An internal investigation led by Noriyuki Higashiyama into the sexual abuse victims of Johnny Kitagawa has revealed that there were two more predators working at the talent agency. The BBC documentary, Predator: The Secret Scandal of J-Pop, broadcast last March, alleged a history of sexual abuse by Kitagawa, Japan’s most influential figure in the entertainment industry through his near-monopoly on Japanese boy bands. Despite civil court allegations, he never faced legal action, and he continued recruiting and training teenage boys until his death in 2019.
Following the broadcast, over 1000 victims came forward with new allegations of abuse by Kitagawa. The fallout led to the splitting of the Johnny & Associates talent agency into two entities: one focusing on compensating victims and the other on working with upcoming artists. Noriyuki Higashiyama vowed to disband Johnny & Associates and work sincerely with victims to create a brighter future with fans.
Higashiyama has now disclosed that the investigation reveals two more predatory men working at the agency, both still alive. However, as he has no legal authority to act, he has not yet contacted legal authorities despite accusations of the organisation’s failure to compensate and act swiftly enough in response to the allegations.
Julie Keiko Fujishima, Kitagawa’s niece, was ordered to resign from her position as boss of the agency following the accusations against her Uncle. In September, Higashiyama was also accused of sexually assaulting young boys, and the claims were sent to him at a press conference with questions about the allegations that he massaged boys and exposed his genitals, to which he responded that he has trouble remembering
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