The Japanese entertainment industry is currently grappling with the repercussions of the sexual harassment scandal surrounding Johnny Kitagawa, the former chairman of Johnny's Entertainment, now rebranded as Smile-Up Inc. Over the past year, the fallout from these allegations has led to significant changes within the industry, sparking legal actions and discussions about workplace accountability.
On December 18, 2023, two former talents from Johnny's filed a lawsuit seeking $3 billion (approximately 465 billion yen) in damages, asserting claims against Smile-Up and its CEO, Keiko Fujishima. This lawsuit reflects the growing courage of victims who are beginning to stand up against the injustices they've suffered. Jun Fukuda, the newly appointed CEO of Starto Entertainment, which houses numerous former Johnny's talents, spoke with Weekly Bunshun about the unrest and legal proceedings surrounding the scandal.
Fukuda clarified, "Starto is established as a completely separate entity from Smile-Up, with no capital ties or management overlap. I'm genuinely perplexed by the circumstances necessitating our response to this lawsuit." His comments signal the complexity of the situation as his team grapples to maintain professionalism amid the turmoil.
During his first year at Starto, Fukuda disclosed, "This past year has been a whirlwind; I've worked tirelessly to stabilize the company and restore normalcy to our talents and staff." His commitment to aid affected individuals indicates Starto's approach to managing the fallout from the scandal, highlighting the resilient spirit of those within the organization.
The scandal has unearthed deep-seated issues within the entertainment industry and raised questions about the structures previously embraced by agencies like Johnny's. Known for its powerful hold on the media and its talents, it now faces harsh scrutiny over its past practices. Just as people began to believe they would not be held accountable, the societal norms seem to have shifted since this episode began to garner attention.
For many years, the Japanese entertainment scene has largely overlooked incidents of misconduct, leading to normalized behaviors detrimental to those who experienced them. The frivolous nature of past judgments allowed many abusers to flourish unchecked, creating shadows where the light of truth was long absent. Now, with victims stepping forward, there is hope for change.
The emergence of #MeToo movements across various cultures has paved the way for discussing these often-taboos subjects, encouraging individuals to come forward. The current allegations against Smile-Up have resurfaced old wounds, inciting public outrage and calls for justice. Fukuda's acknowledgment of the challenges faced by the company, and the determination to rectify past mistakes, seems to resonate with the collective frustrations voiced by survivors.
Status quo change remains complicated, putting pressure on many organizations to assess their ethics. Broadcasting the potential consequences of these lawsuits leaves agencies on alert, as they navigate their relationships with former talents and the public’s perception.
Further complicate these matters—the interaction between Starto and Smile-Up. Many employees, along with talents previously associated with Johnny's, found themselves entwined between the two entities, reducing their confidence during transitions.
This situation is especially dire as the ramifications ripple across the industry, impacting sponsors and advertisers. Television producers revealed their concerns about how allegations could dissuade sponsors from funding shows or featuring certain talents, as the media closely monitors each movement.
On societal levels, there's been not only anger over negligence but also fear of the unknown. Rumors suggest looming uncertainties if outside stakeholders remain oblivious to potential controversies. Fukuda's focus on stability aims to counteract instability within the field, where trust must be rebuilt from ground zero.
Indeed, repurposing past traditions must happen delicately and must reflect societal demands for justice and morality, all against the backdrop of this entertainment scandal. Industry giants, entertainment groups, and stakeholders are now compelled to rethink their strategies for ensuring they uphold attractive, safe spaces for others.
With the recent legal challenges tightening the grip on operations, remaining employed poses risks. Current reports reveal the industry is at the brink of transformation—challenging the times when perpetrators ignored alarms raised by victims.
Fukuda’s determination and the collective needs of victims represent the delicate equilibrium all must embrace for progress. Making strides includes rebuilding trust between management and talents through transparency and support. This incident may have taken years to reach public awareness, yet the realizations it brings reveal hope for tangible change.
Onlookers maintain hope for the future, recognizing the resilience of victims drawing strength from painful memories. Their brave actions sprout seeds of resistance, echoing long-silent voices. It is hoped the industry begins vetting new measures, ensuring all talent is safeguarded—creating safe spaces and ensuring transparent communication, making it clear: no one is above accountability.
