Takuya Kimura’s statement denying the “Bunshun Gun” (a Japanese term for a gun that is used in the spring of 1945), timed to coincide with his explanation of the “Johnny’s NG list,” is a “strange” feeling.

A reporter in charge of entertainment at a sports newspaper feels uncomfortable about this.

He said, “It’s fine for him to deny the Bunshun report outright, but what bothers me is what follows. What bothers me is the part after that where he appeals that “Kimura has contributed so much. I feel that there is no need to be anything else here.

In addition, Mr. Kimura announces that he will sign an agent contract with the new company, even though the company name change and the launch of the new company on the 17th have not yet taken place. It is troubling that the content conveys Mr. Kimura’s “manly” spirit in every way.

Noriyuki Higashiyama, who will assume the presidency of SMILE and the new company, has been reported in the Weekly Bunshun and other publications for his alleged harassment in the past and his “unusual relationship” with the late Mitsuko Mori, and he has denied it each time.

He has not issued a statement denying the reports about the new president, Higashiyama. The office’s quick response to Mr. Kimura is remarkable for that reason. I felt as if I could understand how necessary and special Mr. Kimura is to Johnny’s.” (A reporter from a sports newspaper)

It is reported that Kimura remained at Johnny’s during the SMAP breakup scandal in 2004 and was thanked by the late vice president, Mary Kitagawa. In recent years, he has had a great deal of influence within the office and is said to be treated as “exceptional” within the company.

On the official website of Johnny’s, amidst the announcements related to the sexual assaults by the late Mr. Kitagawa, an “announcement” regarding some of the news reports about Kimura is conspicuous. Does this mean that the new Johnny’s will revolve around Kimura?

We are looking forward to receiving your information and tips on FRIDAY Digital. Please send your information to the following form or to the official Twitter.

Information form: https://friday.kodansha.co.jp/tips
Official twitter: https://twitter.com/FRIDAY_twit