The controversy surrounding the planned release of an album featuring nude photos of the late singer Akiko Yatsushiro has ignited strong reactions from her former agency. New Century Records, based in Kagoshima City, announced that the album, titled "Akiko Yatsushiro Otakara Series Vol. 1 Wasurenaide Ne," is set to be released on April 21, 2025, and will include two nude photographs of Yatsushiro taken during her 20s as a special feature.
On April 14, 2025, Tadashi Ohno, the representative director and president of Million Planning, Yatsushiro's former agency, released a statement on the agency's official website, addressing the situation. The statement, titled "Regarding the problematic work announced by New Century Records in the news," detailed the agency's response to the album's announcement.
Ohno disclosed that the agency became aware of the album's content by mid-March 2025 and had engaged in discussions about how to respond, involving the bereaved family and external legal counsel. "We cannot allow" the release of the album, he asserted, emphasizing the agency's commitment to protecting Yatsushiro's dignity and legacy.
On March 27, 2025, the agency sent an inquiry and notification to New Century Records through their attorney, seeking clarification on the album's content. These documents were delivered to New Century Records on March 29, 2025, but as of April 14, 2025, the agency has not received any response or action from the record company.
In light of the ongoing situation, Ohno stated that the agency is preparing for all possible legal procedures, both criminal and civil. Consultations have been held with local law enforcement regarding potential charges, including defamation of the deceased and distribution of obscene materials related to the nude photographs.
The planned release has not only sparked outrage from Yatsushiro's agency but has also prompted a public outcry. A signature campaign titled "Protect Akiko Yatsushiro's Dignity and Prevent Revenge Porn" was launched on the online platform Change.org, garnering support from over 3,000 individuals, including fellow artists and entertainers who have taken to social media to voice their opposition to the album's sale.
In his statement, Ohno expressed gratitude to those who have spoken out against the release, including media representatives, CD distributors, retailers, and fans. "The announcement of this problematic work is an extremely unpleasant event and absolutely unacceptable," he declared, reiterating the agency's determination to fight against the album's release.
New Century Records, however, maintains that they have legally acquired all rights related to Akiko Yatsushiro and have a valid sales contract. A spokesperson for the record company stated, "We have purchased all rights pertaining to Akiko Yatsushiro and have a sales contract. There’s no basis for any objections regarding our planned release."
Despite the backlash, New Century Records is moving forward with the album's release, which they describe as a tribute to Yatsushiro's legacy. The album is set to include ten songs, featuring popular tracks such as "Funauta" and "Ame no Bojou." The inclusion of the nude photographs has drawn significant attention, with some critics labeling it as an exploitative move, while others argue it could be seen as an artistic expression of Yatsushiro's youth.
As the release date approaches, tensions continue to escalate between Yatsushiro's agency and New Century Records. The agency's commitment to protecting the singer's dignity reflects a broader concern regarding the ethics of posthumous releases, particularly those involving sensitive materials.
Yatsushiro, who passed away in December 2023 at the age of 73, was a beloved figure in the Japanese music industry, known for her powerful voice and heartfelt performances. The controversy surrounding the album has sparked discussions about the treatment of deceased artists and the responsibilities of record labels in honoring their legacies.
The situation remains fluid, with both parties preparing for potential legal battles. As public sentiment continues to rally behind Yatsushiro's agency, it is clear that this issue resonates deeply with fans who wish to see their idol's dignity preserved.
In conclusion, the planned release of the album featuring nude photographs of Akiko Yatsushiro has ignited a significant backlash from her former agency and the public. As both sides prepare for possible legal action, the discourse surrounding the ethics of posthumous releases will likely continue to evolve.
