On the 25th, SMILE-UP. (formerly Johnny’s Office) vehemently protested against a British BBC broadcast, accusing it of deliberately distorting President Noriyuki Higashiyama’s statements during a program addressing sexual assault issues. They issued a correction and announced that a letter demanding an apology had been sent.
According to Smile Inc., the broadcast in March, titled “The Shadow of a Predator: After Johnny’s Dissolution,” allegedly misrepresented President Higashiyama’s interview remarks, altering their original meaning.
During the program, President Higashiyama responded to a question about slander, stating, “I think there is freedom of speech. There are times when I think that is a just opinion.” Smile Inc. has raised objections, claiming that his statement expressing a desire to eliminate slander if possible was omitted from the broadcast..
The BBC said: “We are currently reviewing the contents of the protest document and will not be commenting.” (Joint)
Takuya Kimura and “Arashi” Launch New Talent Company, STARTO ENTERTAINMENT
On the 10th, STARTO ENTERTAINMENT officially launched, taking over talents from “SMILE-UP.” (formerly Johnny’s Entertainment). This new company commenced operations with contracts signed by 295 talents across 28 groups, including notable names like Takuya Kimura and Arashi listed on its official website.
STARTO ENTERTAINMENT emphasized its commitment to preventing illegal acts such as sexual assault by implementing robust training programs and revitalizing its internal reporting systems. Additionally, a new department focused on training young talents will be established to foster a supportive and safe environment.
Noriyuki Higashiyama Reflects on Childhood Responsibilities Amid Pressure and Poverty
As preparations for the launch of the Children and Families Agency in April next year gain momentum, there is a growing focus on measures related to children. In a recent interview, actor Noriyuki Higashiyama (56) shared his personal experiences as a young carer during his elementary school years, shedding light on pressing social issues affecting children.
“When I was in elementary school, I recall assisting my grandfather, who was dealing with the aftermath of a cerebral hemorrhage, by helping to bathe him,” Higashiyama recounted to interviewer Koichi Kirino.
His reflections offer a poignant perspective on the challenges faced by young caregivers and underscore the broader societal importance of supporting children and families in need.
◆During my childhood, my parents divorced, and I lived with my mother and my younger sister, who is three years older than me. My stepmother worked as a barber and usually returned home around 8 pm. Every day, my younger sister and I would prepare rice and miso soup together. In the evenings, we would accompany our grandfather, who lived alone nearby, to the public bath to help him bathe. I remember feeling scared when I had to leave my grandfather there…
Noriyuki Higashiyama to Lead Johnny’s: A Commitment to Addressing Sexual Assault
On October 7th, Johnny’s Office in Tokyo held a press conference addressing the issue of sexual assault involving former president Johnny Kitagawa, who passed away in 2019. Following the resignation of President Julie Keiko Fujishima, Noriyuki Higashiyama, a prominent talent affiliated with the company, was announced as the new president. Mr. Higashiyama will step away from entertainment activities by the end of the year to focus entirely on his role as president, stating emphatically, “I will put my life on the line to address this issue.” [Digital news group].
Exploring the Legacy of Mr. Johnny: Insights from Author Hiroshi Kosuge
Sixty-one years after its inception, the former Johnny’s office rebranded as “SMILE-UP.” Hiroshi Kosuge, a writer deeply embedded in the inner workings of the former Johnny’s, provides insights into the late founder Johnny Kitagawa’s legacy. Known for nurturing countless male talents, Kitagawa’s tenure was marred by controversies surrounding sexual assault. Kosuge sheds light on Kitagawa’s complex persona and his impact on the entertainment industry.
The former Johnny’s group will reportedly not participate in the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen on New Year’s Eve, with final contestants to be announced on the 13th. Reflecting on his experience, the writer shared, “I worked closely with Johnny’s for over a decade, gaining valuable insights as a reporter.” Beginning in 1968, he served as a cover feature for Johnny’s in Shueisha’s Seventeen magazine, a role he held for more than ten years. Even after transitioning to writing, he maintained a watchful eye over the industry.
When Kosuge first took charge, Johnny cautioned him, saying, “Idols are often perceived as fleeting, and the term ‘talent’ in Japanese is somewhat cheap. I hope you avoid using it.” Mr. Johnny established the original Johnny’s and debuted “Four Leaves” six years ago. Born in the United States, Johnny was a second-generation Japanese American who promoted the concepts of “Star” and “Entertainer.” He believed that a star is someone unreachable even to their fans, while an entertainer shines brightly enough to withstand the pressures of show business, TV, and the stage. This philosophy encapsulated Johnny’s vision for his agency.
One day, Kosuge was granted rare access to an office in Tokyo. Inside, he faced a daunting task: “Choose the boy you think would be good for your team,” Mr. Johnny urged him. Among thousands of photos from aspiring talents, Kosuge had to select a handful who showed promise.
Noriyuki Higashiyama Declines Presidency; Former Johnny’s Management Launches New Company
Noriyuki Higashiyama (57), president of “SMILE-UP.”, formerly Johnny’s Office, has opted to launch a new talent management company amidst the organization’s rebranding due to sexual assault controversies. Interviews with insiders on the 31st revealed his decision to decline the presidency. Atsushi Fukuda, president of a consulting firm and agent for actor Non-san (30), is expected to be appointed as the new president.
At an October 2nd press conference, the former agency, Smile Up, emphasized its commitment to compensating victims. A new company has been launched to oversee talent management and training, with its name being crowdsourced through fan clubs until the 31st. Mr. Higashiyama was slated to serve as president for both entities concurrently.
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