Target: Mr. Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan
Goal: Ensure justice for the alleged victims of child sexual abuse by a talent agency.
A troubling issue of child sexual abuse allegations has emerged in relation to Johnny and Associates, Japan’s biggest talent agency, founded by the late Johnny Kitagawa. Former J-pop idols and trainees have come forward with multiple accusations of sexual abuse, some claiming to have been assaulted as many as 40 times during their time at the agency. Shockingly, some of the victims were elementary school students at the time of the alleged abuse.
These anonymous allegations were first reported in the 1990s, but the issue remained largely unaddressed by mainstream media and fans until recently. The release of a BBC documentary in March prompted widespread attention and concern about the abuse that reportedly spanned from the 1950s to 2016.
The United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, consisting of five human rights experts, is now conducting an investigation into this matter during their visit to Japan. Their presence sheds international scrutiny on an issue of significant domestic interest and raises questions about how Johnny Kitagawa operated with apparent impunity for decades.
Sign below and demand that the Prime Minister give these experts the accommodations they require to do a thorough investigation.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Fumio Kishida,
We are writing to express our profound concern and outrage regarding the multiple accusations of child sexual abuse against the late Johnny Kitagawa, founder of Johnny and Associates talent agency. The allegations, involving former J-pop idols and trainees who claim to have endured abuse during their time at the agency, are deeply distressing and demand immediate attention.
We urge you to take urgent action and ensure a thorough investigation into this matter. It is essential to address human rights concerns related to business and workplace settings, especially in light of the serious allegations against a prominent figure like Johnny Kitagawa.
The perpetrators, regardless of their status or stature, must be held accountable for their alleged actions, even in the aftermath of Johnny Kitagawa’s passing. Justice must be served for the victims of these alleged abuses and this investigation by human rights experts must be prioritized. We demand that you give ample access and consideration to this team of investigators during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Artem Labunsky
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