The man in charge of making amends for the popular Japanese pop star’s victims of sexual abuse claims that the incident is bigger than was initially anticipated.
Noriyuki Higashiyama told the BBC he believes there were two more culprits at Johnny Kitagawa’s firm Johnny &, Associates.
He thinks that these people are still alive.
Higashiyama told the BBC that an internal investigation by the original business in August of that year had revealed that two Johnny &, Associates employees were alleged to possess sexually abused skills.
He revealed that, to date, he has no contacted the government.
” From a legal standpoint, I do n’t think we have the authority to do that”, Higashiyama says. ” But if those involved file a judicial issue, I imagine we had co- work as much as possible”.
He claims that he is unsure whether the two offenders ‘ individuals want to file criminal charges.
” I do n’t even know who they are”, he says.
Johnny Kitagawa, father of the Chinese child group trend, died in 2019. At the time, he was celebrated for his commitment to the government’s pop culture.
An independent investigation came to light following the BBC documentary, and it was determined that the song magnate had abused hundreds of boys and young men over the course of his six-decade career.
A fresh skills company called Starto Entertainment and Smile- Up, a business tasked with processing allegations of abuse, was established after Johnny &, Associates was disbanded.
Three former judges were chosen to serve on a target pleasure committee to oversee the payment process.
Victims of Kitagawa’s abuse have criticized Smile- Up for having an opaque payment system and failing to act fast enough to speak with them. They claim that there is no known timetable and that it appears to be an ad-hoc system.
Akimasa Nihongi, a previous employee of Johnny &, Associates, started the business as a 13-year-old with the goal of becoming a pop star.
When he learned the story that was published in 2023, he exposed his own maltreatment knowledge.
” I feel like there are also problems that are hidden”, he says.
There is little sense of righteousness for Akimasa and many others like him. A attorney representing survivors of Kitagawa’s abuse described Giggle- Up’s method as” a dark- box situation”.
Smile- Up has itself cast fear on some of the claims. Days after being established, the organization issued a statement stating:” We have received knowledge that there are cases where people, who are most likely not subjects, are telling false reports using the testimony of true patients.”
Some of the individuals who shared their experiences have experienced online abuse and criticism.
When he shared his story of abuse by Kitagawa, his wife claimed that he was subjected to dying threats and harassment.
” He wanted to reveal everything”, she says. He allegedly did n’t want any more victims of the same kind to happen to future children.
After he spoke out, his private details were exposed electronically.
The woman later learned that her husband had left for the hills via text message. He put an end to his existence it.
” When I found him, it was too late”, she says.
Noriyuki Higashiyama, the CEO of Smile- Up, claims he is aware of this situation.
” Citizens have flexibility of speech”, he says. ” I’m not encouraging libel. If it’s feasible, I would really like to reduce website abuse”.
Mobeen Azhar investigates the effects of a monster after the BBC revealed Johnny Kitagawa, the uncle of J-pop, sexually abused adolescent boys in his skill agency for the first time.
Higashiyama claims to have spoken with about 200 people who have come forth with abuse allegations.
” I hope it will help to restore their souls, yet just a little. That is what I do, in my opinion. My primary focus is to join with individuals”.
He acknowledges that he has no proper training or education in working with physical abuse survivors.
For those who have contacted us, Smile- Up organizes and provides funding for counseling. ” We are thinking of doing that indefinitely”, Higashiyama says.
Subsequent to discoveries in the BBC research, Kitagawa’s place in Chinese pop culture has shifted in the common perception.
Fumio Kishida, the prime minister, has been under increasing stress to change the laws governing physical abuse.
In addition, more people have spoken out about the mistreatment they underwent in the wake of last year’s investigation into Kitawaga.
However, some victims of maltreatment feel that despite their stories, justice continues to be obscure.
Akimasa thinks it is crucial that individuals receive assistance in bringing their lives to a resolution. In his opinion, Johnny &, Associates ‘ recent manifestation has so far failed to deliver on this promise.
” I want them to take responsibility. This is the largest sexual assault case to date in Japan, in my opinion. We should n’t let it fade away as if it’s a temporary problem. As part of Chinese history, it’s crucial to keep a record.
- You can visit BBC Action Line if any of the issues raised in this history have had an impact on you.
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26 January 2016
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