Arashi member seeks apologies from Kitagawa in new book

Asahi Shimbun

16-06-2025

Kazunari Ninomiya with his book, 'Dokudan to Henken' (Provided by Shueisha Inc.)
Kazunari Ninomiya, a member of popular idol group Arashi, said he expects an apology from a now-dead show-business guru whose sex abuse scandal led to the demise of the group's talent agency.
In a book to be published on June 17, Ninomiya responded to a question: 'Who do you want to meet most now, and what do you want to hear and get from the person?'
He named Johnny Kitagawa, the founder of Arashi's former agency, Johnny & Associates Inc.
An internal investigation by the company found that Kitagawa had sexually abused hundreds of boys and young men who belonged to the agency.
'I want Johnny Kitagawa to apologize with all his heart and soul,' Ninomiya wrote in the book 'Dokudan to Henken' (My personal views). 'I want him to apologize for depriving me of the office I had cherished or the place I had belonged to.'
Ninomiya, known as Nino among fans, did not directly mention his views of the sex abuse scandal of Kitagawa, who died in 2019 at age 87.
But he wrote that he has no objection to dropping the name 'Johnny' from the agency's name.
Johnny & Associates announced on Oct. 2, 2023, that it would change its name to Smile-Up Inc. to focus on providing compensation to sex abuse victims and also establish a new company to take over its talent management business.
Ninomiya left Johnny & Associates as an individual the same month, becoming one of the first members to review their relationships with the agency. Arashi has suspended group activities since 2020.
'When I thought about my future work, I could not stay with the office, which was unlikely to gain trust and recognition based on global standards,' Ninomiya wrote. 'It is not something for me to speak about lightly because there are victims (of sexual abuse), but I had never thought that office would be gone.'
During a meeting with reporters before the publication, Ninomiya was asked why he chose Kitagawa as the person he wanted to meet most.
'If he had not caused others trouble, the office I had been with would not have disappeared and I would not have followed the path I have done,' he said.
Referring to Kitagawa as 'aitsu' (that guy), he added, 'Apart from the problem that attracted public attention, I had long thought that something is wrong with him being completely silent.'
Ninomiya also said he wants Kitagawa to apologize for the scandal.
Although Kitagawa is dead, Ninomiya said he wants to discuss the issue with him 'person to person.'
Ninomiya said he believes Kitagawa would apologize if he were to meet with him.
In the book to be published by Shueisha Inc., Ninomiya shares his thoughts in response to 100 questions about topics ranging from Arashi to his work after leaving the agency.