J-Pop Idol Kauan Okamoto Makes Shocking Revelation — Alleges Former Label President Had Habitually Sexually Assaulted Him
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Kauan Okamoto, who is a former member of the J-Pop group Johnny’s Jr, alleged he was habitually sexually assaulted by his former agency’s late founder, Johnny Kitagawa.
On April 12, a video of Kauan Okamoto was uploaded to the YouTube channel of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (FCCJ).
In the video, Kauan Okamoto alleged that he was sexually assaulted by Johnny Kitagawa. According to the idol, while being signed to Johnny Kitagawa’s label during 2012-2016, he was sexually assaulted 15-20 times.
Johnny Kitagawa, who passed away in 2019, founded Johnny & Associates in 1962. He is heralded as Japan’s godfather of idols after having successfully launched the careers of famous Japanese groups such as SMAP and Arashi.
Johnny Kitagawa had previously faced allegations of sexual assault during his lifetime. BBC recently released a documentary titled, Predator: The Secret Scandal of J-Pop, which reignited the allegations.
Kauan Okamoto also revealed that he knew of three more victims and alleged that there might be more.
Not including me, I am sure there are at least three more victims. Almost everyone who visited Kitagawa’s house would have experienced being a victim. Although a part of me is still thankful for (Kitagawa), I believe his acts are bad.
— Kauan Okamoto
Kauan Okamoto then stated just how much influence Johnny Kitagawa had in Japan’s entertainment industry.
In the past, dramas, endorsements, and the debut of a singer were all decided by Kitagawa. I wanted to be recognized by the top brass in Johnny & Associates. Now, I hope incidents like these disappear from Japan’s entertainment industry.
— Kauan Okamoto
Johnny & Associates responded to Kauan Okamoto’s allegations stating, “Management and employees will thoroughly follow the laws. We will strengthen (the company’s) governance by receiving cooperation from neutral experts.”
You can watch the full press conference in the link below.
