478 Victims Contacted the Relief Committee
Japan's major talent agency 'Johnny's Office' is closing its doors after 61 years since its establishment. The sexual misconduct scandal involving Johnny's founder is intensifying. Various advertisers, including major Japanese insurance companies that employed Johnny's affiliated celebrities as advertising models, are also facing increasing concerns.
According to major Japanese media on the 2nd, Johnny's Office in Japan acknowledged the sexual exploitation by its founder and former president, the late Johnny Kitagawa, and announced that it will change its company name to 'Smile Up.'
Okamoto Gauan, a former member of the Japanese idol group 'Johnny's Jr.', is holding a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo last April. Okamoto is also known to be one of the victims of sexual abuse. [Photo by AP] [Image source=Yonhap News]
Johnny's Office's new president, Noriyuki Higashiyama, stated, "To completely sever ties with founder Kitagawa, the company name will be changed to Smile Up as of the 17th."
The name Smile Up is a trademark that Johnny's Office acquired three years ago to promote social contribution projects.
The new president said, "Some may feel uncomfortable with the word 'Smile,' but first and foremost, we believe it is our social responsibility to proceed as quickly as possible with support and compensation for the victims," announcing a fresh start.
The company established a Victim Relief Committee composed of three lawyers as a reception desk for damage compensation on September 13. Full-scale compensation will begin in November, and once completed, Johnny's Office will be completely closed. The Victim Relief Committee set up by the office has been contacted by 478 people, of whom 325 wish to receive compensation.
All existing affiliated entertainers and employees will transfer to the new company. Yoshihiko Inohara, a former member of the Japanese idol group V6, will serve as the new company's vice president.
President Higashiyama announced plans to change group names and subsidiary names that include 'Johnny's,' such as 'Kanjani ∞' (Kanjani Eight) and 'Johnny's West.'
Johnny's is a talent agency founded in 1962 by Johnny Kitagawa, producing many idol groups such as SMAP, Arashi, KAT-TUN, and Kanjani, making it Japan's largest agency.
After founder Johnny Kitagawa passed away in July 2019, Kauan Okamoto, a former Johnny's Junior trainee, revealed that he was sexually exploited by Johnny Kitagawa while underage, causing a scandal.
The sexual misconduct scandal involving the founder of Johnny's, who managed popular idol groups and stars like Takuya Kimura and Jun Matsumoto, has raised concerns among various advertisers in Japan about image damage. It is reported that they are considering whether to continue using existing advertising models. Several Japanese insurance companies have decided not to renew contracts with Johnny's.
Tokyo Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance decided not to renew its contract with Johnny's. Tokyo Marine stated, "Respect for human rights has been a core principle of our corporate management, and we will no longer enter into advertising contracts with Johnny's Office," adding, "We are also considering terminating contracts before their expiration dates."
Nippon Life Insurance in Japan is also reportedly planning not to continue advertising contracts with Johnny's.
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