I were a doll." He later revealed that Johnny performed oral sex on him.
Johnny reportedly told other boys living at the residence, "You have to endure it; otherwise, you won't succeed," and Hayashi said, "Boys who succeeded thanked Johnny, saying he changed their lives. This is what differentiates it from typical sexual crimes," he pointed out.
Similar allegations surfaced in 1999. A victim who joined Johnny's as a middle school student said sexual assault began shortly after joining. The victim said, "I thought if I didn't obey him, my position in the entertainment industry would be jeopardized."
There were also reports of sexual relations at trainees' homes. One victim confessed, "My parents prepared a sleeping arrangement in the same room for me and Johnny," and "That night, he performed oral sex, and shockingly, my parents were sleeping in the next room."
Johnny's Sexual Scandal Buried in Japan Despite Multiple Testimonies
Members of the Japanese national group SMAP under Johnny's, Takuya Kimura (left) and Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (Chonangang). The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]
Despite multiple testimonies, Johnny's sexual scandal did not gain much traction in Japan. The BBC analyzed that "this can be inferred from the mutually dependent relationship between the Japanese media and the Johnny's empire." Media outlets need to feature Johnny's idols to attract viewers, readers, and listeners, thereby gaining advertising revenue.
In 1999, the weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun published an article containing claims from more than ten idol applicants who said they were sexually abused as teenagers. Most testimonies were consistent, and the reporters were able to map out the so-called 'dormitory' inside Kitagawa's residence, where most of the sexual abuse occurred.
However, Shukan Bunshun was later prevented from writing articles about Johnny's talents due to retaliation from Johnny, and a year later, they were sued for defamation. The legal battle lasted four years. The court ruled that nine out of ten cases introduced by the media were true. The dismissed case involved allegations of providing alcohol and cigarettes to trainees.
The applicants said they were told, "If you refuse sexual acts, your position on stage (in the entertainment industry) will worsen." Trainees could only officially debut after Kitagawa's decision. Since it sometimes took years to debut, it was difficult to refuse Kitagawa's demands.
A male former trainee revealed that a sleeping arrangement with Kitagawa was prepared at his home, and despite his parents sleeping in the next room, he was sexually exploited by Kitagawa.
The BBC pointed out, "Japan has kept Johnny Kitagawa's dark secret for over 50 years," and "the Japanese media remained almost silent even after his death." It added, "Johnny's was such an overwhelming presence in the entertainment industry that criticizing Kitagawa was nearly impossible."
There were also legal limitations in Japan. Until six years ago, men were not recognized as victims of sexual assault. Before the 2017 revision of the Penal Code, rape against men was not legally established.
Following repeated requests from the BBC, Keiko Fujishima, Kitagawa's niece and the current head of Johnny's, issued a statement. She said, "We plan to announce and implement a new company structure and system this year." However, she avoided directly addressing the founder's sexual abuse allegations.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
