Johnny & Associates#Traineess

In 1962, Kitagawa launched his first group, Johnnys. In its early days, Kitagawa's agency rented an office space owned by Watanabe Productions, operating under its management as well. Six years later, Four Leaves, a boy band created by the agency, became successful. Four Leaves left a lasting legacy to the industry because it was produced as a "Group sounds band that does not play instruments", a product of Kitagawa's taste for emphasizing the attributes, personality and physical abilities of a performer. Kitagawa formed a number of other successful acts, such as Masahiko Kondō, whose song {{nihongo|"Orokamono"|愚か者|Fool}}, won the 1987 Japan Record Award,{{cite web|url=http://www.jacompa.or.jp/rekishi/s1959.htm |title=List of Winners from 1959–2007 |publisher=Japan Record Award |access-date=2009-12-15 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219170108/http://www.jacompa.or.jp/rekishi/s1959.htm |archive-date=2010-02-19 }} and Hikaru Genji, the first Johnny group with three singles on the Japanese Oricon yearly chart in 1988.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/71742/full/|script-title=ja:嵐、史上初の"CD、DVD4 冠"達成～シングルTOP3独占は光GENJI以来21年ぶり|publisher=Oricon|date=2009-12-18|access-date=2009-12-18|language=ja|archive-date=December 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091219194124/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/71742/full/|url-status=live}}

Johnny & Associates played an integral role in the post-war growth of Japanese boy bands and the idol industry. While there were idols since the 1970s who were able to sing and dance at the same time, the agency popularized the idea of performance-oriented idols in the 1980s. Kitagawa himself was credited with pioneering the idol system where trainees (known as Johnny Jr.) are admitted into the agency at a young age to train in singing, dancing, and acting until their debut.{{cite news | first=Natsuko | last=Fukue | url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2009/04/14/reference/so-you-wanna-be-a-johnny/#.XXafruTsaUk | title=So, you wanna be a Johnny? | work=The Japan Times | date=2009-04-14 | access-date=2019-09-04 | archive-date=August 21, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821013829/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2009/04/14/reference/so-you-wanna-be-a-johnny/#.XXafruTsaUk | url-status=live }}

Around the 1990s, Johnny & Associates' marketing strategy changed to include variety show hosting as a specialty in their talents.{{cite news | first=Philip | last=Brasor | url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/05/10/national/media-national/brush-pop-idol-feuds-exam/ | title=Brush up on pop idol feuds before the exam | work=The Japan Times | date=2014-05-10 | access-date=2021-05-11 | archive-date=June 29, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629235744/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/05/10/national/media-national/brush-pop-idol-feuds-exam/ | url-status=live }}{{cite news | first=Mariko | last=Oi | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-19279741 | title=Japanese boy band SMAP's 20 years at the top | work=BBC News | date=2012-08-17 | access-date=2020-11-19 | archive-date=December 2, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202211949/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-19279741 | url-status=live }} At the time, the agency focused on marketing the singing and dancing talents of their acts until they would retire around age 25 as they aged out of the industry. Taking note of former Shibugakitai member Hirohide Yakumaru's success as an MC on Hanamaru, Johnny & Associates subsequently trained their more recent groups to have public personas as well.

During the 1990s Johnny & Associates began declining nominations from the Japan Record Awards and the Japan Academy Awards, partly due to a dispute about the musical genre of one of their groups at the 32nd Japan Record Awards.{{cite news|date=2006-12-20|script-title=ja:キムタクが日本アカデミー賞辞退|language=ja|newspaper=Nikkan Sports|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/cinema/p-et-tp1-20061220-132636.html|access-date=2009-09-04|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125060620/https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/cinema/p-et-tp1-20061220-132636.html|url-status=live}} Another reason cited was that the nominations would engender competition among Johnny groups and with other nominees.{{cite web|date=2006-12-20|title=Kimutaku Declines Academy Nomination|url=http://www.japan-zone.com/news/2006/12/20/kimutaku_declines_academy_nomination.shtml|access-date=2009-12-17|publisher=Japan Zone|archive-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604144216/http://www.japan-zone.com/news/2006/12/20/kimutaku_declines_academy_nomination.shtml|url-status=live}}

In 1997 the agency founded a record label, Johnny's Entertainment. Also, a New Year's Eve countdown concert is held live on Fuji TV from the Tokyo Dome since 1996 known as Johnny's Countdown Live with a different theme each year.

In 2006, Oricon sued journalist Hiro Ugaya when he was quoted in a Cyzo magazine article suggesting that the company manipulated its statistics to benefit certain management companies and labels (specifically, Johnny & Associates). Ugaya condemned the action as a strategic lawsuit against public participation,{{cite web |last=Prideaux |first=Eric |date=2007-02-08 |title=Libel suit attacks free speech: defendant |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2007/02/08/national/libel-suit-attacks-free-speech-defendant/ |work=The Japan Times Online |location=Japan |access-date=2014-11-02 |archive-date=July 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728014643/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2007/02/08/national/libel-suit-attacks-free-speech-defendant/ |url-status=live }} and it was later dropped by Oricon with no charges filed against the journalist.

In 2007, a temporary Johnny's Jr. group, Hey! Say! 7, broke a record as the youngest male group to ever top Oricon charts, with an average age of 14.8 years. Later that year, Hey! Say! JUMP broke a record as the largest group to debut in Johnny's history, with ten members.{{Cite web |date=8 June 2022 |title=Hey! Say! JUMP【デビュー日・曲】年齢も紹介！ |url=https://r4.quicca.com/~giunchi5/j-west7/hey-say-jump-debut/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230412080408/https://r4.quicca.com/~giunchi5/j-west7/hey-say-jump-debut/ |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |access-date=12 April 2023 |website=Quicca 全国へ轟け/ジャニスト節 |language=Japanese }}{{Cite web |date=26 January 2019 |title=時代を駆け抜けるアイドル・Hey!Say!JUMPの魅力とは |url=https://okmusic.jp/news/318396 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230412080418/https://okmusic.jp/news/318396 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |access-date=12 April 2023 |website=OK Music |language=Japanese }}

By 2008, Johnny & Associates was known as the "top 3" recording artist companies.{{cite magazine |first=Steve |last=McClure |date=2008-01-12 |title=Surround Sound: Japan's 360-Degree Model Draws Admiring Glances |page=20 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LRMEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA20 |magazine=Billboard |volume=170 |issue=2 |location=United States |access-date=2019-09-10 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308071455/https://books.google.com/books?id=LRMEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA20 |url-status=live }}{{failed verification |date=March 2024 |reason=I can't find "top 3" in the article. The phrasing of the sentence seems incorrect. What is it trying to say? What does 'top 3' mean?}}

File:Johnnys.jpg

On November 19, 2010, Masahiko Kondo received the Best Vocal Performance award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards; Kondo was the first Johnny recipient since Ninja refused to perform live at the 1990 awards.{{cite news|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/entertainment/82262/full/|script-title=ja:レコ大20年ぶりジャニーズ 転機となるか|language=ja|work=Nikkan Sports|publisher=Oricon|date=2010-11-20|access-date=2010-11-20}}

On September 18, 2011, Kitagawa received Guinness World Record awards for the most number-one singles (232) and the most concerts (8,419 from 1974 to 2010) produced by an individual. His shows have been attended by an estimated 48,234,550 people.{{cite news |title = Johnny Kitagawa has been presented with two Guinness World Records |url = http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/adele-scoops-triple-world-record-success-in-new-guinness-world-records/ |publisher = Guinness World Records |access-date = 2011-09-18 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140209095026/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/adele-scoops-triple-world-record-success-in-new-guinness-world-records/ |archive-date = February 9, 2014 |url-status = dead }}

In 2016, SMAP, which had been active for 30 years and was called a nationally popular group, suddenly broke up.{{cite web |title=An Aging Boy Band Calls It Quits, but Japan Can't Let Go |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/20/world/asia/japan-smap-breakup.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=2024-06-11 |language=English |date=Aug 19, 2016}}{{cite web |title=Breakup of beloved boyband Smap shocks Japanese pop fans |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/13/breakup-beloved-boyband-smap-shocks-japanese-pop-fans |website=the Guardian |access-date=2024-06-11 |language=English |date=13 Jan 2016}} The reason was said to be a feud between the female manager Michi Iijima in charge{{cite web |title=Breakup of beloved band SMAP highlights the state of J-pop |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Breakup-of-beloved-band-SMAP-highlights-the-state-of-J-pop |website=asia.nikkei.com |access-date=2024-06-11 |language=English |date=August 25, 2016}} and Mary Yasuko Fujishima, who was an executive at the office, a sister of Johnny Kitagawa. Iijima later established a new company, and the three members who left the office belonged to her company.{{cite web |title=Ex-SMAP trio launch fan site hinting at October debut under new management |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2017/09/22/entertainment-news/ex-smap-trio-launch-fan-site-hinting-october-debut-new-management/ |website=Japan Times |access-date=2024-06-11 |language=English |date=Sep 22, 2017}}{{Refn|For some time after this, the three who resigned from Johnny's were unable to get jobs, and in July 2019, the Fair Trade Commission issued a warning to the Johnny's for allegedly pressuring them not to appear on TV, which could violate the Antimonopoly Act (Japan).{{cite web |title=ジャニーズに公取委が注意 元ＳＭＡＰテレビ出演めぐり |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASM7K74PLM7KUTIL04W.html |website=asahi.com |access-date=2024-06-11 |language=Japanese |date=2019-07-18}}}}

In 2018, Johnny & Associates, especially Kitagawa, who had been previously known for strictly controlling access to their acts, established a YouTube channel for their trainee groups, Johnny's Jr.{{cite news | first=Patrick | last=St. Michel | url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2019/07/10/entertainment-news/johnny-kitagawa-mogul-defined-controlled-japans-entertainment-industry/#.XfZcDetS9_o | title=Johnny Kitagawa: The mogul who defined and controlled Japan's entertainment industry | work=The Japan Times | date=2019-07-10 | access-date=2021-05-10 | archive-date=May 11, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511090157/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2019/07/10/entertainment-news/johnny-kitagawa-mogul-defined-controlled-japans-entertainment-industry/#.XfZcDetS9_o | url-status=live }}{{cite news | first=Patrick | last=St. Michel | url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2018/03/22/music/just-let-johnnys-jr-johnnys-jr/#.XXAf_-TsaUk | title=Just let Johnny's Jr. be Johnny's Jr. | work=The Japan Times | date=2018-03-22 | access-date=2019-09-04 | archive-date=January 8, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108015727/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2018/03/22/music/just-let-johnnys-jr-johnnys-jr/#.XXAf_-TsaUk | url-status=live }} In January 2019, Hideaki Takizawa was named the president of a new subdivision of the company called Johnny's Island, where he would manage and oversee the debut of trainee group Snow Man.{{cite news | url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2127649/ | title=滝沢秀明氏、新会社「ジャニーズアイランド」社長に就任 Snow Man改編を発表 | language=ja | work=Oricon | date=2019-01-17 | access-date=2019-09-04 | archive-date=September 25, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925080137/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2127649/ | url-status=live }} After Kitagawa's death on July 9, 2019,{{cite news|title=Johnny Kitagawa dies at 87|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190710_04/|date=9 July 2019|work=NHK|access-date=July 10, 2019|archive-date=July 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710033211/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190710_04/|url-status=live}} his niece, Julie Keiko Fujishima was made the new president of the agency, while Takizawa and Suguru Shirahase became the vice presidents and Kitagawa's older sister, Mary Yasuko Fujishima, became the executive director.{{cite news | first=Crystalyn | last=Hodgkins | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-09-28/johnny-kitagawa-niece-takes-over-as-president-of-johnny-and-associates-talent-agency/.151644 | title=Johnny Kitagawa's Niece Takes Over as President of Johnny & Associates Talent Agency | work=Anime News Network | date=2019-09-28 | access-date=2019-09-28 | archive-date=September 28, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928235040/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-09-28/johnny-kitagawa-niece-takes-over-as-president-of-johnny-and-associates-talent-agency/.151644 | url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=ジャニーズ、メリー氏が名誉会長に 代表取締役会長退任 |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASN953DBZN95UTFL001.html |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=November 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103001408/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASN953DBZN95UTFL001.html | work=Asahi Shimbun |date=September 5, 2020 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.johnny-associates.co.jp/news/info-223/ | title=役員人事のお知らせ | work=Johnny & Associates | date=2019-09-27 | access-date=2019-10-17 | archive-date=October 30, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030130728/https://www.johnny-associates.co.jp/news/info-223/ | url-status=live }} However, Mary Yasuko Fujishima died on August 14, 2021.{{cite web |title=Mary Fujishima, J-pop matriarch of Johnny & Associates, dies at 93 |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2021/08/17/music/mary-fujishima-j-pop-johnnys/ |website=Japan Times |access-date=2024-06-11 |language=English |date=Aug 17, 2021}}

After that, Johnny & Associates made their discography available on streaming platforms and opened social media accounts.{{cite news | first=Patrick | last=St. Michel | url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2019/12/26/music/japan-music-2019/ | title=The dawn of a new era and a change in J-pop | work=The Japan Times | date=2019-12-26 | access-date=2021-05-10 | archive-date=May 11, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511115656/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2019/12/26/music/japan-music-2019/ | url-status=live }}{{Cite news|title=The history of mega Japan pop group Arashi and what will follow their legacy|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20201230/p2a/00m/0na/004000c|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607054926/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20201230/p2a/00m/0na/004000c|archive-date=June 7, 2021|access-date=June 7, 2021|website=Mainichi Shimbun|date=December 30, 2020 }}{{Cite web|title=ジャニーズ事務所、公式ツイッター始動か 海外ファンからも続々歓喜の声|url=https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Fumumu_237618/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607055242/https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Fumumu_237618/|archive-date=June 7, 2021|access-date=June 7, 2021|website=excite.co.jp|language=ja}}{{Cite web|title=Johnny & Associates opens official English-language Twitter account|url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2021/06/johnny-associates-opens-official-english-language-twitter-account|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601233717/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2021/06/johnny-associates-opens-official-english-language-twitter-account|archive-date=June 1, 2021|access-date=June 7, 2021|website=tokyohive}}{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/johnnys/status/1399848632803811329 |title=Johnny & Associates on Twitter: 'Hello World!… ' |access-date=June 7, 2021 |archive-date=June 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607063242/https://twitter.com/johnnys/status/1399848632803811329 |url-status=live }} On November 1, 2022, Takizawa resigned from his position as vice president and departed from Johnny & Associates.{{cite news | first=Haruka | last=Ito | url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221101/p2a/00m/0bu/009000c | title=Hideaki Takizawa quits as Johnny & Associates VP to move onto 'next stage' | work=Mainichi Shimbun | date=2022-11-01 | access-date=2023-03-15 | archive-date=March 16, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316060930/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221101/p2a/00m/0bu/009000c | url-status=live }} Yoshihiko Inohara, a former member of V6, replaced Takizawa as vice president.

On 4 September 2023 it was announced that Julie Fujishima would step down as president of the company and Noriyuki Higashiyama would become president.{{Cite web |date=4 September 2023 |title=〈独占〉東山紀之（56）がジャニーズ事務所の新社長に決定！ かつては藤島ジュリー景子氏（57）と交際の噂も… |url=https://bunshun.jp/articles/-/65544 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904125708/https://bunshun.jp/articles/-/65544 |archive-date=4 September 2023 |access-date=4 September 2023 |website=Bunshun |language=Japanese}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/2023/sep/27/japan-broadcaster-dropsboy-band-agencyjohnny--associates-after-admitting-sexual-abuse-allegations-2618729.html|title=Japan broadcaster drops boy band agency Johnny & Associates after admitting sexual abuse allegations|date=September 27, 2023|publisher=New Indian Express|access-date=September 28, 2023|archive-date=September 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928041130/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/2023/sep/27/japan-broadcaster-dropsboy-band-agencyjohnny--associates-after-admitting-sexual-abuse-allegations-2618729.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230927/p2a/00m/0na/009000c|title=Japan's NHK to halt new use of Johnny's entertainers until sex abuse sufficiently addressed|newspaper=The Mainichi|date=September 27, 2023|access-date=September 28, 2023|archive-date=September 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928041127/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230927/p2a/00m/0na/009000c|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Starto Entertainment}}

File:Logo SMILE-UP.svg

In the wake of continuing sexual abuse allegations directed against Kitagawa, who died in 2019, his niece, Julie Keiko Fujishima, stepped down as president in September 2023. On October 2, 2023, Johnny & Associates announced that they would be splitting into two entities: Smile-Up, a firm focused on reparations for Kitagawa's sexual abuse cases, and Starto Entertainment, a talent agency managing existing acts under Johnny & Associates.

Starto Entertainment, which takes the place of the entertainment side of Johnny's, started activities in April 2024, with an all-agency concert series, with Arashi's Jun Matsumoto and Super Eight's Tadayoshi Okura as co-directors. Groups Timelesz, Super Eight and West. performed before their fans soon after their respective name change.{{Cite web |date=21 February 2024 |title=松本潤 STARTO社タレント総出ライブで演出担当に！大野智にオファーの可能性も |url=https://jisin.jp/entertainment/entertainment-news/2295172/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221092402/https://jisin.jp/entertainment/entertainment-news/2295172/ |archive-date=21 February 2024 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=Josei jishin |language=Japanese}}{{cite web |title=timelesz、Sexy Zoneから改名後初歌唱「今までの思い出をぎゅっと抱いて、timeleszとしてこのドームに立ちたい」 |url=https://mdpr.jp/photo/detail/16561999 |website=modelpress |access-date=2024-06-11 |language=Japanese |date=2024-04-11}} Under the name of "We are! Let's get the party STARTO!!", the concert series took place over three days, in Tokyo Dome on April 10 and at Kyocera Dome Osaka on May 29 and 30, with appearances of NEWS, Super Eight, KAT-TUN, Hey! Say! JUMP, Kis-My-Ft2, Timelesz, A.B.C-Z, WEST., King & Prince, SixTones, Snow Man, Naniwa Danshi and Travis Japan.{{Cite web |date=2 March 2024 |title=「STARTO ENTERTAINMENT」イベント開催を発表 キンプリ・SixTONES・Snow Manら出演＜コメント＞ |url=https://mdpr.jp/music/detail/4215327 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301222236/http://web.archive.org/screenshot/https://mdpr.jp/music/detail/4215327 |archive-date=1 March 2024 |access-date=1 March 2024 |website=Model Press |language=Japanese}}

In 1998, Johnny's groups KinKi Kids, V6 and Tokio, formed a special charity-oriented group called J-Friends, to raise funds for the 1995 Hanshin and Awaji earthquake victims. The group continued with several activities, until their disbandment in 2003.

The agency continued its fundraising project, now with Marching J,{{Cite web|title=ジャニーズ総出！復興プロジェクト (1/2ページ)|url=https://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/110330/gng1103300506001-n1.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401070752/https://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/110330/gng1103300506001-n1.htm|archive-date=April 1, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2020|website=sanspo.com|language=ja}}{{Cite web|title=ジャニーズ、史上初の勢揃い！東北のため、83人集合！…4・1から3日間 代々木第一体育館で募金イベント|url=http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20110330-OHT1T00002.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401104642/http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20110330-OHT1T00002.htm|archive-date=April 1, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2020|website=hochi.yomiuri.co.jp|language=ja}} for the Tōhoku earthquake victims in 2011. Its first event was held on April 1–3. Hey! Say! JUMP, SMAP, Tokio, KinKi Kids, V6, Arashi, Tackey and Tsubasa, NEWS, Kanjani8, KAT-TUN and Johnny's Juniors participated in the fundraiser, which included talk sessions and a cappella performances.{{cite web |last=Pang |first=Lauren |url=http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/article@apa?johnnys_entertainment_fundraiser_marching_j_attracts_389000_16606.aspx |title=Asia Pacific Arts: Johnny's Entertainment fundraiser "Marching J" attracts 389,000 |publisher=Asiapacificarts.usc.edu |date=2011-04-05 |access-date=2015-06-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526045618/http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/article@apa?johnnys_entertainment_fundraiser_marching_j_attracts_389000_16606.aspx |archive-date=May 26, 2015 |url-status=dead }} The agency planned to hold one fundraiser per month for a year. The next event, a baseball tournament featuring Johnny's Jrs., was held on May 29.{{cite news |title = Johnny's Company "Marching J" Project |url = http://www.tokyofever.com/2011/04/johnnys-company-starts-new-project-marching-j/ |publisher = Tokyofever |access-date = 2011-04-07 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110414203844/http://www.tokyofever.com/2011/04/johnnys-company-starts-new-project-marching-j/ |archive-date = April 14, 2011 |url-status = dead }} Johnny & Associates cancelled or postponed 18 concerts, including shows by Tomohisa Yamashita and Tackey & Tsubasa. Generators, trucks and {{convert|2000|L|gal}} of gasoline which would have been used at the concerts were donated to the relief effort.{{Cite web|title=ジャニーズ震災支援開始、電源車＆輸送トラック被災地へ|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/46464|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430054111/https://natalie.mu/music/news/46464|archive-date=April 30, 2020|access-date=July 20, 2020|website=natalie.mu|language=ja}}

Charity activities continued as Johnny's "Smile Up! Project". On May 13, 2020, it was reported that 76 of Johnny's artists from 15 groups, including V6, Arashi, News and others, would be included in the temporary unit "Twenty Twenty", as part of Johnny's charity project with support activity to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This group sang the song "Smile", written by Mr. Children's Kazutoshi Sakurai,{{Cite web|title=Vice President Hideaki Takizawa "To Smile in Japan" Limited Unit Formed|url=https://japan.topnews.cloud/vice-president-hideaki-takizawa-to-smile-in-japan-limited-unit-formed/|date=May 13, 2020|website=japan.topnews.cloud|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512231004/https://japan.topnews.cloud/vice-president-hideaki-takizawa-to-smile-in-japan-limited-unit-formed/|archive-date=May 12, 2020|access-date=May 12, 2020}}{{Cite web|title=Twenty★Twenty世界にsmile届ける|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202005120000644.html|date=May 13, 2020|website=nikkansports|language=ja|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512225935/https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202005120000644.html|archive-date=May 12, 2020|access-date=May 12, 2020}}{{Cite web|title=ジャニーズ総勢76名がTwenty★Twentyを結成、櫻井和寿と楽曲制作|url=https://natalie.mu/stage/news/378797|date=May 13, 2020|website=natalie.mu|language=ja|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512230034/https://natalie.mu/stage/news/378797|archive-date=May 12, 2020|access-date=May 12, 2020}}{{Cite web|title=Johnny's Smile Up！Project ~ 期間限定ユニット「Twenty★Twenty」(トゥエンティー・トゥエンティー)結成 チャリティーソング「smile」(作詞・作曲：櫻井和寿)制作開始のお知らせ|url=https://www.johnny-associates.co.jp/smile_up_project/report-275/|date=May 13, 2020|publisher=Johnny & Associates|language=ja|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512225852/https://www.johnny-associates.co.jp/smile_up_project/report-275/|archive-date=May 12, 2020|access-date=May 12, 2020}} which was released as a single in digital form on June 22, and on CD on August 12.{{cite web |title=Johnny's special unit 'Twenty Twenty' announces charity song 'smile' release details |url=https://aramajapan.com/news/music/johnnys-special-unit-twenty-%E2%98%85-twenty-announces-charity-song-smile-release-details/107044/ |website=Arama! Japan |date=June 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619104329/https://aramajapan.com/news/music/johnnys-special-unit-twenty-%E2%98%85-twenty-announces-charity-song-smile-release-details/107044/ |archive-date=June 19, 2020 |access-date=June 19, 2020}}{{cite web |title=Johnny's & Associates' charity song 'smile' release date determined |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2020/06/johnnys-associates-charity-song-smile-release-date-determined |website=Tokyohive |date=June 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619105832/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2020/06/johnnys-associates-charity-song-smile-release-date-determined |archive-date=June 19, 2020 |access-date=June 19, 2020}} Yuya Tegoshi was taken off the grouping, due to reports of his failing to keep orders to stay at home during the emergency situation in April. Later on, it was revealed that his contract had been terminated, and that he had left the company.{{cite web |title=手越祐也、ジャニーズ事務所と契約終了 NEWSは3人で活動継続へ「グループ及び個人での活動に精進」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2164953/full/ |website=Oricon News |date=June 19, 2020 |access-date=June 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622022054/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2164953/full/ |archive-date=June 22, 2020 |language=ja}}

Activities continued on the end-of-year period with a new awareness campaign against COVID-19 and the flu, starting on November 24. "Aitsu",{{Cite web|title=Johnny's & Associates begins new project aimed to raise awareness on countermeasures against COVID-19 and the flu|url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2020/11/johnnys-associates-begins-new-project-aimed-to-raise-awareness-on-countermeasures-against-covid-19-and-the-flu|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210074106/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2020/11/johnnys-associates-begins-new-project-aimed-to-raise-awareness-on-countermeasures-against-covid-19-and-the-flu|archive-date=December 10, 2020|access-date=December 10, 2020|website=tokyohive.com}}{{Cite web|title=新型コロナウイルス感染拡大の一方、人々の感染症対策の意識低下が。感染症対策を再啓発するためのプロジェクト"『AITSU』ムービー"配信|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000070058.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210080358/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000070058.html|archive-date=December 10, 2020|access-date=December 10, 2020|website=prtimes.jp|date=November 24, 2020 |language=ja}} the new project, revolves around a series of movies continuing the health measure awareness used from the beginning of the pandemic, like the correct form of washing hands, the continuous use of a mask, among others. The movies were distributed around Japan and were included in the Smile Up! Project's social network accounts.

Even in the middle of the turmoil surrounding the agency, as Smile Up, they posted a new charity event to help out the people affected in the Noto Peninsula earthquake that happened as 2024 rolled in. On January 4, the company announced through its official website that it would set up donation boxes at concert and theater performance venues where its artists would perform, and its XXXXX Pop Up Stores in Shibuya, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka, in order to support the victims. "By conducting this fundraising campaign as part of "Smile Up! Project", we aim to provide continued support. The entire SMILE-UP Group sincerely prays for the earliest possible recovery and reconstruction so that everyone affected by the disaster can return to their normal lives."{{Cite web |date=4 January 2024 |title=『SMILE-UP.』能登半島地震の被災者支援へ コンサート会場などに募金箱設置 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2309370/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106075428/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2309370/full/ |archive-date=6 January 2024 |access-date=6 January 2024 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}} One day later, they also posted information on the donation of 50 million yen to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.{{Cite web |date=5 January 2024 |title=【能登半島地震】『SMILE-UP.』が被災者支援で義援金5000万円提供「一日も早い復旧・復興を」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2309545/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106081255/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2309545/full/ |archive-date=6 January 2024 |access-date=6 January 2024 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}

Starto Entertainment continued the charity projects as part of their 2024 activities, with the single "We are", sung by the special unit "STARTO for you", formed by 75 members of 14 groups. The single was released in digital form on April 10, and as CD on June 12, with sales of the single going to Noto Earthquake relief funds. Additional information is expected to be released at a later date.{{Cite web |date=3 April 2024 |title=STARTO ENTERTAINMENTの14組75名が集結、プロジェクト"STARTO for you"がチャリティーシングルCD「WE ARE」をリリース |url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000246120#utm_source=tw_BARKS_NEWS&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tw_auto |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402230615/https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000246120#utm_source=tw_BARKS_NEWS&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tw_auto |archive-date=2 April 2024 |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=Barks |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=3 April 2024 |title=STARTO ENTERTAINMENT14組75人が参加 チャリティーシングル収益を能登半島地震の被災者に全額寄付へ |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2321119/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402230538/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2321119/full/ |archive-date=2 April 2024 |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}

As of June 5, 2024, the "Smile-Up Project" is no longer, being reborn under the name "Mindful", for which a new company has been established. General Incorporated Association "Mindful" will take over the charity activities, as well as other social contribution activities, like mental health care (which includes the support for sexual assault victims), enrollment support for higher education students in the Nursing field, and others.{{Cite web |date=5 June 2024 |title=一般社団法人Mindful 設立のお知らせ |url=https://www.smile-up.inc/s/su/group/detail/10036 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605085252/https://www.smile-up.inc/s/su/group/detail/10036 |archive-date=5 June 2024 |access-date=5 June 2024 |website=Smile-Up |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=5 June 2024 |title=SMILE―UP. 一般社団法人「Mindful」設立発表 社会貢献活動行う 社員にジュリー氏の名前 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240605/spp/sp0/006/161000c |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605085606/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240605/spp/sp0/006/161000c |archive-date=5 June 2024 |access-date=5 June 2024 |website=Mainichi |language=Japanese}}

The business model of Johnny & Associates has an agency at the center in most areas in which it operates; the company has had its own recording, publishing, producing, filmmaking, merchandising, and advertising arms, a vertical integration that parallels Japanese {{transliteration|ja|keiretsu}} system, and for most of its history transmitted information directly to fans exclusively through the Family Club, a tightly controlled, membership-based platform on which its artists and their fans can communicate and share information with each other. During the 20th century, the F.C. was largely maintained through mail and fax.{{Cite web|title=Company Profile|publisher=Johnny & Associates|url=https://www.johnny-associates.co.jp/company/?lang=en|access-date=2020-11-24|language=en|quote=Group Companies|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127132836/https://www.johnny-associates.co.jp/company/?lang=en|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|last=Marx|first=David|title=Idols and Celebrity in Japanese Media Culture|year=2012|pages=35–55|chapter=The Jimusho System: Understanding the Production Logic of the Japanese Entertainment Industry}}

Johnny & Associates has exercised strict control over their talent's likeness, to the point where photographs were initially not even posted on the company's official website and silhouettes were used in place of actual imagery on official websites of films and television in which the talent appeared. The agency began changing their stance on posting photos of their talent on different sites around 2007, with the agency, as well as the fans, keeping a vigilant watch on what was shared, with the latter alerting people against doing it because of the possible consequences.{{cite news | url=https://www.cyzowoman.com/2011/03/post_3245_1.html | title=ジャニーズ公式サイトの写真掲載に、マスコミ関係者からも喜びの声？ | language=ja | work=Cyzo Woman | date=2011-03-02 | access-date=2019-09-04 | archive-date=May 18, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518145743/https://www.cyzowoman.com/2011/03/post_3245_1.html | url-status=live }} Official events, such as the naming of Hideaki Takizawa as "Japan-UAE Goodwill Ambassador" in 2017, saw full view photographs shared online,{{Cite web |date=31 August 2017 |title=外務省がタッキー写真をウェブ掲載！ ミス？担当者に質問すると... |url=https://www.j-cast.com/2017/08/31307303.html?p=all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607085131/https://www.j-cast.com/2017/08/31307303.html?p=all |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=j-cast |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=29 August 2017 |title=河野外務大臣による滝沢秀明氏に対する日UAE親善大使委嘱状交付 |url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/press/release/press4_004960.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607084902/https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/press/release/press4_004960.html |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |language=Japanese}} while the agency's paid subscription services, like Johnny's Web, shared digital content in limited quantities.{{cite news | first=D | last=Shin | url=https://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/126688/20141022/a-look-into-how-japan-agency-johnnys-entertainment-sets-rules-for-their-fandoms.htm | title=A Look Into How Japan Agency 'Johnny's Entertainment' Sets Rules For Their Fandoms | work=KPopStarz | date=2014-10-22 | access-date=2019-09-04 | archive-date=September 21, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921163025/http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/126688/20141022/a-look-into-how-japan-agency-johnnys-entertainment-sets-rules-for-their-fandoms.htm | url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=9 April 2010 |title=ネットで露出しないと生き残れない SMAPや嵐「ジャニーズ動画」開始 |url=https://www.j-cast.com/2010/04/09064249.html?p=all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607084302/https://www.j-cast.com/2010/04/09064249.html?p=all |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=j-cast |language=Japanese}} While some of the initial "photos" were life-like drawings or paintings, a small amount of authentic photos where being shared by some drama and other TV program websites, with the usage permit for these being cleared, as in the case of SMAP's Goro Inagaki's drama, for example.{{Cite web |title=佐々木夫妻の仁義なき戦い |url=http://www.tbs.co.jp/sasaki-fusai/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128093053/http://www.tbs.co.jp/sasaki-fusai/ |archive-date=28 November 2023 |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=TBS "Sasaki fusai no jinginaki tatakai" official page |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=3 February 2008 |title=ジャニーズタレントの写真 亀梨ら「ネット解禁」の裏事情 |url=https://www.j-cast.com/2008/02/03016268.html?p=all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607084512/https://www.j-cast.com/2008/02/03016268.html?p=all |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=j-cast |language=Japanese}} Even singer Hikaru Utada felt the pressure of Johnny's policy about their artists' photos, when she deleted a photo of an uchiwa fan with the face of Arashi's Sho Sakurai that she had posted on her blog, substituting it with a hand-drawn teddy bear and a written message, and later, with a hand-drawn version of the fan.{{Cite web |date=11 October 2007 |title=櫻井写真ブログに掲載、すぐ削除 「宇多田ヒカル」恐怖におののく |url=https://www.j-cast.com/2007/10/11012138.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202122936/https://www.j-cast.com/2007/10/11012138.html |archive-date=2 February 2023 |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=j-cast |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=10 October 2010 |title=2007.10.10 小さなしあわせ |url=https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/Info/utadahikaru/from-hikki/index_38.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607081816/https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/Info/utadahikaru/from-hikki/index_38.html |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=Utada Hikaru 'from Hikki' ~ Sony Music |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=11 October 2007 |title=肖像権対策 |url=https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/Info/utadahikaru/from-hikki/index_37.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607081730/https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/Info/utadahikaru/from-hikki/index_37.html |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=Utada Hikaru 'from Hikki' ~ Sony Music |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=12 October 2007 |title=宇多田ヒカルのブログ画像削除騒動はヤラセ？ |url=https://www.tanteifile.com/newswatch/2007/10/12_01/index.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240607083639/https://www.tanteifile.com/newswatch/2007/10/12_01/index.html |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=Tantei File |language=Japanese}} Apparently, one of the events that started the movement to freeing the images of Johnny's idols online, was NHK's 2009 Kōhaku Uta Gassen, as the agency reached an agreement with the network to air the program in a paid on demand format.{{Cite web |date=25 December 2009 |title=ジャニーズタレントのネット解禁？ 「紅白歌合戦」有料配信の衝撃度 |url=https://www.j-cast.com/2009/12/25057052.html?p=all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607085020/https://www.j-cast.com/2009/12/25057052.html?p=all |archive-date=7 June 2024 |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=j-cast |language=Japanese}}

In January 2018, Johnny & Associates lifted their photo ban completely and allowed the press to post approved images of their talent more freely.{{cite news | url=https://mdpr.jp/cinema/1743894 | title=ジャニーズ写真ネット解禁 関ジャニ∞錦戸亮、流暢な英語で主演映画をアピール＜羊の木＞ | language=ja | work=Model Press | date=2018-01-31 | access-date=2019-09-04 | archive-date=March 8, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308173154/https://mdpr.jp/cinema/1743894 | url-status=live }} In March 2018, Johnny & Associates launched a YouTube channel for selected Johnny's Jr. groups. Since Kitagawa's death in 2019, Johnny & Associates have expanded accessibility for their talent. This includes the opening of an official Twitter account for itself (which shares information about Johnny's talent, mostly in English), as well as different social media accounts for the artists.{{Cite web|title=ジャニーズ事務所、公式ツイッター始動か 海外ファンからも続々歓喜の声 |url=https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Fumumu_237618/ |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607055242/https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Fumumu_237618/ |archive-date=7 June 2021 |access-date=14 April 2023 |website=Excite News |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=3 June 2021 |title=ジャニーズ事務所、公式ツイッター始動か 海外ファンからも続々歓喜の声 |url=https://fumumu.net/237618/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414072931/https://fumumu.net/237618/ |archive-date=14 April 2023 |access-date=14 April 2023 |website=Fumumu |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/johnnys/status/1399848632803811329 |title=Johnny & Associates on Twitter: "Hello World!… " |archive-date=June 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607063242/https://twitter.com/johnnys/status/1399848632803811329 |url-status=live |access-date=14 April 2023}}{{Cite web |date=13 April 2023 |title=「痛々しい」「普通のおじさん」「ノリが無理」二宮和也、上田竜也、小山慶一郎、中丸雄一…SNS開設で「好感度上がった・下がった」ジャニーズたちの明暗分かれる |url=https://www.jprime.jp/articles/-/27540 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414075402/https://www.jprime.jp/articles/-/27540 |archive-date=14 April 2023 |access-date=14 April 2023 |website=J Prime |language=Japanese}}

{{Undue weight|section|date=June 2024|to=Johnny Kitagawa sexual abuse scandal}}

{{See also|Johnny Kitagawa sexual abuse scandal}}

Several former acts from Johnny & Associates, including former Four Leaves member Koji Kita in 1988 and former Johnny Jr.'s member Junya Hiramoto in 1996, alleged that Johnny Kitagawa had been sexually abusing several boys at the agency in their books. In 2001, Shūkan Bunshun ran a series of similar sexual harassment allegations along with claims that Kitagawa had allegedly forced the boys to drink alcohol and smoke.{{cite news | first=Justin | last=McCurry | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/apr/23/justinmccurry.theobserver | title=Japan's star-maker accused of sexually abusing boys | work=The Guardian | date=2000-04-23 | access-date=2021-01-11 | archive-date=December 17, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217090628/https://www.theguardian.com/Archive/Article/0,4273,4011093,00.html | url-status=live }}{{cite news | first=Calvin | last=Sims | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/30/world/in-japan-tarnishing-a-star-maker.html | title=In Japan, Tarnishing a Star Maker | work=The New York Times | page=12 | date=2000-01-30 | access-date=2021-05-10 | archive-date=March 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310050300/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/30/world/in-japan-tarnishing-a-star-maker.html// | url-status=live }} Johnny & Associates sued Shukan Bunshun for defamation, and in 2002, the Tokyo District Court ruled in favor of Kitagawa, awarding him {{JPY|8.8 million}} in damages. In 2003, the fine was lowered to {{JPY|1.2 million}} on the basis that the drinking and smoking allegations were defamatory, while the sexual harassment claims were not. Kitagawa filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Japan. It was rejected in 2004.{{cite book|first=Mark D.|last=West|title=Secrets, Sex, and Spectacle: The Rules of Scandal in Japan and the United States|date=January 15, 2007|isbn=978-0-226-89408-9|publisher=University of Chicago Press|page=210}} The case saw minimal coverage in Japan, with many journalists attributing it to Kitagawa's influence on Japanese mass media.

On March 7, 2023, the BBC released a documentary centered on the sexual harassment claims against Kitagawa titled Predator: The Secret Scandal of J-Pop. In response, Johnny & Associates released a statement stating that they were working on creating "transparent organizational structures" that will be announced later in the year.{{cite web | first=Rhian | last=Daly | url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/johnny-kitagawa-how-j-pop-founder-faced-decades-of-sexual-abuse-allegations-27412/ | title=Johnny Kitagawa: J-pop founder who faced decades of sexual abuse allegations | work=Rolling Stone UK | date=2023-03-07 | access-date=2023-03-12 | archive-date=March 12, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312232106/https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/johnny-kitagawa-how-j-pop-founder-faced-decades-of-sexual-abuse-allegations-27412/ | url-status=live }} Due to the release of the documentary, reports from books and magazines dated back to the 1960s began to surface, with the first report appearing in Weekly Sankei's 29 March 1965 issue.{{Cite web |date=12 May 2023 |title=ジャニーズ性加害報道、最初は「1965年」 雑誌や書籍の追及はなぜ見過ごされたか |url=https://www.bengo4.com/c_18/n_15987/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517043807/https://www.bengo4.com/c_18/n_15987/ |archive-date=17 May 2023 |access-date=17 May 2023 |website=Bengo4 |language=Japanese}}

A follow-up program by the BBC aired in 2024, called "Our World: The Shadow of a Predator".{{Cite web |title=Our World -The Shadow of a Predator |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001wwc8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327221746/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001wwc8 |archive-date=27 March 2024 |access-date=27 March 2024 |website=BBC}} On April 25, Smile Up sent the BBC a letter protesting the edition of Higashiyama's words in the interview included in the program, as well as demanding a correction and apology for the problems caused by it to both Higashiyama and the victims who agreed to be interviewed.{{Cite web |date=25 April 2024 |title=SMILE-UP.、BBCに抗議文書を送付「訂正と謝罪を要請」 東山紀之の発言「意図的にゆがめて放送」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2324371/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425052646/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2324371/full/ |archive-date=25 April 2024 |access-date=25 April 2024 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=25 April 2024 |title=BBCへの抗議文書の送付について |url=https://www.smile-up.inc/s/su/group/detail/10030 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425051321/https://www.smile-up.inc/s/su/group/detail/10030 |archive-date=25 April 2024 |access-date=25 April 2024 |website=Smile Up |language=Japanese}} On May 3, 2024, the BBC refuted Smile-up's claims via X.{{Cite web |date=4 May 2024 |title=BBC refutes protest filed by ex-Johnny & Associates |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240504_02/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504004643/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240504_02/ |archive-date=4 May 2024 |access-date=4 May 2024 |website=NHK World}}{{Cite tweet |user=BBCNewsPRJapan |number=1786322422750441827 |date=May 3, 2024 |title=SMILE-UP.社が先週公開したBBCに対する見解について、BBCの声明です BBC Statement in response to SMILE-UP.'s recent correspondence |language=Japanese, English |access-date=May 4, 2024}}{{Cite web |date=3 May 2024 |title=Tested Locally BBCNewsPRJapan/status/1786322422750441827/ |url=https://testlocal.ly/tests/6635b2ab288adbef50080946%23bangalore |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240504040455/https://testlocal.ly/tests/6635b2ab288adbef50080946%23bangalore |archive-date=4 May 2024 |access-date=4 May 2024 |website=Test Locally (site screenshots) |language=English, Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=3 May 2024 |title=Tested Locally BBCNewsPRJapan/status/1786322422750441827/ |url=https://testlocal.ly/tests/6635b49e9d05a2686e006c07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240504040841/https://testlocal.ly/tests/6635b49e9d05a2686e006c07 |archive-date=4 May 2024 |access-date=4 May 2024 |website=Tested Locally (site screenshots) |language=English, Japanese}}

On April 12, 2023, musician and former Johnny's Jr. member Kauan Okamoto claimed Kitagawa had abused him since he was 15, and that he was not the only victim. As a response, Johnny & Associates stated they were working on transparency from within company and were working with their affiliates, to ensure thorough compliance with laws and strengthen organizational governance. The presidents of television networks Fuji TV, NHK, TV Asahi, and Nippon TV all stated in press conferences that they did not tolerate any kind of sexual violence and were conducting internal investigations. The networks continued to work with talent from Johnny & Associates.{{Cite web |date=13 April 2023 |title=NHK、ジャニー喜多川さんの「性的行為」問題報じる…夕方の5分ニュースで |url=https://www.bengo4.com/c_18/n_15888/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429052245/https://www.bengo4.com/c_18/n_15888/ |archive-date=29 April 2023 |access-date=29 April 2023 |website=Bengo4 |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=12 April 2023 |title=ジャニー喜多川氏から性的行為を受けた、元ジャニーズ事務所所属男性が公表…「15歳の僕に悪いこと」 |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/20230412-OYT1T50247/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429051559/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/20230412-OYT1T50247/ |archive-date=29 April 2023 |access-date=29 April 2023 |website=Yomiuri |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=14 April 2023 |title=元ジャニーズJr.、故ジャニー喜多川氏による性的被害を告発 |url=https://www.cnn.co.jp/amp/article/35202639.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423012229/https://www.cnn.co.jp/amp/article/35202639.html |archive-date=23 April 2023 |access-date=29 April 2023 |website=CNN Japan |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=26 April 2023 |title=タッキー退社'最後のひと押し'にBBC報道説…ジャニーズ事務所は性被害疑惑調査で自浄なるか |url=https://www.nikkan-gendai.com/articles/view/geino/322206/3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429051305/https://www.nikkan-gendai.com/articles/view/geino/322206/3 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |access-date=29 April 2023 |website=Nikkan Gendai |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=28 April 2023 |title=ジャニー喜多川氏の性的行為問題、テレビ各局「コメント控える」「推移を見守る」 |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/tv/20230428-OYT1T50182/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429045824/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/tv/20230428-OYT1T50182/ |archive-date=29 April 2023 |access-date=29 April 2023 |website=Yomiuri |language=Japanese}}

On May 14, 2023, Johnny Kitagawa's niece and company head Julie Keiko Fujishima issued an apology to all talent who had been allegedly sexually abused by Kitagawa and claimed not knowing any other information.{{Cite web |date=14 May 2023 |title=ジャニーズ・藤島ジュリー社長、ジャニー喜多川さんの性加害問題を謝罪 自身の認識問われ胸中「ただただ情けなく、深く後悔」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2278958/full/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517031938/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2278958/full/ |archive-date=17 May 2023 |access-date=17 May 2023 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}} She stated was committed to implementing measures addressing the victim's needs.{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/49e0497db375-johnnys-head-apologies-for-alleged-sexual-abuse-by-late-kitagawa.html|title=Johnny's head apologizes for alleged sexual abuse by late Kitagawa|date=14 May 2023|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230517030521/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/49e0497db375-johnnys-head-apologies-for-alleged-sexual-abuse-by-late-kitagawa.html|archive-date=May 17, 2023|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=14 May 2023|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |first=Justin |last=McCurry |date=2023-05-15 |title=Japanese talent agency apologises over claims founder sexually abused boys |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/15/japanese-talent-agency-apologises-over-claims-founder-sexually-abused-boys |access-date=2023-05-15 |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515115435/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/15/japanese-talent-agency-apologises-over-claims-founder-sexually-abused-boys |url-status=live }} In the following days, more victims came out stating Kitagawa abused them, including former Johnny's Jr. Yasushi Hashida{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/34edabd6d1a3-alleged-sex-abuse-victim-lauds-apology-of-johnnys-head-seeks-change.html|title=New ex-member of Johnny's talent agency claims teenage sexual abuse|date=16 May 2023|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=16 May 2023|archive-date=May 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516115622/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/34edabd6d1a3-alleged-sex-abuse-victim-lauds-apology-of-johnnys-head-seeks-change.html|url-status=live}} and former Kis-My-Ft2 member Kyohei Iida, the latter of whom stated he left his group due to being repeatedly sexually assaulted.{{Cite web |date=29 September 2023 |title=【初告白】元Kis-My-Ft2飯田恭平さん「辞めた理由は性加害」「数十回では収まらない」脱退理由"学業"ではなかった【独自】 |url=https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/749356?display=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929043836/https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/749356?display=1 |archive-date=29 September 2023 |access-date=29 September 2023 |website=TBS News Dig |language=Japanese}}

As of 2 October 2023, 478 people reportely have claimed to have been victimized by Kitagawa and 325 of them sought compensation. Only 150 have been confirmed to have belonged in the company.{{Cite web |date=2 October 2023 |title=補償請求者325人中、在籍確認は約150人 ジャニーズ性加害 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20231002/k00/00m/040/189000c |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002172227/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20231002/k00/00m/040/189000c |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=Mainichi |language=Japanese}} Updated numbers as of 16 February, mention 957 claimants, 282 notified the details of compensation, 246 have accepted the details, and 201 have been paid.{{Cite web |date=16 February 2024 |title=旧ジャニーズ事務所「SMILE－UP.」補償金の支払者が200人超え 申告者は957人 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2024/02/16/kiji/20240216s00041000350000c.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222091007/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2024/02/16/kiji/20240216s00041000350000c.html |archive-date=22 February 2024 |access-date=22 February 2024 |website=Sponichi |language=Japanese}} An independent probe established by Johnny & Associates reported the findings of their investigation on August 29, 2023, saying that Kitagawa repeatedly committed sexual abuse from the early 1970s until the mid-2010s.{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/6c54fe165ba3-johnnys-talent-agency-probe-urges-apology-aid-to-sex-abuse-victims.html|title=Johnny's talent agency probe urges apology, aid to sex abuse victims|date=29 August 2023|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=29 August 2023|archive-date=August 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829112918/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/6c54fe165ba3-johnnys-talent-agency-probe-urges-apology-aid-to-sex-abuse-victims.html|url-status=live}} Johnny & Associates held a press conference on September 7 to formally acknowledge Kitagawa's abuse for the first time, while Fujishima resigned as CEO to assume the position as a representative director. Former Johnny's talent Noriyuki Higashiyama took over as CEO.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-66737052|title=Johnny Kitagawa: J-pop agency boss resigns over predator's abuse|date=7 September 2023|publisher=BBC News|access-date=7 September 2023|archive-date=November 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114131101/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-66737052|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/4e88a87bf23a-urgent-head-of-johnnys-talent-agency-to-quit-over-abuse-scandal-source.html|title=Johnny's talent agency admits sexual abuse by founder, head resigns|date=7 September 2023|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=7 September 2023|archive-date=September 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907203055/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/4e88a87bf23a-urgent-head-of-johnnys-talent-agency-to-quit-over-abuse-scandal-source.html|url-status=live}} As a response to the investigation's findings, several companies cancelled their contracts with entertainers from Johnny & Associates, including Tokio Marine Nichido, Asahi Group, and Japan Airlines.{{Cite web |date=7 September 2023 |title=日本航空 ジャニーズ所属タレントの広告起用見送り 適切な対応が確認されるまで 櫻井翔さんと松本潤さんとの契約継続、現時点でCMやポスターなどの露出はなし |url=https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/ff76db0592fb48c0b0b61ab73a70e9b5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908071349/https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/ff76db0592fb48c0b0b61ab73a70e9b5 |archive-date=8 September 2023 |access-date=8 September 2023 |website=Nippon TV |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=7 September 2023 |title=性加害、東京海上は契約解除検討 スポンサー企業は厳しい見方 |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/daa80c334f5ff2c62f6a8c72cefb880b0af9c197 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908071424/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/daa80c334f5ff2c62f6a8c72cefb880b0af9c197 |archive-date=8 September 2023 |access-date=8 September 2023 |via=Yahoo! Japan News|publisher=Kyodo News|language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=7 September 2023 |title=アサヒG、今後ジャニーズを広告に起用せず |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/8fcf5e3d11b8cdbaa0dea1b39c348385f460360b |access-date=8 September 2023 |via=Yahoo! Japan News |publisher=Kyodo News |language=Japanese |archive-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908160132/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/8fcf5e3d11b8cdbaa0dea1b39c348385f460360b |url-status=live }}

In 31 October 2024, Bunshun reported about a man claiming to have been assaulted by Kitagawa inside the NHK's restroom when he was auditioning for a program when he was in high school. According to reports, his claims were not clear, given his failure to prove and provide some imformation. Smile-Up filed a lawsuit against him, claiming they did not have a reason to compensate him. The result for the lawsuit, filed in Chiba, was that Smile-Up did not have to pay.{{Cite web |date=3 November 2024 |title=SMILE-UP.、“NHKスクープの証言者”提訴へ……被害者へ「お早めにご連絡」呼びかけ物議 |url=https://cyzowoman.jp/2024/11/post_490145_1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211043008/https://cyzowoman.jp/2024/11/post_490145_1.html |archive-date=11 February 2025 |access-date=11 February 2025 |website=Cyzowoman |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=10 February 2025 |title=NHKトイレで“性加害”証言の男性に「補償の義務なし」　SMILE－UP.の請求認める |url=https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/28124206/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250211043451/https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/28124206/ |archive-date=11 February 2025 |access-date=11 February 2025 |website=Livedoor |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=10 February 2025 |title=SMILE-UP.補償金訴訟 男性側争わず終結 “心理的負担を考慮” |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250210/k10014718431000.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210125505/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250210/k10014718431000.html |archive-date=10 February 2025 |access-date=10 February 2025 |website=NHK News |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=10 February 2025 |title=NHKトイレで“性加害”証言の男性に「補償の義務なし」　SMILE－UP.の請求認める |url=https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/45eff60253464d29b8bacba072f2d4ee |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211051759/https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/45eff60253464d29b8bacba072f2d4ee |archive-date=11 February 2025 |access-date=11 February 2025 |website=NTV News |language=Japanese}}

This led to a particularly divided response among the broadcasters. NHK restricted and cancelled artists appearances, while the four commercial broadcasters with numerous regular programs are taking a flexible stance, allowing the talent to continue appearing on their programs, keeping a close eye on the response from their offices.{{cite web |title=Miyaneya live show article |url=https://www.ytv.co.jp/miyaneya/article/page_vhfy494au3ylb7bp.html |website=ytv |access-date=2024-06-06 |language=Japanese |date=2023-09-28}}

On 8 September 2023, NHK, the Japanese public broadcaster, said in a statement that they took the matter seriously, and that they would "work harder to ensure that human rights are more respected in the broadcasting industry" when it comes to using performers who best fit program content and production. The public broadcaster added that it did not fully acknowledge the sexual abuse matter despite various weekly magazine articles about the allegations and a Tokyo High Court ruling in 2004.{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230907_33/|title=NHK issues statement following Johnny & Associates news conference|date=7 September 2023|publisher=NHK|access-date=8 September 2023|archive-date=September 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908160132/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230907_33/|url-status=live}} A few weeks later, NHK announced that it would suspend new contracts with Johnny's performers–including for their annual New Year's Eve television special Kōhaku Uta Gassen–until the company has implemented compensation and recurrence prevention measures.{{cite web|url=https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2023092700964/nhk-suspends-new-contracts-with-johnny%27s-talents.html|title=NHK Suspends New Contracts with Johnny's Talents|date=27 September 2023|website=nippon.com|publisher=Jiji Press|access-date=27 September 2023|archive-date=September 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927212926/https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2023092700964/nhk-suspends-new-contracts-with-johnny%27s-talents.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=NHK ditches Johnny's acts for year-end musical bonanza |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2023/11/13/entertainment-news/kohaku-johnnys-smile-up/ |website=Japan Times |access-date=2024-06-11 |language=English |date=Nov 13, 2023}} In February 2024, the company announced a strict policy of terminating the appearance of talents formerly affiliated with Johnny & Associates on its programs and not allowing them to appear on new programs after FY2024.{{cite web |title=旧ジャニーズ、新年度NHK出演当面なし レギュラー8番組も終了へ |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASS2G6FR4S2GUCVL026.html |website=asahi.com |access-date=2024-06-06 |language=Japanese |date=2024-02-14}} In October 2024, NHK Chairman Nobuo Inaba announced at a regular press conference that, he had confirmed efforts of Smile-Up to compensate victims and prevent recurrence and the separation of management from Starto Entertainment is steadily progressing, and that requests to perform–including Kōhaku Uta Gassen for current Starto celebrities would resume. Commercial broadcasters had already announced on the resumption of new appointments to celebrities belonging to Starto.{{cite web |title=NHK、旧ジャニーズのタレント起用再開　紅白出演可能に |url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC166CH0W4A011C2000000/ |website=nikkei |access-date=2024-11-02 |language=Japanese |date=2024-10-16}}

On September 7, 2023, Fuji Television Hideaki Tatematsu, head of the programming and production bureau, responded, “There was no problem with the talent on the program, so we will continue to cast the talent as before. At a regular press conference on September 29, President Koichi Minato stated that sexual assault is unacceptable and asked the company to consider changing the name of the company and separating the company in charge of victim relief from the company in charge of managing the talent. Regarding the future use of the talent belonging to the company in programs, President Minato said, “We will make an appropriate decision while confirming that measures for victims are being steadily implemented.{{cite web |title=フジテレビ社長 ジャニーズ事務所に社名変更検討を申し入れ |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20230929/k10014211221000.html |website=NHK |access-date=2024-06-06 |language=Japanese |date=2023-09-29}} At a regular press conference on February 16, 2024, Toru Ota, the managing director, said, "We have heard that compensation for victims is progressing and that the new company, Starto Entertainment, will officially begin operations in April. For our part, we are willing to cast new talent from the former Johnny's if the compensation issue is progressing".{{cite web |title=フジテレビ、旧ジャニーズ事務所所属タレントの新規起用を示唆 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20240216-OHT1T51142.html?page=1 |website=hochi |access-date=2024-06-06 |language=Japanese |date=2023-02-16}}

20 September 2023, TBS Television (Japan) President Takashi Sasaki stated, “We will continue to closely monitor trends in the improvement of the human rights environment (on the part of Johnny & Associates),” and added, “In the meantime, there will be no change in the current contracted talent who are performing in the future. We will continue to monitor the situation closely,” he said. Regarding future appointments, he said, “We will make an appropriate decision while keeping a close eye on how the Johnny's will improve human rights and how it will make steady progress in this area.{{cite web |title=TBS社長 今後のジャニーズタレント起用に言及「出演中のタレントは引き続き出演」 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2023/09/20/kiji/20230920s00041000230000c.html |website=sponichi |access-date=2024-06-06 |language=Japanese |date=2023-09-20}}

On March 5, 2024, they held a briefing for the press on the April programming lineup and said that it would “continue to solemnly continue” the use of talent belonging to Smile-Up. (formerly Johnny & Associates).{{cite web |title=TBS、旧ジャニーズ所属タレント起用「粛々と続けていく」Snow Manの冠番組など放送中 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202403050001041.html |website=nikkan |access-date=2024-06-06 |language=Japanese |date=2024-03-05}}

On September 26, 2023, Hiroshi Shinozuka, president of TV Asahi, announced that he had asked the office to consider changing the company name, compensate the victims, and take thorough measures to prevent recurrence.{{cite web |title=テレビ朝日社長 ジャニーズ事務所に社名変更検討など申し入れ |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20230926/k10014207361000.html |website=NHK |access-date=2024-06-06 |language=Japanese |date=2023-09-26}} He also stated that he did not believe that there was any problem with the talent himself regarding his appearance on the program, and explained that there would be no change in the policy of making a comprehensive judgment based on the program's planned content.

On March 8, 2024, a briefing on the April reorganization was held, at which Director General Akihiro Okukawa and General Manager Taichi Kono of the Content Organization Bureau took the stage. They said, "We are not aware of any problems with the talent, so we will continue to make a comprehensive judgment based on the content of the project as we have in the past. I believe that Smile-Up. is in charge of compensating the victims, but I would like to ask that you continue to proceed with this matter in good faith and as quickly as possible. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and continue our dialogue with the office".{{cite web |title=テレビ朝日、旧ジャニ起用継続「タレントさんに問題があるとは認識していない」 |url=https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20240308-2901515/ |website=mynavi |access-date=2024-06-06 |language=Japanese |date=2024-03-08}}

On September 25, 2023, Nippon TV president Akira Ishizawa announced that the company had made a verbal request to Johnny's to change the name of the company and reform the organization. He also made a request in writing for the implementation of measures to prevent recurrence and to create an environment that facilitates the activities of the talents belonging to the company, claiming that relief measures for victims are inadequate.{{cite web |title=日テレ社長、ジャニーズ事務所に社名変更など要請 |url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC255BJ0V20C23A9000000/ |website=nikkei |access-date=2024-06-06 |language=Japanese |date=2023-09-25}} At a press conference on November 27, President Ishizawa revealed that regarding the policy of appointing talents to programs, Executive Director Hiroyuki Fukuda expressed his basic opinion, "We will reconsider once we confirm the progress of the case and the response of the other party, but we will not make any new casting or booking in the absence of such a confirmation".{{cite web |title=日本テレビ・石澤顕社長「NHKとは考え方が違うかもしれない」旧ジャニーズ所属タレントの多数出演、理解求める |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/813311 |website=chunichi |access-date=2024-06-06 |language=Japanese |date=2023-11-27}} On the other hand, regarding the continued use, he said, seeking understanding, “We have also confirmed that Smile-Up is making progress in dealing with the victims. We may have a different way of thinking than NHK.” At the regular press conference on April 22, 2024, President Akira Ishizawa explained that he is continuing dialogue with both Smile-Up and Starto Entertainment. He said that CEO Atsushi Fukuda visited Nippon TV December of the previous year. He then stated that he was aware that the production site had entered the stage of considering new appointments of talents after receiving reports that the situation was progressing steadily.{{cite web |title=日テレ、旧ジャニーズ所属タレント起用について「新規の起用を検討する段階」で「個別に判断」 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2024/04/22/kiji/20240420s00041000502000c.html |website=sponichi |access-date=2024-06-06 |language=Japanese |date=2023-04-22}}

On 13 September 2023 was announced on the official site the establishment of the Victim Relief Committee & compensation reception desk. The Victim Relief Committee will be entrusted with determining the amount of compensation based on the contents of the declarations made by the victims, as said on the announcement. The committee is composed of three lawyers with no ties to Johnny's Office, nor to the victims seeking compensation. On 2 October, an external Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) will be appointed to formulate and implement basic policies on human rights and develop internal rules. According to the site, the agency plans to announce more specific measures based on the recommendations of the Special Team for Recurrence Prevention.{{Cite web |date=13 September 2023 |title=ジャニーズ事務所、被害補償&再発防止策を発表 被害者救済委員会設置&補償受付窓口開設 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2294740/full/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913093615/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2294740/full/ |archive-date=13 September 2023 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}} In addition, the agency promised to not receive remuneration for the talent's program and commercial advertisement appearances for one year, with all income going directly to the artist.{{Cite web |date=13 September 2023 |title='信頼回復へ'ジャニーズ事務所「今後1年間、芸能プロダクションとしての報酬は頂きません」 出演料は全てタレントに支払い |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2294741/full/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913095206/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2294741/full/ |archive-date=13 September 2023 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}

Two ex-Johnny's members filed a lawsuit in U.S. for 300 million dollars over sexual assault. Junya Tanaka, 43, and Kyohei Iida, 37, filed a lawsuit in Clark County, Nevada. According to the lawsuit, Tanaka, then 15, had accompanied Kitagawa to Las Vegas in 1997, when he was molested by Kitagawa in the hotel. Iida claimed the same happened to him in 2002. Smile-Up responded that they would proceed, consulting their lawyers in the U.S. In February 2025, Smile-Up filed their own lawsuit against the two, and two other claimants. Smile-Up's lawsuit said the three victims' refusal to accept the framework should absolve the company of paying compensation to them. For the other victim, the company is seeking confirmation that it has no obligation to pay more than the amount of compensation offered by the relief committee. Tanaka and Iida held a press conference on February 6. At the news conference, Tanaka emphasized that Smile-Up’s lawsuit was filed shortly after it became clear that the company had been sued in the United States. Yuko Atsumi, a lawyer representing the victims, said Smile-Up is unilaterally imposing its own framework on the victims. She also said the lawsuit could be a means of preventing victims from taking legal action in the United States. A representative of Smile-Up told The Asahi Shimbun that the company intends to proceed with compensation payments in accordance with decisions of the victims relief committee. In November 2024, the company sued Shimon Ishimaru, 57, former deputy chief of the Johnny’s Sexual Assault Victims Association, dissolved in September 2024. The company is seeking confirmation that it does not have to pay more than 18 million yen in damages to Ishimaru, the figure proposed by the victims relief committee.{{Cite web |date=20 December 2024 |title=2 Ex-Johnny’s Members Sue Agency in U.S.; They Request $300 Million in Damages |url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20241220-228857/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250207132537/https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20241220-228857/ |archive-date=7 February 2025 |access-date=7 February 2025 |website=Japan News by Yomiuri Shimbun}}{{Cite web |date=7 February 2025 |title=Smile-Up sues sex-abuse victims who reject offers of compensation |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15617352?msockid=2b89eb392528656e208dfe422442646d |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250207132612/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15617352?msockid=2b89eb392528656e208dfe422442646d |archive-date=7 February 2025 |access-date=7 February 2025 |website=Asahi Shimbun English}}

Regarding the Shimon Ishimaru lawsuit, on February 13, a trial started at the Saitama District Court in which SMILE-UP. filed a request for confirmation of non-existence of debt. Ishimaru had asked Smile-Up for compensation of about 1.8 billion yen, but Smile-Up offered 18 million yen. The difference between both remained unresolved, and Smile filed a civil suit to confirm that Ishimaru's liability for multiple damages did not exceeded 18 million yen. At the first oral argument held in December last year, Ishimaru asked for compensation of about 180 million yen, a midpoint between the two amounts. On that day, he was preparing for his argument, and the judge questioned him about the evidence he had submitted so far, and asked him to submit additional documents. Preparations for the next hearing will be held behind closed doors, followed by public oral arguments. Revising the case, after the court asked Ishimaru to submit a breakdown of the original claim amount, he decided to request 2.2 billion yen. Ishimaru said, "I was willing to go down to 180 million yen if they were willing to negotiate", but when the negotiations broke down, I decided to claim the full amount". Regarding the difference between the original claim and the revised amount, Ishimaru said that he was only considering adding the legal costs, which could amount to about 400 million yen.{{Cite web |date=13 February 2025 |title=被害者の石丸志門氏が強気の主張　スマイル社に「約２２億円」増額請求 |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/334002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215090248/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/334002 |archive-date=15 February 2025 |access-date=15 February 2025 |website=Tokyo Sports |language=Japanese}}

For years, Johnny & Associates has been suspected of having connections with the mass media to produce extensive and favorable coverage on the company, its acts, and Kitagawa, while reducing coverage on anything perceived to be a threat to their image and sales.{{cite news | first=Mark | last=Schilling | author-link=Mark Schilling | url=https://variety.com/2019/film/asia/johnny-kitagawa-power-abuse-japanese-media-omerta-1203271575/ | title=Johnny Kitagawa: Power, Abuse, and the Japanese Media Omerta | work=Variety | date=2019-07-18 | access-date=2019-07-29 | archive-date=July 27, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727145434/https://variety.com/2019/film/asia/johnny-kitagawa-power-abuse-japanese-media-omerta-1203271575/ | url-status=live }} An example noted by journalists mention that Kitagawa would threaten to withdraw his talent from certain music programs and channels if they provide unfavorable coverage or invite competing boy bands from other agencies.

On July 18, 2019, Johnny & Associates was investigated by the Fair Trading Commission for potentially violating the Anti-Monopoly Act due to accusations of pressuring the media to reduce coverage on Atarashii Chizu, a group made up of former SMAP members Shingo Katori, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Goro Inagaki. Despite lack of hard evidence, Johnny & Associates received a warning.{{cite news | first=Kim | last=Morrissy | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-07-20/johnny-and-associates-talent-agency-denies-pressuring-tv-stations-to-reduce-coverage-on-former-smap-members/.149089 | title=Johnny & Associates Talent Agency Denies Pressuring TV Stations to Reduce Coverage on Former SMAP Members | work=Anime News Network | date=2019-07-20 | access-date=2019-07-21 | archive-date=July 20, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720214130/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-07-20/johnny-and-associates-talent-agency-denies-pressuring-tv-stations-to-reduce-coverage-on-former-smap-members/.149089 | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/shutoken-news/20190718/1000032851.html | title=民放関係者 公取に「圧力」証言 | work=NHK | date=2019-07-18 | access-date=2019-07-21 | archive-date=July 18, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718121701/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/shutoken-news/20190718/1000032851.html | url-status=live }}

On October 2, 2023, during a press conference addressing sexual assault allegations Johnny & Associates staff were videorecorded holding documents with lists labelled "NG (no good) Reporters," with at least 6 portrait photos and their corresponding seat numbers. According to the NHK the documents were brought in by FTI Consulting, a United States-based consulting company hired by Johnny & Associates to manage the press conference, to blacklist specific media reporters. During the conference each media outlet was allowed one question after being picked by the moderator.{{cite news| url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/3fe8d232275604c2ef7d9220f79668938e61baf0| title=「フェアです」「茶番ではない」ジャニーズ会見で「NGリスト」で露呈した元NHK司会者の"矛盾発言"| work=Yahoo News| date=2023-10-05| access-date=2023-10-06| archive-date=October 5, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005100936/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/3fe8d232275604c2ef7d9220f79668938e61baf0| url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20231004/k10014215471000.html | title=ジャニーズ事務所会見 会場に質問指名の「NGリスト」 | work=NHK | date=2023-10-04 | access-date=2023-10-04 | archive-date=October 4, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004101439/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20231004/k10014215471000.html | url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Benoza |first1=Kathleen |last2=Kaneko |first2=Karin |date=2023-10-04 |title=Johnny's news conference had journalist 'blacklist,' reports say |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/10/04/japan/society/johnnys-reporter-blacklist/ |work=The Japan Times |location= |access-date=2023-10-04 |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004204621/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/10/04/japan/society/johnnys-reporter-blacklist/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=2023-10-04 |title=Johnny & Associates denies involvement in blacklisting journalists |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231005_04/ |work=NHK |access-date=2023-10-04 |archive-date=October 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005030030/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231005_04/ |url-status=live }}

On October 4, 2023, Johnny & Associates denied involvement, stating "No one from our company has seen anything."{{cite news | url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/782389 | title=ジャニーズ会見に質問者の「NGリスト」、NHK報道でトレンド入り「さすがにアウト」「完全に八百長」の声 | work=Chunichi Sports | date=2023-10-04 | access-date=2023-10-05 | archive-date=October 7, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007002750/https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/782389 | url-status=live }} Inohara on seeing the blacklist during a rehearsal meeting between Johnny & Associates and FTI Consulting staff reportedly pushed back, saying "What does this mean? It's no good if we don't call on everyone."{{cite news | url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASRB46W41RB4OXIE02V.html | title=ジャニーズ事務所会見前「NG」リスト 特定の記者避ける意図は否定 | work=Asahi Shimbun | date=2023-10-04 | access-date=2023-10-05 | archive-date=October 5, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005025923/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASRB46W41RB4OXIE02V.html | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/a707ec71dbde51df29c925b831a2e8e31af2a711 | title=ジャニーズ事務所 NHKのNG記者リスト報道に「弊社の関係者は誰も関与しておりません」 | work=Yahoo News | date=2023-10-04 | access-date=2023-10-04 | archive-date=October 4, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004133657/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/a707ec71dbde51df29c925b831a2e8e31af2a711 | url-status=live }} On October 5, 2023, Johnny & Associates issued a press release stating a media blacklist was never produced nor requested by their staff. When asked to issue an apology FTI Consulting allegedly countered that they can only do so once it is cleared by their main office in the US.{{cite news | url=https://www.johnny-associates.co.jp/news/info-723/ | title=弊社記者会見に関する一部報道について | work=Johnny & Associates | date=2023-10-05 | access-date=2023-10-05 | archive-date=October 5, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005070435/https://www.johnny-associates.co.jp/news/info-723/ | url-status=live }}

On October 5, 2023, FTI Consulting admitted the existence of the 'blacklist' as well as a candidate list of "preferable" reporters.{{cite news |date=2023-10-05 |title=Consulting firm apologizes for Johnny's news conference journalist blacklist |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231005_32/ |work=NHK |access-date=2023-10-05 |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006022223/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231005_32/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/tv/20231005-OYT1T50264/ | title=ジャニーズ会見NGリスト、コンサル会社「配慮に基づく進行は事務所側も了承」…「指名候補記者リスト」も作成 | language=Japanese | work=The Yomiuri Shimbun | date=2023-10-05 | access-date=2023-10-05 | archive-date=October 5, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005124804/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/tv/20231005-OYT1T50264/ | url-status=live }} According to the firm the lists were given to the conference moderator. Mutual concerns over reporters who could spend long periods of time talking about their own opinions, or ask thoughtless questions (or remarks) that could be unnecessarily stressful, painful, and/or uncomfortable to the victims who are watching the conference was given as a reason to create the blacklist. Contradicting Johnny & Associates' claims FTI stated both parties confirmed their policy on conducting the press conference.

The press conference attracted criticism from journalists, broadcasters, and politicians at a time when Johnny & Associates was attempting to mend its public image and relationship with the media.{{cite news | url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/edee2c2aeadf209775b55f1b178aaeb463c27aeb | title=安住紳一郎アナ ジャニーズ「NGリスト」報道に「リスト作ったとされるPR会社、独断であったならば…」 | work=Yahoo News Japan | date=2023-10-05 | access-date=2023-10-05 | archive-date=October 5, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005035546/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/edee2c2aeadf209775b55f1b178aaeb463c27aeb | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/782410 | title=江川紹子さん、ジャニーズ会見は「やり直し」 『NGリスト』存在報道に憤り | work=Chunichi Sports | date=2023-10-05 | access-date=2023-10-05 | archive-date=October 5, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005185918/https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/782410 | url-status=live }} Arc Times editor Toshihiko Ogata{{Refn|Arc Times is a YouTube-based organization,{{cite web |title=Arc Times |url=https://www.youtube.com/@ArcTimes1 |website=Arc Times |access-date=2024-06-11 |language=Japanese |date=2022-12-30}} with Toshihiko Ogata and Isoko Mochizuki as its members, but they were conspicuous by their lack of manners at the press conference. At the October 2 press conference, Ogata, as did Mochizuki, without being appointed, forced questions without a microphone, causing an uproar in the audience.{{cite web |title=ジャニーズ事務所会見、元朝日新聞の尾形聡彦記者が"ルール破り"おねだり 井ノ原が申し訳なさそうに「ご質問されたのを聞いちゃった…」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2297106/full/ |website=oricon |access-date=2024-06-11 |language=Japanese |date=2023-10-02}}{{cite web |title=ジャニーズ事務所会見"NG記者6人"に聞く「質問したかったことは？」 【本間龍氏・松谷創一郎氏・尾形聡彦氏・佐藤章氏・ 鈴木エイト氏・望月衣塑子氏】 |url=https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/598206 |website=FNN Online |access-date=2024-06-11 |language=Japanese |date=2023-10-11}}}} who was attending commented "As expected, it was a rigged press conference. We also got ahold of this list and are waiting for a formal response. I think it's amazing that the NHK was able to capture that footage." Shūkan Bunshun journalist Ryūtarō Nakamura commented "This is a total out. With this it's obvious that their unscrupulous ways haven't changed. 'We didn't know' or 'a third-party was responsible' is not valid.{{cite news | url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/e7ec683af7c1fb138e65aa31b3a98979013b6044 | title=ジャニーズ会見に質問者の「NGリスト」、NHK報道でトレンド入り「さすがにアウト」「完全に八百長」の声 | work=Yahoo News Japan | date=2023-10-05 | access-date=2023-10-05 | archive-date=October 5, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005014633/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/e7ec683af7c1fb138e65aa31b3a98979013b6044 | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/japan-johnnys-sex-abuse-scandal-renaming-plan-slammed-1235607160/|title=Japan's Johnny Kitagawa Sex Abuse Scandal: 478 Victims Come Forward, Company Rebranding Slammed as 'Ridicule'|date=October 3, 2023|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=October 7, 2023|archive-date=October 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008032923/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/japan-johnnys-sex-abuse-scandal-renaming-plan-slammed-1235607160/|url-status=live}}

At the September 7 press conference attended by Noriyuki Higashiyama, Yoshihiko Inohara, and former president Julie Keiko Fujishima attracted a great deal of public attention and was broadcast live on almost all television stations in the afternoon.{{cite web |title=【ジャニーズ事務所会見】テレビ各局も生中継で速報 |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/764386 |website=chunichi.jp |access-date=2024-06-05 |language=Japanese |date=2023-09-07}} The total household viewership of NHK and four commercial broadcasters in the Kanto region, where the press conference was broadcast, exceeded 20%.{{cite web |title=ジャニーズ会見視聴率、日テレ「ミヤネ屋」６・０％、ＮＨＫ４・１％…テレ東「リーサル・ウェポン２」は２・２％ |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20230908-OHT1T51054.html?page=1 |website=hochi |access-date=2024-06-06 |language=Japanese |date=2023-09-08}} At this high-profile press conference, Tokyo Shimbun reporter Isoko Mochizuki, who is said to have been on the blacklist,{{cite web |title=望月衣塑子記者が振り返るジャニーズ会見 記者席から見た現場の状況は、「NGリスト」に名前はあったのか… |url=https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/281981/3 |website=Tokyo Shinbun Web |access-date=2024-06-02 |language=Japanese |date=2023-10-05}} persistently asked Noriyuki Higashiyama if he himself had been victims of sexual assault.{{cite web |title=古市憲寿氏「セカンドレイプにもつながりかねない」ジャニーズ会見 望月衣塑子記者の質問に疑問 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202309070000979.html |website=nikkan |access-date=2024-06-02 |language=Japanese |date=2023-09-07}}

Sociologist Noritoshi Furuichi complained about the question, saying that this was an act of outing in public{{cite web |title=古市憲寿氏「セカンドレイプにもつながりかねない」ジャニーズ会見 望月衣塑子記者の質問に疑問 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202309070000979.html |website=nikkan |access-date=2024-06-05 |language=Japanese |date=2023-09-07}} and an extremely ugly comment based on onlookers' guts that could lead to second rape.{{cite web |title=ジャニーズ会見での「正義の暴走」 望月記者の醜悪な発言が浮き彫りにしたメディアの性質（古市憲寿） |url=https://www.dailyshincho.jp/article/2023/09280555/?all=1 |website=dairyshincho |access-date=2024-06-02 |language=Japanese |date=2023-09-28}} Furuichi also criticized the Tokyo Shimbun, saying that if the newspaper is supposed to be a media outlet that respects human rights, but is allowed to violate the human rights of individuals for the sake of the greater good as “that's what reporters do,” then it is no different from the Japanese media during World War II.

File:Johnny & Associates 202304.jpg (2018-present) prior to the renaming. It was SMEJ's Nogizaka Building (2001-2018) and still houses Sony Music Studios Tokyo on the basement levels.{{Cite web |url=https://www.sonymusicstudio.jp/s/studioen/page/access?ima=2243 |title=Access - Sony Music Studios Tokyo |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125193835/https://www.sonymusicstudio.jp/s/studioen/page/access?ima=2243 |url-status=live }}]]

Several Japanese news outlets reported on October 1, 2023 that Johnny & Associates was considering creating a new company to manage its performers, while the current Johnny & Associates would change its name and continue to exist for the purpose of compensating abuse victims. It was also reported that Noriyuki Higashiyama, who became the head of Johnny & Associates after the resignation of Julie K. Fujishima, was also expected to head the new company.{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231002_02/|title=Johnny & Associates considering setting up new firm, sources say|date=1 October 2023|publisher=NHK World-Japan|access-date=1 October 2023|archive-date=October 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004110642/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231002_02/|url-status=live}} On October 2, Johnny & Associates held a press conference to outline their plans, announcing that they would be renaming the current company to Smile Up–taking a name that they had used in their 2020 charity project–effective October 17.{{Cite web |date=2 October 2023 |title=ジャニーズ事務所、社名「SMILE-UP.」に変更を発表 「喜多川氏と完全に決別する決意」再出発を誓う |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2297030/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002060444/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2297030/full/ |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}} Smile Up will continue to exist under the ownership of Fujishima and will eventually close down once all sexual abuse compensation requests, which numbered 325 at the time of the announcement, have been processed. On November 22, 2023 the company began to compensate the first 35 victims of the sexual harassment scandal while Smile-Up! received reports from 834 people until November 22, 2023 claiming to be harassed by Kitagawa.{{cite web|access-date=2023-11-29|date=2023-11-22|language=en|title=Ex-Johnny & Associates starts proposing compensation to sex-abuse victims|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231122_32/|website=NHK|archive-date=December 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201091855/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231122_32/|url-status=live}}

Higashiyama told reporters that performers working under the new, yet-to-be-named management company "will have the freedom to pursue their own career paths without being restricted or entirely dependent on the company." It was also announced that anything bearing the name "Johnny", such as related companies and company sections like Johnny's Island and J-Storm and performing groups such as Johnny's West and Kanjani Eight, would undergo changes to remove any trace of the Johnny's name.{{Cite web |date=2 October 2023 |title=東山紀之社長「ジャニーズと付くものはなくなります」所属グループの名称変更を断言＜会見＞ |url=https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/3980251 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002062534/https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/3980251 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=Model Press |language=Japanese}} Higashiyama said that "all things with the Johnny's name will have to go," while Fujishima, who did not attend the October 2 press conference, said that she wanted to "erase all that remains of Johnny from this world."

It was revealed on December 8, 2023, that the new artist management company would be called "Starto Entertainment", a name fusing the word "star" and the hiragana と (to), with the meaning for the latter to be "toward the future". The name of the new company was decided after reviewing 140,156 fan applications. Higashiyama was to replace Fujishima in both the new artist management company, as well as in the presidency of the original, but Higashiyama declined the role in the new one. Atsushi Fukuda, president of a consulting company, was appointed as president of Starto.{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2023 |title=旧ジャニーズ 新たなマネジメント会社名は『STARTO ENTERTAINMENT』と発表 社長は福田淳氏が就任 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2305818/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208052315/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2305818/full/ |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |access-date=December 8, 2023 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}

{{Main|Starto Entertainment}}

Trainees under the former company name of Johnny & Associates were known as Johnny's Jr. and have traditionally performed on Johnny's related variety shows and as backup dancers for the agency's groups.{{cite web |url=http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/feature/entertainment/johnnys/news/20120803-OHT1T00019.htm |script-title=ja:ジャニーズＪｒ．に初密着！独自養成システム大公開！ |date=2012-08-03 |access-date=2017-10-16 |publisher=Sports Hochi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215094127/http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/feature/entertainment/johnnys/news/20120803-OHT1T00019.htm|archive-date=2012-12-15|url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.daily.co.jp/gossip/2016/07/06/0009256588.shtml |script-title=ja:ジャニーズ事務所 なぜ人材集まるのか 公式募集無し、いつしか履歴書が |date=2016-07-06 |access-date=2017-10-16 |publisher=Daily Sports |language=ja |archive-date=October 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016070502/https://www.daily.co.jp/gossip/2016/07/06/0009256588.shtml |url-status=live }} However, in recent years select Junior groups have taken on levels of visibility akin to mainstream senior acts, including national commercial sponsorships,{{cite web |title=Travis Japanが銀のさら20周年アンバサダーに就任！TVCMは3月25日からスタート |url=https://screenonline.jp/SCREEN_Plus/17351276 |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228123520/https://screenonline.jp/SCREEN_Plus/17351276 |url-status=live }} solo concerts,{{cite web |title=7 MEN 侍、少年忍者、Lil かんさい、IMPACTors……ネクストブレイク必至？ 『ジャニーズ銀座』は登竜門的ステージに |url=https://realsound.jp/2021/02/post-709863.html |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=February 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218225649/https://realsound.jp/2021/02/post-709863.html |url-status=live }} national tours,{{cite web |title=ジャニーズJr.なにわ男子が初の全国ツアー、地元・大阪5公演含む11公演開催 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/345722 |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126125941/https://natalie.mu/music/news/345722 |url-status=live }} and starring film and television roles.{{cite web |title=ＨｉＨｉ Ｊｅｔｓの井上瑞稀、高橋優斗、作間龍斗が水泳青春ドラマ「ＤＩＶＥ！」に主演 |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/8a3ca73d3f44d7060cece8507777f0c05aa047e4 |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=February 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213221556/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/8a3ca73d3f44d7060cece8507777f0c05aa047e4 |url-status=live }}

• HiHi Jets (ja) - formed 2015
• Bi Shonen (美 少年) - formed 2016
• 7 Men Samurai - formed 2018
• Shonen Ninja (少年忍者) - formed 2018
• SpeciaL (ja) - formed 2018
• Go!Go!Kids (ja)- formed 2022
• Lil Kansai (Lil かんさい) - formed 2019
• Boys be (ja) - formed 2020
• AmBitious (ja)- formed 2021

{{div col|colwidth=28em}}

• Johnnys (1962–1967)
• Hiromi Maie (1962–?)
• Osami Iino (1962–1968)
• Ryo Nakatani (1962–?)
• Teruhiko Aoi (1962–1967)
• Four Leaves (1968–1976)
• Kōji Kita (1966–1989)
• Takashi Aoyama (1966–1978)
• Toshio Egi (1966–?)
• Masao Orimo (1966–?)
• Eiji Nagata (1966–1977)
• Hiromi Go (1971–1975)
• Teruyoshi Aoi (1973–1976)
• Jo Toyokawa (1975–1979)
• Little Gang (1975–1976)
• Mayo Kawasaki (1976–1989)
• Masahiko Kondō (1977–2021)
• Toshihiko Tahara (1979–1994)
• Ippei Hikaru (1980–1985)
• Shibugakitai (1982–1988)
• Hirohide Yakumaru
• Toshikazu Fukawa
• Masahiro Motoki
• Shigeyuki Nakamura (1982–1993)
• The Good-Bye (1983–1990)
• Hikaru Genji (1987–1995)
• Mikio Ôsawa (1982–1994)
• Kazumi Morohoshi (1984–1994)
• Hiroyuki Satō (1983–1994)
• Junichi Yamamoto (1986–2002)
• Akira Akasaka{{efn |group=upper-alpha |Akasaka was arrested for drug possession on October 28, 2007. Johnny & Associates announced his dismissal on October 29, 2007.{{cite web |url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/top/gt200711/gt2007110115.html |script-title=ja:寂しさ紛らわすために覚せい剤？赤坂容疑者3月に離婚していた |date=2007-11-01 |access-date=2017-10-16 |publisher=Sankei Sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203060126/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/top/gt200711/gt2007110115.html|archive-date=2007-12-03 |url-status=dead |language=ja }}}} (1987–2007)
• SMAP (1990–2016)
• Katsuyuki Mori (1987–1996)
• Goro Inagaki (1987–2016)
• Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (1987–2016)
• Shingo Katori (1988–2016)
• Masahiro Nakai (1986–2020)
• Otokogumi (1988–1993)
• Shoji Narita
• Kazuya Takahashi
• Koyo Maeda
• Ninja (1990–1997)
• TOKIO
• Hiromu Kojima (1990–1994)
• Tatsuya Yamaguchi{{efn |group=upper-alpha |Yamaguchi was suspended indefinitely on April 26, 2018, after he was referred to prosecutors for sexually harassing a teenage girl.{{cite web |url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20180426/k10011418271000.html |script-title=ja:TOKIO山口メンバー 芸能活動は無期限の謹慎 |date=2018-04-26 |access-date=2018-05-07 |publisher=NHK |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501030140/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20180426/k10011418271000.html |archive-date=2018-05-01 |url-status=dead }} On May 2, 2018, he handed his resignation letter to TOKIO's leader, Shigeru Joshima.{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20180502/k10011425191000.html |script-title=ja:TOKIOの4人謝罪 「音楽活動は白紙」 |date=2018-05-02 |access-date=2018-05-06 |publisher=NHK |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503020128/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20180502/k10011425191000.html |archive-date=2018-05-03 |url-status=dead }} Yamaguchi officially resigned on May 6, 2018.{{cite news |url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2018/05/06/kiji/20180506s00041000369000c.html |script-title=ja:ジャニーズ事務所 山口達也と契約解除 本人が改めて強い辞意 ジャニー社長と城島が協議し受理 |date=2018-05-07 |access-date=2018-05-07 |newspaper=Sports Nippon |language=ja |archive-date=May 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506121755/http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2018/05/06/kiji/20180506s00041000369000c.html |url-status=live }}}} (1989–2018)
• Tomoya Nagase{{cite web|url=https://www.johnnys-net.jp/page?id=text&dataId=1956&artist=7|title=弊社所属アーティスト「TOKIO」に関するご報告|website=Johnny's net|publisher=ジャニーズ事務所|date=2020-07-22|access-date=2020-07-22 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210122122941/https://www.johnnys-net.jp/page?id=text&dataId=1956&artist=7|archive-date= 2021-01-22}}{{Cite web| url = https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200722/k10012529301000.html| title = TOKIO 長瀬智也さん 来年 ジャニーズ事務所退所へ| date = 2020-07-22| website = NEWS WEB| publisher = NHK| accessdate = 2021-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814022656/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200722/k10012529301000.html|archive-date=2020-08-14}} (1992–2021)
• V6 (1995–2021)
• Coming Century (1995–2021){{Cite web |date=March 12, 2021 |title=V6解散でComing Century活動終了 森田剛の事務所退所受け、20th Centuryは存続 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2187095/full/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223014404/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2187095/full/ |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |access-date=February 23, 2023 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}
• Go Morita (1995–2021)
• {{ill|Ken Miyake|ja|三宅健}} (1993–2023){{Cite web |date=21 February 2023 |title=トニセン、退所発表の三宅健にエール「次のステージを楽しみにしてるぜ!」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2268662/full/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503062110/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2268662/full/ |archive-date=3 May 2023 |access-date=3 May 2023 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=3 May 2023 |title=二宮和也、トニセン＆ジャニーズ退所の三宅健へメッセージ「わたくしの青春」「これからもついていきます」 |url=https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/3729449 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503062059/https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/3729449 |archive-date=3 May 2023 |access-date=3 May 2023 |website=Model Press |language=Japanese}}
• Junichi Okada (1995-2023)
• Tackey & Tsubasa (2002–2018)
• Tsubasa Imai{{efn |group=upper-alpha |Imai announced his departure on September 13, 2018. The announcement came with a notice of disbandment from Tackey & Tsubasa. Imai, who has Ménière's disease, will be focusing on his health.{{cite web |url=https://www.johnnys-net.jp/page?id=text&dataId=1585&artist=11 |script-title=ja:「タッキー＆翼」アーティスト活動に関するお知らせ |date=2018-09-13 |access-date=2018-09-13 |publisher=Johnny & Associates |work=Johnny's Net |language=ja |archive-date=September 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913153415/https://www.johnnys-net.jp/page?id=text&dataId=1585&artist=11 |url-status=live |title=FAMILY CLUB Official Site }}{{cite news |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180913/p2g/00m/0et/008000c |title=Japanese idol duo Tackey & Tsubasa disband after 16 years |date=2018-09-13 |access-date=2018-09-13 |newspaper=Mainichi Shimbun |language=ja }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}}} (1995–2018)
• Hideaki Takizawa (1995–2022){{Cite news |date=1 November 2022 |title=Hideaki Takizawa quits as Johnny & Associates VP to move onto 'next stage' |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221101/p2a/00m/0bu/009000c |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429091557/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221101/p2a/00m/0bu/009000c |archive-date=29 April 2023 |access-date=29 April 2023 |newspaper=Mainichi Daily News}}
• NEWS
• Hironori Kusano (2001–2008)
• Takahiro Moriuchi (2001–2003)
• Yuya Tegoshi (2003–2020)
• Tomohisa Yamashita (1996–2020)
• KAT-TUN
• Koki Tanaka{{efn |group=upper-alpha |Tanaka contract with Johnny & Associates was terminated on September 30, 2013 due to several contract violations.{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/10/johnny-associates-cancels-exclusive-contract-with-tanaka-koki-kat-tun-becomes-a-4-member-group |title=Johnny & Associates cancels exclusive contract with Tanaka Koki, KAT-TUN becomes a 4-member group |date=2013-10-09 |access-date=2017-10-16 |publisher=6Theory Media |archive-date=October 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016070926/http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/10/johnny-associates-cancels-exclusive-contract-with-tanaka-koki-kat-tun-becomes-a-4-member-group |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20131009-OHT1T00143.htm |script-title=ja:田中聖と専属契約解除、ＫＡＴ―ＴＵＮ脱退 |date=2013-10-09 |access-date=2017-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017011753/http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20131009-OHT1T00143.htm |archive-date=2013-10-17 |url-status=dead |language=ja}}}} (1998–2013)
• Jin Akanishi{{cite web |url=http://woman.infoseek.co.jp/news/entertainment/sponichin_20140303_0018 |script-title=ja:赤西仁 契約解除で初コメント「子供のころからの夢 海外活動を今まで以上に」 |date=2014-03-03 |access-date=2017-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306223536/http://woman.infoseek.co.jp/news/entertainment/sponichin_20140303_0018 |archive-date=2014-03-06 |url-status=dead |language=ja}} (1998–2014)
• Junnosuke Taguchi{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2015/11/breaking-kat-tuns-taguchi-junnosuke-to-leave-the-group-johnnys |title=[BREAKING] KAT-TUN's Taguchi Junnosuke to leave the group & Johnny's |publisher=6Theory Media |date=2015-11-24 |access-date=2017-01-02 |archive-date=November 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105222002/http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2015/11/breaking-kat-tuns-taguchi-junnosuke-to-leave-the-group-johnnys |url-status=live }} (1999–2016)
• Hey! Say! JUMP
• Ryutaro Morimoto{{efn |group=upper-alpha |On June 27, 2011, Morimoto was suspended indefinitely for underage smoking.{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2011/06/hey-say-jumps-morimoto-ryutaro-activities-supsended-due-to-smoking-underage/ |title=Hey! Say! JUMP's Morimoto Ryutaro activities suspended due to underage smoking |date=2011-06-27 |access-date=2017-10-16 |publisher=6Theory Media |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729224932/http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2011/06/hey-say-jumps-morimoto-ryutaro-activities-supsended-due-to-smoking-underage/ |url-status=live }} His profile was removed from the official Johnny & Associates website in 2012.}} (2004–2011)
• Kanjani Eight
• Ryo Nishikido (2004–2019){{cite news | first=Lynzee | last=Loveridge | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-09-06/kanjani-eight-ryo-nishikido-leaves-idol-group-johnny-agency/.150827 | title=Kanjani Eight's Ryo Nishikido Leaves Idol Group, Johnny's Agency | work=Anime News Network | date=September 6, 2019 | access-date=September 6, 2019 | archive-date=January 25, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125023108/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-09-06/kanjani-eight-ryo-nishikido-leaves-idol-group-johnny-agency/.150827 | url-status=live }}
• Subaru Shibutani (2004–2018)
• Tegomass (2006–2020)
• Sexy Zone
• Marius Yo (2011–2022)
• Kento Nakajima (2008-2024){{Cite web |date=8 January 2024 |title=Sexy Zone、4月より新グループ名で活動へ |url=https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/4137037 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301223835/https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/4137037 |archive-date=1 March 2024 |access-date=1 March 2024 |website=Model Press |language=Japanese}}
• King & Prince
• Genki Iwahashi (2010–2021)
• Sho Hirano (2012–2023)
• Yuta Jinguji (2010–2023)
• Yuta Kishi (2009–2023){{Cite web |date=22 May 2023 |title=キンプリ岸優太、9月30日にジャニーズ事務所退所「みなさん見ていてください！」ブログで発表 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202305220000343.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627103715/https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202305220000343.html |archive-date=27 June 2023 |access-date=27 June 2023 |website=Nikkan Sports |language=Japanese}}
• Kis-My-Ft2
• Kyohei Iida (2001–2006){{Cite web |title=飯田京平の2023年現在が衝撃！ キスマイ脱退の理由や結婚の噂に迫る！ |url=https://xn--u9j5h1btf1ez99qnszei5c8ws.com/iidakyouhei/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913065538/https://xn--u9j5h1btf1ez99qnszei5c8ws.com/iidakyouhei/ |archive-date=13 September 2023 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=芸能人の裏ニュース (Geinōjin no ura nyūsu) |language=Japanese}}
• Hiromitsu Kitayama (2002–2023){{Cite web |date=7 June 2023 |title=Kis-My-Ft2北山宏光、グループ卒業&ジャニーズ事務所退所へ メンバー&ファンへ感謝【コメント全文】 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2276977/full/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913043407/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2276977/full/ |archive-date=13 September 2023 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}
• Shonentai
• Noriyuki Higashiyama (1979–2023){{Cite web |date=27 December 2023 |title=年内引退の東山紀之、最後の表舞台でファンにお別れ「お元気で!さようなら!」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2308250/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226222820/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2308250/full/ |archive-date=26 December 2023 |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=29 December 2023 |title=東山紀之、「必殺仕事人」で最後のテレビ出演を終える ラストのセリフは「いやもう、お好きなように」引き継ぎ言及なし |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20231229-OHT1T51282.html?page=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230011858/https://hochi.news/articles/20231229-OHT1T51282.html?page=1 |archive-date=30 December 2023 |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=Hochi Sports |language=Japanese}}
• Kazukiyo Nishikiori (1977–2020){{Cite web |date=20 September 2020 |title=少年隊 錦織＆植草が年内でジャニーズ退所 グループ名は存続「活動予定はないが後輩たちの道標に」 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2020/09/20/kiji/20200920s00041000239000c.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106100706/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2020/09/20/kiji/20200920s00041000239000c.html |archive-date=6 January 2024 |access-date=6 January 2024 |website=Sponichi |language=Japanese}}
• Katsuhide Uekusa (1980–2020)
• A.B.C-Z
• {{ill|Fumito Kawai (entertainer)|lt=Fumito Kawai|ja|河合郁人}} (1999-2023){{Cite web |date=22 September 2023 |title=A.B.C-Zの河合郁人、『ゴゴスマ』生出演で脱退の心境語る 退所は考えず「逃げるように見えるのも嫌」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2295732/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301232949/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2295732/full/ |archive-date=1 March 2024 |access-date=1 March 2024 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=21 September 2023 |title=A.B.C-Z河合郁人12・21でグループ脱退へ ジャニーズ事務所には引き続き所属 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202309210000559.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302005340/https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202309210000559.html |archive-date=2 March 2024 |access-date=2 March 2024 |website=Nikkan Sports |language=Japanese}}

{{div col end}}

;Project groups

{{div col|colwidth=28em}}

• Johnny's Junior Special (1975)
• Tanokin Trio (1980–1983)
• J-Friends (1998){{efn|J-Friends consists of Tokio, V6, KinKi Kids, who performed as a charity group.}}
• Secret Agent (2000){{efn|Secret Agent consists of Noriyuki Higashiyama and Ryo Nishikido, who performed the theme song for the drama Heisei Meoto Jawan.}}
• MiMyCen (2001){{efn|MiMyCen consists of Go Morita, Ken Miyake, and Junichi Okada, who performed the theme song for the variety show MiMyCen!}}
• Ya-Ya-yah (2002){{efn|MiMyCen consists of Kota Yabu, Hikaru Yaotome, Naoya Akama, Shoon Yamashita, Taiyo Ayukawa, and Masaki Hoshino, who performed the theme song for the anime Nintama Rantarō and had a variety show of the same name.}}
• Toraji Haiji (2005){{efn|Toraji Haiji consists of Tsuyoshi Domoto and Taichi Kokubun, who performed the theme song for the film Fantastipo.}}
• Shūji to Akira (2005){{efn|Shūji to Akira consists of Kazuya Kamenashi and Tomohisa Yamashita, who performed the theme song for the drama Nobuta wo Produce.}}
• GYM (2006){{efn|GYM consists of Golf, Tomohisa Yamashita, and Mike, who performed the theme song for the Women's Volleyball games.}}
• Kisarazu Cats Eye feat. MCU (2006){{efn|Kisarazu Cats Eye feat. MCU consists of Junichi Okada, Sho Sakurai, Yoshinori Okada (non-Johnny's), Tsukamoto Takashi (non-Johnny's), and Ryuta Sato (non-Johnny's), who performed the theme song for the drama Kisarazu Cat's Eye: World Series.}}
• Trio the Shakiiin (2007){{efn|Trio the Shakiiin consists of Noriyuki Higashiyama, Go Morita, and Kenta Suga (non-Johnny's), who performed the theme song for the drama Kuitan.}}
• Hey! Say! 7 (2007){{efn|Hey! Say! 7 consists of Yuya Takaki, Daiki Arioka, Ryosuke Yamada, Yuto Nakajima, and Yuri Chinen, who performed "Hey! Say!", the theme song for the anime Lovely Complex.}}
• Matchy with Question (2008){{efn|Matchy with Question consists of Masahiko Kondo, Daijiro Yonemura, Yoshihiro Yodogawa, Kazuyori Fujiie, Akun Igo, and Daisuke Ishigaki, who performed the theme song for the anime Naruto.}}
• The Shigotonin (2009){{efn|The Shigotonin consists of Noriyuki Higashiyama, Masahiro Matsuoka, and Tadayoshi Okura, who performed the theme song for the drama Hissatsu Shigotonin.}}
• NYC boys (2009){{efn|NYC boys consists of Ryosuke Yamada, Yuri Chinen, Yuma Nakayama, Kento Nakajima, Fuma Kikuchi, Hokuto Matsumura, and Yugo Kochi, who performed the theme song for the Women's Volleyball games.}}
• Snow Prince Gasshodan (2009){{efn|Snow Prince Gasshodan consists of Shintarō Morimoto, Shintarō Kishimoto, Reia Nakamura, Kei Kurita, Yūya Ōtsuka, Tatsuya Horinouchi, Aoi Okada, Yūki Haba, Ryō Hashimoto, Mizuki Inoue, and Aoi Chino, who performed the theme song for the film Snow Prince: Kinjirareta Koi no Melody.}}
• Lands (2009){{efn|Lands consists of Jin Akanishi and Takeshi Kobayashi, who performed as a tie-in to the film Bandage.}}
• Marching J (2011){{efn|Marching J consists of Tokio, V6, KinKi Kids, Hey! Say! JUMP, SMAP, Arashi, Tackey and Tsubasa, NEWS, Kanjani8, KAT-TUN and Johnny's Juniors, for a total of 83 people who performed as a charity group.}}
• A.N. Jell (2011){{efn|A.N. Jell consists of Hikaru Yaotome, Taisuke Fujigaya, Yuta Tamamori, and Miori Takimoto (non-Johnny's), who performed as a tie-in to the drama Ikemen desu ne.}}
• The Monsters (2012){{efn|The Monsters consists of Shingo Katori and Tomohisa Yamashita, who performed the theme song for the drama Monsters.}}
• Hottake Band (2014){{efn|Hottake Band consists of Kazuya Kamenashi and Koji Tamaki, who performed the theme song for the drama Tokyo Bandwagon.}}
• Jigoku-zu (2016){{efn|Jigoku-zu consists of Tomoya Nagase, Ryunosuke Kamiki (non-Johnny's), Kenta Kiritani (non-Johnny's), and Nana Seino (non-Johnny's), who performed the theme song for the film Too Young to Die! Wakakushite Shinu.}}
• Kame to Yamapi (2017){{efn|Kame to YamaP consists of Kazuya Kamenashi and Tomohisa Yamashita, who performed the theme song for the drama Boku, Unmei no Hito Desu.}}
• A.Y.T (2017){{efn|A.Y.T consists of Yuya Takaki, Hikaru Yaotome and Daiki Arioka from Hey! Say! JUMP, who performed the theme song for the drama Koshoku Robot.}}
• Twenty Twenty (2020){{efn|Twenty Twenty consists of V6, KinKi Kids, Arashi, NEWS, Kanjani8, KAT-TUN, Kis-My-Ft2, Hey! Say! JUMP, Sexy Zone, A.B.C-Z, West (band), King & Prince, SixTones, Snow Man, Tomohisa Yamashita, a total of 75 members participated as a charity group.}}
• STARTO for you (2024){{efn|STARTO for you consists of NEWS, Super eight, KAT-TUN, Kis-My-Ft2, Hey! Say! JUMP, Timelesz, A.B.C-Z, West (band), King & Prince, SixTones, Snow Man, Naniwa Danshi, Travis Japan, Ae! group a total of 75 members participated as a charity group.}}

{{div col end}}

• Nobuhiro Aoyama
• {{ill|Keiichi Miyoshi|ja|三好圭一}} (1982–1991)
• Mizuki Sano (1991–2019){{cite web |url=https://www.johnnys-net.jp/page?id=text&dataId=1642&artist=33 |title=Mizuki Sano |date=2019-01-18 |access-date=2019-01-19 |publisher=Johnny & Associates |language=ja |archive-date=January 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119121219/https://www.johnnys-net.jp/page?id=text&dataId=1642&artist=33 |url-status=live }}
• Kazunari Ninomiya (1996–2023) {{Cite web |date=24 October 2023 |title=二宮和也、事務所から独立を発表 嵐の活動は継続「再開するときはメンバーとして活動する」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2299982/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024153450/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2299982/full/ |archive-date=24 October 2023 |access-date=24 October 2023 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}
• Toma Ikuta (1996–2023){{Cite web |date=7 November 2023 |title=退所報告の生田斗真、ファンの支えに感謝「計り知れないご支援と愛情をいただきました」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2301679/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121012519/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2301679/full/ |archive-date=21 November 2023 |access-date=21 November 2023 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}
• Shunsuke Kazama (1997–2023){{Cite web |date=16 December 2023 |title=風間俊介、SMILE-UP.を年内いっぱいで退所「新たな場所に身を置き挑戦」【SMILE-UP.報告全文】 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2307030/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216112309/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2307030/full/ |archive-date=16 December 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}
• {{ill|Bunichi Hamanaka|ja|浜中文一}} (1999–2023){{Cite web |date=5 December 2024 |title=浜中文一、大みそかで旧ジャニーズ「SMILE―UP．」を退所しフリーで活動へ |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/817510 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106084056/https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/817510 |archive-date=6 January 2024 |access-date=6 January 2024 |website=Chunichi |language=Japanese}}
• Jun Matsumoto (1996–2024){{Cite web |date=16 May 2024 |title=松本潤よりみなさまへ |url=https://corporate.starto.jp/files/83/pdf/_%E6%9D%BE%E6%9C%AC%E6%BD%A4.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516160724/https://corporate.starto.jp/files/83/pdf/_%E6%9D%BE%E6%9C%AC%E6%BD%A4.pdf |archive-date=16 May 2024 |access-date=16 May 2024 |website=Starto Entertainment Corporate |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=16 May 2024 |title=松本潤の個人活動における独立のお知らせ |url=https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516160811/https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10008 |archive-date=16 May 2024 |access-date=16 May 2024 |website=Starto Entertainment Corporate |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=16 May 2024 |title=松本潤、個人活動で独立「さまざまな表現を探求していきたい」 嵐のエージェント契約は継続 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2327393/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516160159/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2327393/full/ |archive-date=16 May 2024 |access-date=16 May 2024 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}

• Tsuyoshi Domoto (1991–2024){{Cite web |date=22 February 2024 |title=堂本剛がSMILE－UP．独立発表「解散は考えておりません」入所から33年、キンキは継続へ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202402220000850.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301095742/https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202402220000850.html |archive-date=1 March 2024 |access-date=1 March 2024 |website=Nikkan Sports |language=Japanese}}

• List of record labels
• Hadaka no Shōnen

{{notelist}}

{{notelist-ua}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category|Johnny & Associates}}

• {{Official website}} (in Japanese)
• [https://starto.jp/ Starto Entertainment] (link with options for Japanese, English and Chinese languages)

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Category:J-pop

Category:Japanese record labels

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