From veterans to signature groups…Industry insiders are keeping a close eye on the whereabouts of three key players in the “new Johnny’s”.

After the second press conference, which lasted two hours and eight minutes and was surrounded by angry shouts and clamor, Johnny’s’s office was once again under pressure from the media. President Noriyuki Higashiyama (57) began by apologizing once again to the victims. He also announced the change of company name, the establishment of a new company, and the start of compensation. A desk clerk at a national newspaper looks back on the second press conference.

The company set up a compensation desk of the Victims Relief Committee as of September 13, and although 325 people have requested compensation, no concrete compensation plan was clearly stated at the press conference. The mere announcement of the compensation start period alone is too inadequate for a press conference, as it hardly seems to be a response that sincerely addresses the victims and the issue of sexual assault.

It seems as if the Johnny’s office is trying to solve the problem in a roundabout way while running away from the true nature of the issue. It will be even more difficult to regain the trust of not only the fans, but also the companies that have reviewed the use of their talents in commercials, and the NHK and other TV stations.

On the day of the press conference, former V6 member Junichi Okada (42) announced that he would be leaving the office as of November 30. While great turmoil is expected to continue, industry insiders are said to be focusing on three key figures who hold the key to the future of the new Johnny’s. An entertainment industry insider said.

The first is Koichi Domoto, 44, of KinKi Kids. Since his debut, he has demonstrated his talent without regret in various fields, including acting, variety, music, and stage. The late Mr. Janey highly appreciated his talent and nurtured him with great care. He is also a close friend of such greats as Takuro Yoshida (77) and Tatsuro Yamashita (70), and has built a close relationship with them by producing and directing the stage productions of the younger members of the office. He is now the spiritual pillar of the company, and his presence is indispensable in keeping the chaotic office together.