Japan’s worst-kept secret finally comes into the open

Johnny & Associates, Japan’s largest talent agency, is currently facing allegations of the sexual abuse of hundreds of boys. While rumours of the sexual misconduct of its founder, Johnny Kitawaga, have been circling since the 1960s, Japanese media had been ignoring the issue due to the fear of losing its relationship with the agency’s popular boys.

However, the issue came to global attention after a BBC documentary about its founder in March 2023, which prompted some to publicly share their experiences of abuse. While, Japanese media has since reported on the issue, they face strong criticism from the general public for their silence.

Now, the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights is investigating the scandal and has urged the Japanese government to oversee transparent investigations. The UN will present its findings to the Human Rights Council in June 2024.

Johnny & Associates has promised victim compensation, but many of Japan’s top companies – including P&G, McDonald’s, Nissan, Japan Airlines, Tokyo Marine Insurance, Asahi Beverage, and Kirin – have terminated their current contract with the firm, or else announced they will not sign new contracts.

Former chief executive and niece of Kitagawa, Julie Keiko Fujishima, was forced to resign following the accusations. But new boss Noriyuki Higashiyama is already facing his own sexual abuse allegations.

When the #MeToo movement spread globally in 2017, it did not have a great impact in Japan. But this scandal has become the biggest news story in 2023 and continues to draw people’s attention.  
 

Shunichi Uchida

Country Manager, Ipsos in Japan