Is It Acceptable for 30 Managers to Rotate? The Serious Risks Talents Face in Personal Offices

But she is very hard on her relatives.

At the end of August, Chinatsu Wakatsuki (40) left “Platinum Production,” where she had been affiliated for 23 years, and became independent.

“As she revealed on a talk show, she has changed managers 30 times over the past 23 years. Her sharpness in conversation and quick thinking are well-known, but she is said to be tough on her ‘inner circle.’ There are concerns about whether her new staff will be able to manage her well after her independence,” said a director from a production company.

Since the Japan Fair Trade Commission issued a warning to the former Johnny’s agency in 2019 for allegedly pressuring three members of the former “SMAP,” including Shingo Katori (47), not to appear on television, the number of entertainers becoming independent or transferring has been increasing.

“It is also significant that Hiroaki Niihara (65), a Cabinet Office Councilor, has been keeping an eye on entertainment production companies that exert blatant pressure after being consulted by his wife, Momoko Kikuchi (56),” said an executive from an entertainment agency.

While it is a positive development if one can become a star without the backing or push of an agency, key network producers say, “There are risks for talents in individual agencies.”

The Responsibility that Comes with the Freedom of Independence

“Since it would be problematic if they were to be offended and leave, entertainment agencies have found it increasingly difficult to educate and manage the private lives of their affiliated talents. Nonetheless, they are breaking away, which indicates a strong sense of independence. Conflicts must be anticipated. It is even more serious for those who have been active independently from the start.

The surrounding staff often rely on the talents for their livelihood, resulting in many cases where they cannot voice their opinions. A prime example is Huwa-chan (30), who was forced to suspend her entertainment activities due to inappropriate comments. It is easy for such individuals to develop a king-like misunderstanding of their behavior, and there are no talents available to step in if they cause scandals. It is common for them to lack the ability to pay penalties. There is an increasing sentiment that “talents from major agencies are more reliable.”

Yoshimoto Kogyo holds a large compliance training session once a year, gathering its affiliated comedians at an event venue. They provide strict guidance on social media management as well.

“I haven’t heard of any companies, aside from Yoshimoto or influencer-type agencies, that provide guidance on social media under company direction. Many entertainment agencies are small to medium-sized enterprises, and individualized training is often the best they can do. In my case, while we do not excessively interfere in their private lives, we make it clear that any trouble caused will result in immediate contract termination, and they will have to pay any penalties themselves.

Back when blogs were the primary platform, our staff would review posts and only upload those that received approval. Now, with the immense increase in the variety of social media, it’s challenging to check everything. Many agencies leave social media management to the talents themselves. We communicate the risks of scandals thoroughly, so there are few talents who engage in strange posts or behavior.” said an executive from an entertainment agency.

The previously mentioned key network producer pointed out, “It’s crucial whether they are blessed with staff who can provide robust support for the talents.”

“When a scandal occurs, if there are dedicated staff who believe in the talent’s abilities and support them selflessly, recovery is possible. If they have skill and recognition, there are countless paths for a comeback, such as on Netflix.”

This suggests that freedom comes with responsibility and a sense of resolve.

From the September 27 and October 4 combined issue of FRIDAY