Companies and Local Governments Withdraw Advertising Support Amidst Johnny Kitagawa Sexual Assault Admission

Following the admission by Johnny’s Entertainment Inc that the deceased Johnny Kitagawa was involved in sexual assault, various companies are now refraining from advertising their talents. This decision stems from these companies’ recognition that engaging with an organization implicated in serious human rights violations is both unethical and unacceptable. Consequently, they are closely monitoring developments related to relief efforts, compensation, and preventive measures to determine the appropriate course of action. In contrast, there are isolated cases, like Osaka City, that have expressed their intent to maintain their contracts, citing that the talents themselves should not bear responsibility for the actions of others. Below are the responses received from companies and local governments utilizing talents associated with Johnny’s Entertainment in their advertisements.

On September 11th, after the Johnny Agency admitted that the late Johnny Kitagawa had committed a sexual assault, companies began to move to delay advertising their talent. The photo was taken at the press conference of the office held in Tokyo on the 7th (2023, Reuters / Kim Kyung-Hoon)

TOKYO (Reuters) – After Johnny’s Entertainment Inc admitted that the late Johnny Kitagawa committed sexual assault, companies are starting to move away from advertising their talent. Many companies have decided that they cannot do business with the same company that has clearly committed human rights violations, and are considering how to respond while monitoring future trends in relief, compensation, and measures to prevent this from happening. happen again On the other hand, there are cases like Osaka City, which has made it clear that it intends to continue the contract, stating that “the talent is not to blame.”

The responses of companies and local governments that use their related talents in advertisements are as follows.

◎Asahi Group Holdings (2502.T)

As long as clear victim relief and basic corrections to the organization’s management are not recognized, it has been decided that continuing to do business with the company is against the company’s policy of respecting human rights. “We believe it is our responsibility to seek corrections and redress and help resolve the matter, and we have asked Johnny’s Office to take serious measures to promptly resolve the matter, including promptly implementing measures to prevent a recurrence and provide relief to the victims.” We ask that you take appropriate action.”

◎ Suntory Holdings (SUNTH.UL)

“I made a written request on September 11th to strongly ask the office to seriously move forward with concrete measures to alleviate the victim and measures to prevent this from happening again, including strengthening its governance system. that the remedies and measures to prevent this happening again are sufficient.

◎ Kirin Holdings (2503.T)

Although he announced his intention to provide relief to victims and implement measures to prevent this from happening again, he pointed out that “the concrete measures, speed, and current governance structure are not sufficiently accepted by society.’ ‘”As a result of internal consideration, we have decided not to sign an agreement until Johnny & Associates announces and implements specific measures, and demonstrates a clear human rights policy and corporate governance from a third party perspective.”

◎Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, a subsidiary of Tokio Marine Holdings (8766.T)

Following the publication of the external report, it was decided not to renew the contract for advertising appearances. We are also considering canceling the contract mid-term. “We do not tolerate any form of harassment from the point of view of respecting human rights. We ask our business partners to understand and cooperate with these efforts.”

◎Japan Airlines (9201.T)

“We will continue to closely monitor the status of consideration in terms of prevention of recurrence and relief for victims, and we will postpone the use of this advertisement until we confirm that appropriate measures are being taken.”

◎P&G Japan

“We are working with the office to prioritize support for victims and ask for a concrete action plan to build the necessary systems to prevent this from happening again. We strongly request the office to provide details of the action plan. in implementing these initiatives. We will make decisions on hiring talent based on the content and outcomes of the series of initiatives.”

◎Itoham, a subsidiary of Itoham Yonekyu Holdings (2296.T)

“It is a matter of great regret. I really hope that this matter will be seriously addressed under the new system. We are considering what to do with the commercial contracts of our talent.”

◎Sagawa Express, a subsidiary of SG Holdings (9143.T)

“At the moment, we are considering future measures.”

◎ Japan McDonald’s Holdings (2702.T)

“We will refrain from answering as it relates to the details of individual agreements, but we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

◎ Nissan Oilio Group (2602.T)

“We will reconsider the matter. Under the new system announced at our office press conference, we will confirm our sincere apology, relief and compensation to victims of sexual violence, and our activities to prevent it from happening again.”

◎ Nissan Motors (7201.T)

The company called the incident “very regrettable” as it violates the company’s basic policy on respecting human rights. “We have made a strong request to the agency through the agency in charge that we ask them to improve their governance immediately. We will confirm and respond to the reforms that the agency will take and the efforts to prevent them from happening again.”

◎ Kose (4922.T)

“There has been some criticism from some users about the appointment, but we cannot make a decision at this time, so we will respond appropriately in terms of future appointments while carefully checking the reforms and initiatives taken. by the agency.”

◎ Morinaga & Co. (2201.T)

“Nothing has been decided at the moment, but we will demand that the agency take steps to prevent this from happening again and provide relief and compensation to victims, and we will keep a close eye on future developments .”

◎ Fujia(2211.T)

“We have no plans to change the agreement at the moment, but we will keep an eye on future developments and take appropriate measures.”

◎ Ebara Foods Industry (2819.T)

“We have no plans to run any ads at the moment, which was our plan from the start, but we will consider what to do in the future.”

◎ Sapporo Holdings (2501.T)

“We are extremely disappointed with the facts. At the moment, the contract is not terminated because of this incident, but of course there is a possibility that changes can be made during marketing considerations.”

◎ Sumitomo Metal Mining (5713.T)

“Consider measures at this time”

◎ Osaka City Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama (regular press conference on the 8th)

“We are not aware of any problems with our talent,” “We have no intention of canceling their contract at this time,” and “The talent continues to work with pride, and we will collaborate with them in Osaka.”I want to liven up the

(Mayu Sakoda, Miho Uranaka, Kaori Kaneko, Kantaro Komiya, Maki Shiraki)

Our Code of Conduct: Thomson Reuters “Principles of Trust”

Kantaro writes about everything from Japanese economic indicators to North Korean missiles to global regulation of AI companies. His previous stories have been published in the Associated Press, Bloomberg, the Japan Times and Rest of World. A native of Tokyo, Kantaro graduated from DePauw University in the United States and received the Foreign Press Club Foundation’s 2020 Scholar Award.

#Infobox #Johnny #sexual #assault #case #companies #rocked #talent #ads #Reuters