Takuya Kimura’s Comment About Johnny’s Sexual Assault Issue in “Santaku” is Under Fire

Takuya Kimura, a former member of SMAP, commented for the first time on the series of sexual assaults by Johnny Kitagawa in the New Year’s special program “Santaku” (Fuji TV) broadcast on January 1.

Takuya’s comment, “I didn’t have a place to say it in my own words.”

This has caused controversy mainly on social networking sites.

 

At the beginning of the program, Akashiya Sanma said

“I have to listen. I can’t just ignore it.”

Kimura then said, “In a way, I am also a member of the group.”

“In a way, I didn’t have a place where I could say things in my own voice and in my own words. I am very thankful that there is a place like this.”

Kimura began to talk about the series of disturbances.

“I am very sorry that I caused so much worry, not only to the people at work, but also to my fans.”

Sanma said that he was worried about Kimura because he seemed depressed.

 

“I don’t know what to say to you either. It’s not right to encourage you. I just want to tell you that I’m here for you. I sent you a message on LINE, and I said, ‘At least, my family and I are on your side.’ You cried, didn’t you?”

Kimura replied.

“I remember the moment I read that, I got up on my feet. I thought something was coming.”

He shared a behind-the-scenes story. It seems that there is a “tight bond” between senior and junior members of the entertainment industry.