TOKYO — A crew investigating sexual assault allegations by the late founding father of a strong expertise company for boy bands has discovered the fees credible, calling Tuesday for compensation for the victims and the resignation of the present chief govt.
The three-month probe, which included talking with 23 victims, concluded that Johnny Kitagawa sexually assaulted and abused boys way back to the Fifties and focused at the least a number of hundred individuals.
The investigative panel mentioned Johnny & Associates should apologize, strengthen compliance measures and educate its ranks about human rights. Julie Keiko Fujishima, the chief govt, should resign for not taking motion over time, in keeping with the particular crew. Kitagawa died in 2019 and was by no means charged.
“The corporate’s coverup led to the sexual abuse persevering with unchecked for therefore lengthy,” investigative crew chief Makoto Hayashi instructed reporters in Tokyo. “There have been many alternatives to take motion.”
Critics say what occurred at Johnny’s, because the Tokyo-based firm is understood, highlights Japan’s lagging consciousness about rape, sexual harassment and human rights. Public opinion has usually been unsympathetic towards individuals who say they have been focused by sexual predators.
Within the Johnny’s case, a few dozen males have come ahead in current months to allege sexual abuse by Kitagawa, the company’s founder, whereas performing as teenagers. Extra individuals are anticipated to come back ahead, the report mentioned.
Fujishima has to this point solely apologized in a quick on-line video for “disappointment and worries ” over the case. It’s unclear whether or not she is going to resign.
Whereas rumors of abuse at Johnny’s circulated over time and several other tell-all books have been revealed, Japan’s mainstream media remained silent.
Critical questions resurfaced this 12 months after BBC Information produced a particular section centered on a number of individuals who claimed to be Kitagawa’s victims.
One other turning level got here earlier this month when the U.N. Working Group on Enterprise and Human Rights urged the Japanese authorities to take motion. The group additionally accused Japan’s mainstream media of what it referred to as “a cover-up.”
In accordance with the allegations, Kitagawa requested fledgling singers and dancers, lots of them youngsters, to remain at his luxurious residence. When he instructed considered one of them to go to mattress early, everybody knew it was “your flip,” those that have spoken up instructed the panel.
The boys have been raped by Kitagawa after they have been 14 or 15 and given 10,000 yen (about $100) payments afterward, the report mentioned. It added that the victims feared they might be penalized in the event that they refused.
It recommends extra individuals come ahead, guarantees that their privateness might be protected and that no materials proof of a sexual assault might be required.
Those that have spoken out say they’ve been painfully traumatized, unable to inform anybody, even household, and nonetheless undergo flashbacks and despair, the report mentioned.
___
Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter https://twitter.com/yurikageyama