Johnny & Associates, one of J-pop’s most famous entertainment agencies, has retired the company name as part of its compensation to the talents who experienced sexual assault at the hands of its late namesake founder, Johnny Kitagawa.
The agency has split into two: one company, named “Smile-Up,” will be responsible for compensating victims.
Another yet unnamed company will house entertainers. Fans of Johnny & Associates have been tapped to decide what the name of the new agency should be.
