Boyband Scandal in Japan: Government To Open Hotline for Male Victims of Sex Abuse After Johnny & Associates Admits That Founder Johnny Kitagawa Sexually Assaulted Young Recruits
Allegations claiming Kitagawa reportedly abused young men who wanted to become stars first emerged in 1999 in the Japanese media. However, there was nothing concrete. This year, the allegations gained momentum after it ignited a soul-searching following a BBC documentary and denunciations by victims of male sexual abuse.
Mumbai, September 19: The Japanese government is likely to set up a hotline for male victims of sexual abuse in the country. The decision was announced by Japanese minister Ayuko Kato today, September 19. The development to set up a hotline for male victims of sexual abuse comes as the Asian country grappled with an abuse scandal at one of the biggest boyband agencies in the country.
According to a report in AFP, the hotline is likely to be available to boys and men for a period of three months starting from Friday, September 22. Reportedly, specialists will take calls on the hotline to counsel male victims of sexual abuse, the Cabinet Office said. "We hope victims will feel safe and can consult without hesitation," said Ayuko Kato, minister in charge of children-related policy. Ban on Upskirting: Japan To Introduce Laws Against ‘Photo Voyeurism’, Prohibit Taking Sexually Exploitative Photos or Videos Without Consent in Sweeping Sex Crime Reforms.
The move by the Japanese government to set up a hotline for male victims of sexual abuse comes in the backdrop of an abuse scandal at one of the biggest boyband agencies. Notably, the development comes after the boyband empire Johnny & Associates, for the first time ever, admitted that their late founder, Johnny Kitagawa, sexually assaulted young recruits over decades.
Kitagawa, who gave birth to J-pop mega-groups including SMAP, TOKIO and Arashi, passed away in 2019 at the age of 87. His J-pop mega-groups amassed a large number of fans across Asia. Allegations claiming Kitagawa reportedly abused young men who wanted to become stars first emerged in 1999 in the Japanese media. However, there was nothing concrete.
This year, the allegations gained momentum after it ignited a soul-searching following a BBC documentary and denunciations by victims of male sexual abuse. As per the report, the Japanese government will be offering a 24-hour hotline for both male and female victims of sexual abuse. Japan Sex Crime Law Reforms: Island Country Raises Age of Consent From 13 to 16.
Meanwhile, the cabinet office said that men could feel reluctant to use the service introduced by the government. Notably, the new hotline is said to be part of the Japanese government's "emergency plan" against sexual abuse of children.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2023 08:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).