The head of a talent agency was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a contracted actress, and it has also come to light that he had fabricated his career history in the entertainment industry, causing a major stir.
According to local media reports on the 16th, Japanese police arrested Takuma Yamanaka (39), the agency head, on charges of sexual assault using authority in the course of duty. The incident was widely reported by major broadcasters and media outlets, shocking local society.
Police say that in August 2023, Yamanaka allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in her 20s, identified as actress A, at the agency’s office in Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture, and nearby lodging facilities. He is believed to have lured the victim outside on the pretext of going for a walk, creating a situation where they were alone before committing the crime.
The victim reported the incident to the police afterward and gave detailed statements about the situation during the investigation. However, Yamanaka denies the charges in police questioning, claiming that while there was sexual contact, it was not forced.
After the incident became known, Yamanaka’s background also came under scrutiny. He had introduced himself as a former member of Johnny & Associates (now SMILE-UP.), claiming to have been a junior member from age 12 to 20 and to have performed as a backup dancer for a famous group. In past media interviews, he presented himself as a “former Johnny’s entertainment manager.”
However, after some Japanese media checked with SMILE-UP., it was confirmed that Yamanaka was never affiliated with the agency. Suspicions have been raised that he exploited supposed connections and experience in the entertainment industry to build trust and then used that to commit the crime.
Locally, the case has been criticized as a typical abuse of power within the entertainment industry, with ongoing calls for thorough investigation to protect the victim and prevent further harm. The police are currently expanding the investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the crime and whether there are additional offenses.
