Johnny’s Sexual Abuse Issue Reflects a Wider Problem as Only 0.2% of Male Victims Seek Help, Specialist Warns

The issue of sexual abuse by the late Johnny Kitagawa, founder of the now-defunct Johnny’s Entertainment, was brought to light last March when the BBC aired a long-form documentary. This issue was also addressed at the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting held in Switzerland this June, where various human rights violations facing Japan, including Kitagawa’s sexual abuse problems, were discussed.

“Even men can become victims of sexual violence”—In March 2023, Takashi (a pseudonym), while studying abroad in Europe, was reminded of horrifying memories from over a decade ago after watching the BBC documentary “Predator: The Secret Scandal of J-Pop.” 

At the time, Takashi (a pseudonym), who was a graduate student at a prestigious national university in Japan, was highly regarded as a future scholar. He had just published his first book with a major publisher, and invitations to give lectures from organizations that had read his book began to trickle in, which he actively accepted. Although it might have seemed like his career was smooth sailing from the outside, his mind was always filled with anxiety.

Due to his family background—his father and grandfather were university professors—Takashi had always been convinced that he would also become a university professor in the future. However, he failed his university entrance exams. Reluctantly, he graduated from the economics department of a famous private university and initially worked for a global corporation, but he left the job as he couldn’t find any interest in it. He then re-entered his first-choice national university, and although belatedly, he started to see a path to living as a scholar.

However, the difficult part starts here. Many young researchers find themselves in non-regular positions in university research labs and face harsh research environments. The number of teaching positions at universities is extremely limited, and the employment rate for those with doctoral degrees is lower than for those with undergraduate or master’s degrees. Few companies hire individuals with doctoral degrees.

“I nearly felt like I was going to die from the pressure while writing papers, but it’s even worse now.”

Takashi often expressed this to his friends.

It was during such a time that he was victimized. After giving a lecture in a regional city, Takashi was invited to dinner by a woman who was the event organizer.

“Your talk was so moving, Professor. It’s wonderful to see such a young and promising person. I will continue to support you in the future.”

The woman, dressed in a high-end suit, beamed with excitement and started walking towards a nearby park, eager to hear more.

One must not offend influential people. Reluctantly following along, Takashi was suddenly led to a shaded area and had his lips seized. “What are you doing? Please stop,” he protested, but was told, “It’s okay. I’m just giving you a little reward.” He was laughed at with a giggle. His lower body was groped, and his zipper was lowered. He trembled with shock and disgust. “Oh, how cute,” the woman said as she buried her face in Takashi’s groin.

“I could have refused, but I was afraid of being embarrassed and resented, so I couldn’t. Moreover, I became aroused and climaxed in her mouth. I can’t forgive myself.”

Several days later, he confided in a friend and sobbed. Over ten years had passed since the assault. Takashi had returned to Japan and was close to achieving his long-desired professorship, but the emotional scars have not healed.