Takuya Kimura Faces Backlash Over Solo Concert Remarks on Abuse Victims

Nagatō, who exposed the sexual assault, voiced criticism. The image of the person has been completely overturned.

Speaking of Kimura, he has a past of causing a major uproar with an Instagram post. On September 7 of last year, the former Johnny’s Entertainment held a press conference, admitting the truth of the sexual abuse committed by Johnny Kitagawa and issuing an apology.

After the conference, Kimura posted a show that must go on! on Instagram. This phrase, meaning the show must continue, was a saying that Johnny Kitagawa had valued and passed down during his lifetime.

However, posting this phrase at such a sensitive time, which reminded people of Kitagawa, led to a backlash accusing Kimura of showing a lack of consideration for the victims. The post was later deleted.

Then, with his recent remarks at a concert, the controversy flared up again. The news site “Shūkan Josei PRIME” published an article titled, “‘It’s as if I’m the only victim’—Takuya Kimura makes another out of touch comment, his words during the live MC pour fuel on the fire” (original text preserved). In response, Koji Nagatō, a former junior who publicly accused Johnny Kitagawa of sexual abuse, shared the article’s link on his X (formerly Twitter) account, criticizing Kimura with the following remarks.

“I used to admire SMAP and joined the agency because of them. There’s never been anyone whose image has turned upside down like this. Whether it’s careless or not, how many times is this? There are still many victims, like us, who are suffering and wounded. I hope you’ll refrain from making thoughtless statements.”

I can only hope that one day the victims will be able to live peacefully.