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Rumors of Sexual Assault in the Japanese Boy Band Industry
For decades, rumors about teenage boy band members being sexually assaulted by the late talent agency impresario Johnny Kitagawa circulated within the Japanese entertainment industry. Despite the magnitude of these allegations, mainstream Japanese media chose to ignore them, leading to a significant lack of awareness among the general public.
The Silence of Mainstream Japanese Media
Toshio Takeshita, a journalism professor at Meiji University in Tokyo, sheds light on why the mainstream Japanese media deliberately overlooked such a critical issue. According to Takeshita, several factors contributed to this silence.
Influence and Power of Talent Agencies
One major reason for the media’s hesitation to report on the allegations was the immense influence and power held by talent agencies like Johnny Kitagawa’s. These agencies heavily depend on close relationships with the media to promote their artists and maintain their popularity. Any negative publicity, especially related to sexual assault, could have severe consequences for both the agency and the media outlet, potentially jeopardizing their lucrative relationship.
Fear of Lawsuits and Reputational Damage
Moreover, Takeshita points out that journalists in Japan are often cautious about reporting on sensitive issues due to the country’s strict defamation laws. Accusing powerful figures like Johnny Kitagawa of sexual assault without concrete evidence could lead to legal repercussions, causing media outlets to shy away from such controversies to protect themselves. The fear of facing costly lawsuits and damaging their reputation discourages journalists from pursuing investigative reporting on delicate matters.
Cultural Norms and Silence Around Taboo Topics
Another significant factor contributing to the media’s silence is deeply rooted cultural norms in Japan. The country’s society tends to avoid openly discussing taboo subjects, including sexual assault. This silence perpetuates a culture of ignorance and disempowerment, allowing perpetrators to operate without consequences.
Protecting the Image of Boy Bands
Furthermore, Takeshita suggests that another reason for media’s indifference towards the rumors of sexual assault in the boy band industry was the desire to protect the idols’ images. Boy bands are incredibly popular in Japan, and their clean, innocent image is a fundamental component of their appeal. Acknowledging the allegations against their managers could tarnish the band members’ images, potentially leading to a decline in their popularity and, consequently, financial losses for talent agencies. The media, therefore, prioritizes preserving the lucrative success of boy bands over shedding light on the truth.
The Consequences of Ignoring the Rumors
The consequences of the mainstream Japanese media’s long-standing silence are multifaceted. Firstly, it perpetuates a culture of secrecy and enables the continuous victimization of the teenage boy band members. Without media attention, these victims are left without a platform to raise awareness of their abuse and seek justice. Secondly, by turning a blind eye to such allegations, the media fails to hold those in power accountable, allowing them to continue their exploitative practices unchecked. Lastly, the lack of public knowledge about the issue prevents necessary societal discussions and reforms, hindering progress in protecting vulnerable individuals from sexual assault.
© AP
