Johnny’s remains or goes independent…Takuya Kimura, soon to be 51, “takes a deeply troubling walk with his sad dog” shocking photo.

With Noriyuki Higashiyama (57) now in management, Kimutaku is now at the top of the talent pecking order. Whether to remain or go independent – the charismatic figure who has been with Johnny’s for more than 30 years is now facing an agonizing fall. Is it any wonder that he is not in good spirits?

As long as Johnny’s has announced on its official website that it plans to sign an agency contract with a new company it will establish, Kimura will probably stay on. He has a bitter history of being accused of being a traitor during the “SMAP” breakup fiasco, and he would like to show his sincerity here.

It is believed that either Kimutaku or Shizuka’s personal office will be the point of contact.

The article that caught my attention this time was that Shizuka was consulting with Ikuo Suo, the “Don” of the entertainment world, about her future. Mr. Suo, who rarely shows his face at the Akasaka office these days, was very easily confronted by the reporter and denied it, but I cannot take this at face value. He left the impression that he had been kicked out, but once there, he stayed on. I see it as a move to a major firm after successfully paving the way. The Kimuras are well aware of what happens to celebrities who lose their backing.

The fact that there are articles strongly defending Kimura is “proof that the powerful people in the entertainment industry are making moves,” according to a senior entertainment industry executive.

The fact that inside stories, such as information on the filming of a drama starring Kimutaku scheduled to air next spring on TV Asahi, are leaking out so easily is evidence of the weakening of their grip on the TV station. His wise wife, Shizuka, is aware of this.”

What kind of path will this charismatic man show to his junior colleagues?

From the November 3, 2023 issue of FRIDAY