Japan’s top talent agency to dissolve after sex abuse scandal; over 300 seek damages

A woman walks past a roadside television screen reporting the death of Johnny Kitagawa, founder of Japanese talent agency Johnny & Associates, in Tokyo on July 10, 2019. Photo: AFP

Japan’s top talent agency Johnny & Associates said on Monday (Oct 2) it would split into two entities – one devoted to compensating victims of sexual abuse by its late founder, adding that 325 people have sought damages so far.

It will also be changing its name, disassociating itself from its founder Johnny Kitagawa.