A gaggle of males who say they have been sexually abused by a Japanese boy band producer expressed hope Monday that the corporate will present monetary compensation and introduce measures to forestall a recurrence.
They say producer Johnny Kitagawa sexually preyed on younger dancers and singers for many years, having them keep at his luxurious dwelling, handing them money and leveraging guarantees of potential fame. The firm, Johnny & Associates, is a robust drive in Japan’s leisure business.
The males mentioned at a news convention Monday that they’ve been ignored for many years by the corporate, Japanese society and mainstream media.
Company Chief Executive Julie Keiko Fujishima launched a short assertion on YouTube in May concerning the accusations however has not appeared earlier than reporters. The firm has set a news convention for Thursday.
“We want Julie to apologize, as the chief executive and company owner,” mentioned Shimon Ishimaru, one in all 9 males who’ve fashioned a gaggle demanding an apology and compensation from the corporate. “For a company behind this big a crime to do nothing is unimaginable.”
Johnny’s, as the corporate is understood, is family-run and never publicly listed. Kitagawa, Fujishima’s uncle, died in 2019 and was by no means charged.
A particular crew arrange by the Tokyo-based firm not too long ago spoke to 23 accusers, however has mentioned the whole will possible balloon to a minimum of a number of hundred individuals. The crew additionally beneficial Fujishima resign.
Junya Hiramoto, one other member of Ishimaru’s group, mentioned they hope to set an instance for others who’ve suffered.
“Our wounds never fade,” Hiramoto mentioned. “Do you think we aren’t still hurting? Do you think we can forget? Do you know what it’s like for us to come forward like this, filled with shame?”
Over the years, persistent allegations in opposition to Kitagawa have usually been dismissed as malicious rumors. Mainstream media stayed silent.
The U.N. Working Group on Business and Human Rights has urged the Japanese authorities to behave to guarantee that Johnny’s gives an apology and compensation and that authorities oversight of companies be improved. The authorities has but to take motion.
Japan tends to be behind the West on problems with gender equality, kids’s rights and consciousness about sexuality.
It was solely after a BBC documentary about Kitagawa aired this 12 months that the scandal once more grew to become a subject of scrutiny.
Another accuser, Kauan Okamoto, spoke on the Foreign Correspondents Club in April, saying he trusted overseas media greater than Japanese media. Okamoto, like many others who’ve come ahead, was a part of a backup boys’ group known as Johnny’s Jr.
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