On this week¡¯s episode we discuss the life and recent death of Johnny Kitagawa, the secretive mega mogul behind some of Japan¡¯s biggest music acts, including SMAP, Arashi and Hey! Say! Jump. Despite his success, Kitagawa¡¯s career was not without controversy, and allegations of sexual abuse of underage employees have followed him for the past 30 years.
Joining to discuss are Japan Times entertainment columnist and , author of ¡°Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style.¡±
Further reading:
- Johnny Kitagawa: The mogul who defined and controlled Japan¡¯s entertainment industry (The Japan Times)
- Johnny Kitagawa, founder of agency that launched numerous boy bands, dead at 87 (The Japan Times)
- (The New York Times)
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