Johnny & Associates, one of Japan’s most influential entertainment production companies, has issued an apology over sexual assault claims leveled against its founder, Johnny Kitagawa. The company’s chief executive, Julie Keiko Fujishima, apologized in a written and video statement, saying she had not been aware of the accusations against Mr. Kitagawa. The accusations had been made decades ago, but the agency had faced little public scrutiny even after his death in 2019. Last month, Japanese Brazilian singer Kauan Okamoto came forward with his account of being repeatedly sexually abused by Mr. Kitagawa. The company has rejected calls for an independent investigation, instead offering “consultation services” where victims can speak to counselors, lawyers and doctors. The apology has been met with mixed reactions, with some questioning how Ms. Fujishima was not aware of the accusations made against Mr. Kitagawa.
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