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The two individuals involved in sex abuse at Johnny Kitagawa’s agency are still alive, BBC is told.
BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaTwo more abusers at J-pop predator’s companyPublished12 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingBy Mobeen AzharBBC NewsThe man in charge of compensating sexual abuse victims of Japan’s most famous pop manager says the scandal goes further than first thought.Noriyuki Higashiyama told the BBC he believes there were two more perpetrators at Johnny Kitagawa’s agency Johnny & Associates.He believes these individuals are still alive.Since a 2023 BBC investigation, nearly 1,000 men have come forward to say they were abused by Kitagawa.Higashiyama told the BBC that an internal investigation by the former company in August 2023 had concluded that two people at Johnny & Associates were believed to have sexually abused talent. He revealed that, to date, he has not contacted the authorities. “From a legal standpoint, I don’t think we have the authority to do that,” Higashiyama says. “But if those involved file a criminal complaint, I imagine we would co-operate as much as possible.”He says that he does not know if the survivors of abuse by the two perpetrators want to pursue criminal proceedings. “I don’t even know who they are,” he says.Image caption, BBC reporter Mobeen Azhar spoke to Smile-Up CEO Noriyuki HigashiyamaJohnny Kitagawa, creator of the Japanese boy band phenomenon, died in 2019. At the time, he was celebrated for his contribution to the country’s pop culture.In the wake of the BBC documentary, an independent inquiry concluded that the music mogul had abused hundreds of boys and young men over a six-decade career.Johnny & Associates was dissolved and replaced by a new talent agency called Starto Entertainment and Smile-Up, a company tasked with processing claims of abuse. Smile-Up appointed three former judges to a victim relief committee to manage the compensation process.Higashiyama, a former actor and Johnny & Associates talent, took on the job as Smile-Up’s CEO. He has himself faced allegations of bullying and sexual abuse, which he denies.Survivors of Kitagawa’s abuse have criticised Smile-Up for having an opaque compensation process and for not acting quickly enough to engage with them. They say it seems to be an ad-hoc system with no defined timeline.Akimasa Nihongi is a former Johnny & Associates talent and joined the agency as a 13-year-old with aspirations of becoming a pop star.He went public with his own experience of abuse when he saw the story reported in 2023. “I feel like there are still issues that are hidden,” he says.Image caption, There is little semblance of justice for victims like Akimasa NihongiFor Akimasa and many more like him, there is little semblance of justice. A lawyer representing survivors of Kitagawa’s abuse described Smile-Up’s process as “a black-box situation”.Smile-Up has itself cast doubt on some of the allegations. Days after being set up, the agency released a statement saying: “We have received information that there are cases in which people, who are most likely not victims, are telling false stories using the testimony of real victims.”Some of the survivors who shared their experiences have faced condemnation and harassment from people online.A woman who did not want to be identified says her husband faced death threats and harassment when he shared his story of being abused by Kitagawa. “He wanted to reveal everything,” she says. “He didn’t want future children to be harmed in the same way.” After he spoke out, his personal details were exposed online.Eventually the woman received a text message from her husband telling her that he’d gone to the mountains. It was there that he ended his life. “When I found him, it was too late,” she says.Smile-Up CEO Noriyuki Higashiyama says that he is aware of this case. “People have freedom of speech,” he says. “I’m not encouraging slander. If it’s possible, I would really like to eliminate online abuse.”Our World: The Shadow of a PredatorAfter the BBC revealed that Johnny Kitagawa, the godfather of J-pop, spent a lifetime sexually abusing young boys in his talent agency, Mobeen Azhar investigates the aftermath of a predator.Watch on BBC News at 03:30 on Saturday March 30 or afterwards on BBC iPlayer (UK Only) Higashiyama says he has spoken personally to almost 200 people who have come forward with claims of abuse. “I hope it will help to mend their hearts, even just a little. I consider that to be my role. My main focus is to meet with survivors.”He admits that he has no formal training or experience in counselling or helping survivors of sexual abuse.Smile-Up is organising and funding counselling for those who have come forward. “We are thinking of doing that indefinitely,” Higashiyama says.Subsequent to revelations in the BBC investigation, Kitagawa’s place in Japanese pop culture has shifted in the public consciousness.Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has faced increasing pressure to reform sexual abuse legislation.The age of consent in Japan shifted from 13 to 16, after multiple rape acquittals in 2019 caused a national outcry. And public discussion following last year’s investigation into Kitawaga has resulted in more men speaking publicly about the abuse they experienced. However, some survivors of abuse feel that despite their testimonies, justice continues to be elusive.Akimasa believes it is important that survivors are supported in reaching closure. In his view, this is something the new incarnation of Johnny & Associates has so far failed to deliver.”I want them to take responsibility. I think this is the biggest post-war sexual assault case in Japan. We shouldn’t let it fade away as if it’s a temporary problem. It’s important to keep a record as part of Japanese history.” If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can visit BBC Action Line.Related TopicsSexual violenceChild abuseJapanPop musicMore on this storyJapan’s J-pop predator – exposed for abuse but still reveredPublished6 March 2023The dark side of Asia’s pop music industryPublished26 January 2016Top StoriesGaza starvation could amount to war crime, UN human rights chief tells BBCPublished4 hours agoKing tells of ‘great sadness’ at missing Maundy servicePublished2 minutes agoDivers recover bodies from Baltimore bridgePublished1 hour agoFeaturesHow do I renew my UK passport and what is the 10-year rule?I’m not ashamed of who I am any more, says LionessCars, coal and gas… key cargo at Baltimore portFather of two among Baltimore bridge victimsThe Papers: Sewage ‘outrage’ and ‘King calls for kindness’ What are assisted dying, assisted suicide and euthanasia?‘We crowdfunded to help pay our son’s care costs’Tackling deepfakes ‘has turned into an arms race’Bill Nighy on playing an England manager with a differenceElsewhere on the BBCDid The Terminator predict the future correctly?!Beth Singler explores the creation and enduring influence of the film, 40 years after its releaseAttributionSoundsBlowing the lid on a baffling online scamPolly Weston’s determined to get to the bottom of the con involving a £138 dehumidifierAttributionSoundsCan you sort these monarchs into the correct order?Test your memory and reorder ten royal faces, from the earliest to the most recentAttributionBitesizeThe dressing room killing that shook wrestling’Villain of the ring’ Bruiser Brody’s extraordinary life, legacy and deathAttributionSoundsMost Read1Gogglebox star, 40, dies after fall from height2I’m not ashamed of who I am any more, says Lioness3Stone of Destiny takes centre stage at new museum4Harvard removes human skin binding from book5Divers recover bodies from Baltimore bridge6Gaza starvation could amount to war crime, UN human rights chief tells BBC7Thames Water races to find cash as problems worsen8Manhunt after stabbing in front of train passengers9Queen at Maundy service while King sends message10Easter travel warning as millions set to hit roads
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BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaCould you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Could you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersCloseJury selection is under way in Donald Trump’s New York City hush-money trial, with hundreds of people selected as potential jurors.They must answer a questionnaire to determine, among other things, if they can be impartial about the former president.The BBC asked some of those questions to Manhattan residents.SubsectionUS & CanadaPublished50 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreCould you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New Yorkers. Video, 00:02:16Could you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished50 minutes ago2:16Up Next. A view from inside court for Trump’s blockbuster trial. Video, 00:01:15A view from inside court for Trump’s blockbuster trialSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished19 hours agoUp Next1:15Press, police and protesters: Outside Trump courthouse. Video, 00:01:12Press, police and protesters: Outside Trump courthouseSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:12Trump’s ‘perp walk’ moment explained in 60 seconds. Video, 00:01:00Trump’s ‘perp walk’ moment explained in 60 secondsSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished31 March 20231:00Editor’s recommendationsCopenhagen stock exchange engulfed by huge fire. Video, 00:01:03Copenhagen stock exchange engulfed by huge fireSubsectionEuropePublished12 hours ago1:03Moment spire collapses at Copenhagen stock exchange. Video, 00:00:43Moment spire collapses at Copenhagen stock exchangeSubsectionEuropePublished11 hours ago0:43Dormice ladders built in the Forest of Dean. Video, 00:00:51Dormice ladders built in the Forest of DeanSubsectionGloucestershirePublished1 day ago0:51Liz Truss: The world was safer under Trump. Video, 00:00:35Liz Truss: The world was safer under TrumpSubsectionUK PoliticsPublished22 hours ago0:35Huge fires blaze along Miami highway. Video, 00:00:33Huge fires blaze along Miami highwaySubsectionUS & CanadaPublished12 hours ago0:33Watch: Georgia opposition leader punches MP during debate. Video, 00:00:34Watch: Georgia opposition leader punches MP during debateSubsectionEuropePublished21 hours ago0:34Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong wind. Video, 00:00:24Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong windSubsectionStoke & StaffordshirePublished1 day ago0:24Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazzi. Video, 00:00:28Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazziSubsectionEntertainment & ArtsPublished1 day ago0:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LA. Video, 00:01:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LASubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:28
[ad_1] Jury selection is under way in Donald Trump’s New York City hush-money trial, with hundreds of people selected as potential jurors. They must answer a questionnaire to determine, among…
BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityUKEnglandN. IrelandScotlandAlbaWalesCymruIsle of ManGuernseyJerseyLocal NewsFirst product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealedPublished11 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, Meghan pictured at a polo match in Florida last weekBy Sean CoughlanRoyal correspondentA first glimpse of the new business venture from the Duchess of Sussex has been teased on social media, with pictures of a jar of strawberry jam.In a bid to preserve a sense of mystery, the jam from the new American Riviera Orchard brand seemed to be spread among friends and influencers.Fashion designer Tracy Robbins posted a picture of the jam on Instagram.It was numbered “17 of 50”, suggesting the number of recipients of this first fruit of the new business.The arrival of Meghan’s new California-based lifestyle brand had been signalled on social media last month and this suggests that it will be selling food products.What do we know about Meghan’s new brand?Five things about Harry and Meghan’s brand revampWhy did Harry and Meghan leave the Royal Family?There seemed to be have been something of a re-launch for Meghan and husband Prince Harry’s brands and businesses this year, beginning with the overhaul of their regal-looking website under the sussex.com label.Their latest projects seem to be moving away from a previous focus on their time as working royals, such as their Netflix film Harry and Meghan and Prince Harry’s memoir Spare.The hint about the strawberry jam from Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard brand seems to fit with the couple’s latest Netflix plans.Meghan is going to launch a Netflix show which will “celebrate the joys of cooking and gardening, entertaining, and friendship”.Prince Harry will be involved in another Netflix venture showing the inside track on the world of polo. That’s the equestrian sport, not the mints.Delfina Blaquier, married to Prince Harry’s polo-playing friend Nacho Figueras, also posted a picture of the new jam, with hers labelled “10 of 50”.The social media trail for American Riviera Orchard evokes a sense of the couple’s home in California – and this soft launch for the jam show pictures of the jars in a sunny basket of lemons.It’s not known how much items from the new lifestyle brand will cost. Although there are already plenty of other royals getting into jams. Visitors to the gift shops in royal palaces can get a Buckingham Palace Strawberry Preserve for £3.95 or Windsor Castle Fine Cut Seville Orange Marmalade, also for £3.95.On both sides of the Atlantic they seem to be conserving their finances.Related TopicsUK Royal FamilyMeghan, Duchess of SussexMore on this storyWhat we know about Meghan’s regal lifestyle brandPublished16 MarchMeghan launches surprise new lifestyle brandPublished14 MarchTop StoriesMPs back smoking ban for those born after 2009Published8 minutes agoMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished2 hours agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished7 hours agoFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlinePlaying Coachella after cancer emotional, says DJHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Nursery boss ‘killed baby she strapped to beanbag’2Birmingham Airport flights disrupted by incident3Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge4First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed5MPs back smoking ban for those born after 20096Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference7Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames8Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline9Marten a ‘lioness’ who ‘loved her cubs’, court told10Sons of McCartney and Lennon release joint single
[ad_1] The jars of strawberry jam, labelled America Riviera Orchard, have been shared with friends and influencers.