Investigation finds late founder of Japanese talent agency for boy bands sexually assaulted teens

Source: Associated Press

Investigation finds late founder of Japanese talent agency for boy bands sexually assaulted teens

BY YURI KAGEYAMA
Updated 8:17 AM EDT, August 29, 2023

TOKYO (AP) — A team investigating sexual assault allegations by the late founder of a powerful talent agency for boy bands has found the charges credible, calling Tuesday for compensation for the victims and the resignation of the current chief executive.

The three-month probe, which included speaking with 23 victims, concluded that Johnny Kitagawa sexually assaulted and abused boys as far back as the 1950s and targeted at least several hundred people.

The investigative panel said Johnny & Associates must apologize, strengthen compliance measures and educate its ranks about human rights. Julie Keiko Fujishima, the chief executive, must resign for not taking action over the years, according to the special team. Kitagawa died in 2019 and was never charged.

“The company’s coverup led to the sexual abuse continuing unchecked for so long,” investigative team leader Makoto Hayashi told reporters in Tokyo. “There were many opportunities to take action.”

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/japan-johnnys-sexual-abuse-executive-resign-investigation-cd1b8c226ae52ef4ff3c8e7d5d78bcc4