Comeback and Re-Evaluation of Former Johnny’s Talent

NHK announced on October 16th during a regular press conference that it would resume featuring talent previously associated with the former Johnny & Associates agency.

“However, just four days later, the broadcast of NHK Special: The True Face of Johnny Kitagawa’s ‘Idol Empire’ caused distrust from Johnny’s side, leading to speculation that they might choose not to participate. In fact, negotiations for their appearance in the New Year’s Eve Kohaku Uta Gassen seemed to be difficult,” said a source from an advertising agency.

Last year, the late Johnny Kitagawa’s sexual abuse issues, which became a social issue after being covered by the BBC, led to a series of talent and commercial withdrawals. However, due to the agency’s name change, compensation to victims, and measures to prevent recurrence being well-received, the talent has been allowed to appear again in programs and commercials on commercial broadcasters.

“Former Johnny’s talents have popularity, recognition, and a large fan base. The broadcasters understand that casting them will yield stable ratings. This will connect to higher viewership among the core demographic (ages 13–49), and also increase streaming numbers on catch-up services,” said a producer at a major network.

A record company insider adds, “There are additional benefits to the resumption of appearances.”

“In the past, it was an unspoken rule that former Johnny’s talents were not to appear alongside rival idol groups. However, the new structure no longer has such no-collaboration rules, allowing programs to cast in a more fresh and creative way. The talents have always gotten along well with each other, regardless of their agencies, so the atmosphere on set is harmonious.”

Also, according to the aforementioned key network producer, “Not having to forcefully cast younger talents is a significant advantage.”

The advancement of the entertainment industry’s clean-up or sanitization efforts.

“It’s the so-called barter. In the past, when we made an offer for Arashi to appear, we were asked to create a regular show for lesser-known juniors or continue appearances for certain groups.

However, after the sexual abuse issue surfaced and former Johnny’s talents were no longer available, I realized once again that they had star power, were skilled at variety shows, and could act. In this era of multi-channel broadcasting, talented individuals are in high demand. It became clear that ‘TV can’t function without the former Johnny’s talents’—no room for favoritism.”

As for the re-evaluation of former Johnny’s talents, a director from a production company named Kazuhiro Inohara (48) and Fuma Kikuchi (29) of timelesz.

“When Inochi attended the apology press conference, he was criticized online, but I thought, ‘To respond with such sincerity amid tough questions was impressive.’ Kikuchi has a strong presence and buzz power. He’s capable of taking on physical challenges and has great acting skills, so his name comes up in casting meetings from both variety and drama departments.”

Following the transformation of the former Johnny & Associates, the entertainment industry is becoming healthier.

“There were people at the TV stations who were involved in actions close to sexual abuse, and other major agencies were also engaging in aggressive bartering. That has drastically decreased. Talented individuals are now receiving fair evaluations,” said the same production company director.

After the improvement in the industry’s practices, we can only hope that the entertainment world can restart healthily.

From the December 6, 2024 issue of FRIDAY