“Ae Group” Fans Disappointed by the Alleged Compliance Violation of Member Daiharu Fukumoto

The former Johnny’s office changed its form drastically last year due to the sex-abuse scandal involving the late Mr. Kitagawa Johnny. The former Johnny’s Office was largely divided into two companies: “SMILE-UP.”, which provides compensation for sexual assault victims, and “STARTO ENTERTAINMENT”, which provides agency and management services for talents.

 

In the latter, Jun Fukuda of the consulting company “Speedy” was appointed as the new president. In 2024, the company will make a fresh start as the company name suggests, but a tumultuous start is already expected.

“The former Johnny’s talents, who are already well-known, will be affected by the sexual assault issue, but their work is not expected to decrease significantly. The test will be whether or not they will be able to debut a new group.”

“What will Mr. Fukuda do with a group whose debut has been postponed because of the sexual assault issue? Fukuda’s skill will be tested.”

In the midst of all this, the “Ae! Group”, which was preparing to make its debut, was hit by a severe earthquake at the end of last year.

One of its popular members, Daiharu Fukumoto, had his contract terminated due to suspected compliance violations. The details of his termination are as follows.

“The details of the incident will not be disclosed, out of respect for the privacy and wishes of the parties concerned.”

The Internet was abuzz with speculation. 

 

The office announced, “We are told that the company has done something that could be considered a violation of the law, in other words, that it has failed to comply with the law.” The fact that the office’s announcement uses the plural form “the people concerned,” it can be inferred that there was trouble involving a third party, and not Fukumoto alone.

Ae! Group’s debut became even more uncertain due to the Fukumoto shock.

Originally, they were supposed to be used for the cheering song at the World Cup Volleyball last September, but it was cancelled due to the sex assault issue. She also attended the Osaka-Kansai Expo 1,000 days before the event as a cheering group, but has not been asked to sing since then.

 

“If it were not for the sex-abuse issue, they would have made our debut long ago. Among the members, Yoshinori Shomon and Fukumoto were very popular, and the group was expected to replace the inactive Arashi.”

“The sex assault issue was a complete embarrassment and drew sympathy from fans, but Fukumoto’s scandal is inexcusable. Although this is Fukumoto’s personal trouble, the impact on the group as a whole is inevitable, and the first place on the debut standby list will be given to ‘HiHi Jets’ and ‘Bishonen'” (music insider).

The TV personality Fumikazu Hamanaka, who announced his resignation from SMILE-UP. in the middle of last month, said in a radio program,

“Please let the Ae! Group debut as soon as possible. Please!”

He knew that the group had overcome hardships and was pushing forward toward their debut.

 

“The group’s fans were indeed in for a big shock. There is some criticism of Fukumoto, but many are concerned about the loss of motivation among the current members. They are worried that some members may leave the group.”

At a press conference held last year, STARTO COO Yoshihiko Inohara said, “The concept of debut is changing.”

 

He also stated that the company would be more flexible than in the old Johnny’s days. Even so, fans are still hoping for a “debut = major single release” that will remain as a formality.

“I’m too sad that they can’t make their CD debut after supporting them all this way.”

Some of the volunteers are prepared to go directly to the new president, Mr. Fukuda.

What does Fukumoto, who left after causing so much turmoil, think about now?