Japanese companies sever connections with talent agency implicated in scandal involving Johnny Kitagawa

Major Japanese brands such as Nissan and Asahi are severing ties with the country's largest talent agency, Johnny and Associates, following a sexual abuse scandal. The agency is known for managing J-pop and boybands. An independent investigation revealed that its founder, Johnny Kitagawa, had abused hundreds of young boys and men during his career. Companies including Toyota have stated that they will not sign any further deals involving talent from the agency. Johnny and Associates' late founder held numerous records for his achievements in the entertainment industry, but Guinness World Records has since removed his name. Pressure from the public has led to the resignation of Julie Fujishima, Kitagawa's niece and current boss of the agency. Other brands have also opted to end their partnerships with Johnny and Associates due to concerns over human rights violations, while the agency's new boss, Noriyuki Higashiyama, faces allegations of sexual assault. The agency's dominance in the entertainment industry, particularly in the male-only talent sector, has waned as public sentiment shifts in light of the abuse scandal.