Starto Entertainment#Notable Groups

After he died in 2019, Johnny & Associates' founder Johnny Kitagawa's sexual abuse was revealed in 2023, on October 2, Julie Keiko Fujishima, Kitagawa's niece and successor, decided to compensate the victims and close the business.{{cite web |title=Talent agency to remove ‘Johnny’ from name, focus on compensation |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15019287 |website=asahi.com |access-date=2024-06-03 |date=October 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003025322/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15019287 |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |url-status=live}} The name “Johnny” was erased from the company name because of Fujishima's desire to "erase all traces of Johnny Kitagawa from this world".{{cite web |title=消えたジャニーズ　「SMILE-UP.」に社名変更　サイトも移転 |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASRBK0D8ZRBJUCVL05M.html |website=asahi.com |access-date=2024-06-03 |language=Japanese |date=2023-10-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016182809/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASRBK0D8ZRBJUCVL05M.html |archive-date=October 16, 2023 |url-status=live}} Johnny & Associates changed its name to Smile-Up and concentrated on compensating the victims. Together with the change of activities of what was now Smile-Up, the establishment of a new company was being sought to ensure the continued activities of celebrities belonging to Johnnys & Associates, and Atsushi Fukuda, president of consulting firm Speedy Inc. was chosen to serve as its CEO.

Fukuda previously served as vice president of Sony Pictures in the United States and also as president and CEO of Sony Digital Entertainment,{{cite web |title=Johnny & Associates Agency Changes Name to Starto Entertainment |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-12-08/johnny-and-associates-agency-changes-name-to-starto-entertainment/.205263 |website=animenews |access-date=2024-06-03 |date=2023-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208065212/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-12-08/johnny-and-associates-agency-changes-name-to-starto-entertainment/.205263 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |url-status=live}} and had been involved in corporate management and the talent agency business since founding Speedy Inc. in 2017.{{cite web |title=東山紀之断念の新会社社長に"敏腕"福田淳氏就任へ　役割増える副社長井ノ原快彦とタッグ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202310310001476.html |website=nikkan |access-date=2024-06-03 |date=2023-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101040157/https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202310310001476.html |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |url-status=live}} Fukuda was chosen as a candidate for CEO because Smile-Up was interested in promoting "agent contract," a free work style, for its celebrities in the future.{{cite web |title=ジャニーズ事務所、所属タレントと個別に契約、エージェント会社成立へ |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2297074/full/ |website=Oricon |access-date=2024-06-03 |language=Japanese |date=2023-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002154403/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2297074/full/ |archive-date=October 2, 2023 |url-status=live}} Fukuda, said to be well versed in the field of celebrities agent contracts, is known for having re-launched the career of actress Rena Nonen,{{cite web |title=旧ジャニーズ問題、福田淳氏は「最適な人選」新エージェント会社社長就任へ　のん排除した大手芸能勢力からは反発か |url=https://www.zakzak.co.jp/article/20231107-5BBM62CDVRLA5FXAKBSLPZC73E/2/ |website=zakzak |access-date=2024-06-03 |language=Japanese |date=2023-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111102331/https://www.zakzak.co.jp/article/20231107-5BBM62CDVRLA5FXAKBSLPZC73E/2/ |archive-date=November 11, 2023 |url-status=live}} who had been in a slump after quitting her agency.{{cite web |title=旧ジャニーズ､福田新社長就任で何が変わるのか |url=https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/713054 |website=toyokeizai |access-date=2024-06-03 |language=Japanese |date=2023-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208143253/https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/713054 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |url-status=live}}

The new company name "Starto Entertainment" was announced on December 8, 2023.{{cite web |title=Johnny's changes name to Starto Entertainment |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2023/12/08/entertainment-news/johnny-associates-starto-entertainment-change/ |website=Japan Times |access-date=2024-06-03 |date=2023-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212095828/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2023/12/08/entertainment-news/johnny-associates-starto-entertainment-change/ |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |url-status=live}} The company name was chosen after much discussion from among 140,156 entries from fan club members. The name was chosen, because “... it is derived from ‘Star’ and ‘To,’ as in ‘to head toward the future,’”. On its official website, the company says, “We will accompany the current stars and those who will emerge in the future, following their individual personalities and goals. From here, we will start a new legend. This is what we are trying to express”.{{cite web |title=「ＳＴＡＲＴＯ」どう略す？　旧ジャニーズマネジメント会社、新社名に反響　トレンド入り |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20231208-CHOT53QJ3RDMDATB4CPF7W3YBM/ |website=sankei.com |access-date=2024-06-03 |language=Japanese |date=2023-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208061441/https://www.sankei.com/article/20231208-CHOT53QJ3RDMDATB4CPF7W3YBM/ |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |url-status=live}} Fukuda also announced in his comments, that same day, that the artists can choose between a traditional management contract or a more liberal agent contract.{{cite web |title=『STARTO ENTERTAINMENT』本格始動 福田淳CEOが決意のメッセージ「史上最高のエンターテイメントをつくる」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2322114/full/ |website=oricon |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=Japanese |date=2024-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410064421/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2322114/full/ |archive-date=April 10, 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=旧ジャニーズ事務所の新マネジメント会社福田淳CEO、就任のあいさつ　タレントは「日本の宝」 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202312080000531.html |website=nikkan |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=Japanese |date=2023-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208074008/https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202312080000531.html |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |url-status=live}}

In establishing Starto Entertainment Inc., 10 million yen in investment capital was invested by management and employees, and neither Smile-Up, its affiliated companies, nor Julie Keiko Fujishima, the founding family member and president of the former Johnny & Associates invested in the company.{{cite web |title=旧ジャニーズ新会社名は｢STARTO ENTERTAINMENT｣ |url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC081XO0Y3A201C2000000/ |website=nikkei |access-date=2024-06-03 |language=Japanese |date=2023-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208055404/https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC081XO0Y3A201C2000000/ |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |url-status=live}} At a press conference on December 9, 2023, CEO Fukuda announced that the company had found a way to obtain a loan from a financial institution for several hundred million yen in working capital for the time being.{{cite web |title=旧ジャニーズ新会社の福田CEO「運転資金確保にメド」 |url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC08A6L0Y3A201C2000000/ |website=nikkei |access-date=2024-06-03 |language=Japanese |date=2023-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210072600/https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC08A6L0Y3A201C2000000/ |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |url-status=live}}

Starto announced that it began full-fledged operations on April 10, 2024.{{cite web |title=STARTO社が本格始動、所属タレントは28組295人…性加害に加担していないことを確認 |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/tv/20240410-OYT1T50163/ |website=yomiuri.co.jp |access-date=2024-06-03 |language=Japanese |date=2024-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411014025/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/tv/20240410-OYT1T50163/ |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |url-status=live}} As of April, it had 295 performers under contract in 28 groups, and 185 staff members. Many of the staff had previously worked for Johnny & Associates and were not involved in sexual abuse. Starto also said that it had established internal and external reporting channels for early detection of problems.

It is said that, in the past, celebrities from the former Johnny & Associates often did not co-star with celebrities who had left the agency or with competing boy bands.{{cite web |title=福田淳社長の穏健路線で業界に異変…スタート社とTOBEは熾烈な競争を繰り広げるか？　カギを握る平野紫耀 |url=https://www.dailyshincho.jp/article/2024/04291042/ |website=dailyshincho |publisher=Shinchosha |access-date=2024-06-09 |language=Japanese |date=2024-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429060212/https://www.dailyshincho.jp/article/2024/04291042/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |url-status=live}} Fukuda mentioned this point as well, explaining that from now on he would make it possible to co-star with anyone, and that while Starto was also looking at overseas activities, nothing would get done if he talked narrowly about co-starring or not in the small world of Minato, Tokyo, where many of Japan's talent agencies have their headquarters.{{cite web |title=既存の芸能事務所に〝宣戦布告〟！？　ようやく動き出したスタート社の福田ＣＥＯ「共演ＮＧなし」でバチバチの戦闘開始か |url=https://www.zakzak.co.jp/article/20231214-EXKNFRYIPJOKJMBDYF6LCNUZTE/ |website=zakzak |publisher=Sankei Digital Inc. |access-date=2024-06-09 |language=Japanese |date=2023-12-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213214822/https://www.zakzak.co.jp/article/20231214-EXKNFRYIPJOKJMBDYF6LCNUZTE/ |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |url-status=live}} Fukuda said that from now on he will not allow any celebrity to say “I don't want to co-star with that celebrity".{{cite web |title=福田淳氏「『あいつとは共演ＮＧ』だなんて絶対言わせません」…報道陣への発言詳報＜下＞ |website=yomiuri.co.jp |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/tv/20231209-OYT1T50270/2/|publisher=Yomiuri Shinbun |access-date=2024-06-09 |language=Japanese |date=2023-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209151920/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/tv/20231209-OYT1T50270/2/ |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |url-status=live}}{{Refn|group=note|On April 12, 2024, TV Asahi music show “Music Station” featured a performance by Starto members 20th Century and SixTones co-starring boy band Number i, whose members had left the former Johnny's the previous year.{{cite web |title=「Number_i」Ｍステ初登場「STARTO」社の「WEST．」「トニセン」と共演実現 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202404120001291.html |website=nikkan |access-date=2024-06-09 |language=Japanese |date=2024-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412195411/https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202404120001291.html |archive-date=April 12, 2024 |url-status=live}}}} On July 6, 2024, on the program The Music Day, both King & Prince remaining members, as well as the members that had left (now re-grouped as Number_i), appeared within one hour of each other. Tomohisa Yamashita, who had left the agency in 2020, also appeared in the same program. Starto artists collaborated with non-Starto artists in music duets.{{Cite web |date=6 July 2024 |title=きょう6日放送『THE MUSIC DAY 2024』タイムテーブル＆企画紹介　8時間生放送に60組超アーティスト出演 |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20240706-EYJRZ7DJDVLGNE3WON53KCIFV4/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707040917/https://www.sankei.com/article/20240706-EYJRZ7DJDVLGNE3WON53KCIFV4/ |archive-date=7 July 2024 |access-date=7 July 2024 |website=Sankei |language=Japanese}}

Fukuda stated the circumstances surrounding his appointment at a press conference on December 9, 2023.{{cite web |title=福田淳氏「この集団と私の３６年間の経験を掛け合わせ化学反応を」…報道陣への発言詳報＜上＞ |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/tv/20231209-OYT1T50209/ |website=yomiuri.co.jp |publisher=The Yomiuri Shimbun |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=Japanese |date=2023-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209142008/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/tv/20231209-OYT1T50209/ |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |url-status=live}} Initially, he was the most critical of Johnny Kitagawa's problems.{{Refn|group=note|To the point that conservative fans of Johnny & Associates' celebrities campaigned against his inauguration over his past statements.{{cite web |author1=Soichiro Matsutani |title=STARTO・福田淳CEOが過去に語っていたこと──テレビ局や芸能界への提言 #専門家のまとめ |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/expert/articles/1d031f11243e01cec06dd875fbf7efa253b739d1 |website=yahoo.co.jp |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=Japanese |date=2023-12-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131201548/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/expert/articles/1d031f11243e01cec06dd875fbf7efa253b739d1 |archive-date=January 31, 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=ジャニーズ問題、新社長候補の福田淳さんの過去の投稿めぐりネット上で就任反対運動 |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/803161 |website=chunichi.co.jp |access-date=2024-06-04 |date=2023-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107223229/https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/803161 |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |url-status=live}}}} Fukuda decried the crimes committed by Johnny Kitagawa, saying that the crimes committed were not at a level that could ever be forgiven in the world.{{cite web |title=福田淳氏、旧ジャニーズの「コンテンツ救いたかった」…井ノ原快彦氏はスマイル社の副社長退任 |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/tv/20231209-OYT1T50178/ |website=yomiuri.co.jp |publisher=yomiuri shinbun |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=Japanese |date=2023-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209111534/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/tv/20231209-OYT1T50178/ |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |url-status=live}}

At the time of the October 2 press conference, Noriyuki Higashiyama was to be president of the new company,{{cite web |title=ジャニーズ新会社名、ファンクラブで募集　社長は東山紀之氏 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20231002/k00/00m/040/155000c |website=mainichi.jp |publisher=Mainichi Shinbun |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=Japanese |date=2023-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003034551/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20231002/k00/00m/040/155000c |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |url-status=dead}} about a week later, Higashiyama, Julie Keiko Fujishima, and Yoshihiko Inohara had an opportunity to meet with Fukuda to talk to him about an agent contract. Fukuda said he was impressed by Higashiyama's big decision to retire from show business and focus on compensation work for victims at Johnny's, after initially saying he wanted to continue acting until he was 90.{{cite web |title=旧ジャニ新会社　イノッチが福田淳新社長にオファー「誰がやっても非難される状況の中で…大変感謝」 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2023/12/08/kiji/20231208s00041000349000c.html |website=sponichi |access-date=2024-06-09 |language=Japanese |date=2023-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208075046/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2023/12/08/kiji/20231208s00041000349000c.html |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |url-status=live}} As he listened to what the three of them had to say, he came to realize that there was a culture within Johnny & Associates like a “lineage of admiring cool senior,” and that this culture had generated so much content that it now influences Korean popular music, etc. and that it would be a shame to see this disappear in the face of this criticism. Fukuda also said that he thought it would be a loss of Japan if their singing, dancing, and acting content were to fall apart, even though it is a treasure of Japan.{{cite web |title=旧ジャニーズ新会社 福田淳社長「このまま瓦解は日本の損失」 |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20231209/k10014283131000.html |website=NHK |access-date=2024-06-05 |language=Japanese |date=2023-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209093442/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20231209/k10014283131000.html |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |url-status=live}}

Afterward, Higashiyama then decided against becoming president of the new company,{{cite web |title=旧ジャニ社長の東山氏、タレントマネジメントの新会社社長に就任せず |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASRB02J8YRBZUCVL04T.html |website=asahi.com |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=Japanese |date=2023-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030232955/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASRB02J8YRBZUCVL04T.html |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |url-status=live}} and Inohara honestly told Fukuda that he had become an executive of the company through this process, but that he knew nothing about management and asked Fukuda to be the president. Fukuda initially declined, saying that it was too much of a burden, but he accepted, partly to protect their culture and partly because he wanted to reform the old traditions that persisted in the Japanese entertainment industry.{{cite web |title=「芸能界近代化のきっかけに」　旧ジャニーズ新会社・福田淳CEO |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20231209/k00/00m/200/274000c |website=mainichi.jp |publisher=Mainichi shinbun |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=Japanese |date=2023-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209221501/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20231209/k00/00m/200/274000c |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |url-status=live}} In accepting the presidency, Fukuda said that he understood management but knew nothing about training celebrities, and asked Inohara to teach him that part of the business. When Fukuda took over as President, he first began interviewing 160 of his celebrities. The first person he met was star celebrity Takuya Kimura. Fukuda spoke with Kimura about the future of the company. As a result, Kimura understood and recognized Fukuda and communicated this to his juniors. As a result, Fukuda said, he was able to facilitate smooth interviews with the rest of the celebrities. He offered the celebrities two types of contracts: a new "agent contract" to broker work and negotiate contracts, plus a traditional "management contract" to manage their schedules and follow up on their daily activities. The celebrities could choose between the two types of contracts and were also allowed the freedom to move to another agency. They were also free to leave the company and said they were prepared to accept celebrities who had left the company but wished to return.{{cite web |title=「タレントみんな辞めんじゃないの？と言われる中で…」木村拓哉（51）のLINEメッセージにSTARTO社長が涙した理由〈社名変更から1年〉 |url=https://bunshun.jp/articles/-/74286?page=4 |website=bunshun.jp |publisher=Bungeishunju Ltd |access-date=2024-10-27 |language=Japanese |date=2024-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111003101/https://bunshun.jp/articles/-/74286?page=4 |archive-date=November 11, 2024 |url-status=live}}

On April 10, the concert We Are! Let's get the party Starto! was held at Tokyo Dome, featuring 13 groups from Starto, a total of 72 artists. The event was directed by Jun Matsumoto (Arashi) and Tadayoshi Okura (Super Eight).{{cite web |title=STARTO社13組、東京ドームで感謝の思い届ける「明るい未来にお付き合いください」 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/568818 |website=Natalie |access-date=2024-06-03 |language=Japanese |date=2024-04-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410191714/https://natalie.mu/music/news/568818 |archive-date=April 10, 2024 |url-status=live}} This performance was also held on May 29 and 30 at Kyocera Dome Osaka. A portion of the performance on May 29 was streamed live on YouTube, and the performance on May 30 was streamed for a fee.{{cite web |title=STARTO所属14組による大型イベント、京セラドーム公演の生配信決定 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/568905 |website=Natalie |access-date=2024-06-03 |language=Japanese |date=2024-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410143739/https://natalie.mu/music/news/568905 |archive-date=April 10, 2024 |url-status=live}} In response to the 2024 Noto earthquake that occurred on January 1, the charity song “We are” was released by Starto artists of 14 groups, 75 people in total.{{cite web |title=STARTO for you Launches Charity Song "We Are" to Aid Noto Peninsula Earthquake Victims |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/04/starto-for-you-launches-charity-song-we-are-to-aid-noto-peninsula-earthquake-victims |website=tokyohive |access-date=2024-06-03 |language=Japanese |date=April 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409074211/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/04/starto-for-you-launches-charity-song-we-are-to-aid-noto-peninsula-earthquake-victims |archive-date=April 9, 2024 |url-status=live}} The song was released for digital download on April 10 and on CD on July 24, with all proceeds donated to support earthquake relief efforts.{{Refn|group=note|Originally scheduled for release on June 12, it was postponed to July 24 due to production flaws in the music video.{{cite web |title=STARTO　CD発売延期は「MV制作過程における不備」　Snow　Manら参加予定 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2024/06/08/kiji/20240608s00041000559000c.html |website=sponichi |access-date=2024-06-14 |language=Japanese |date=2024-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608155853/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2024/06/08/kiji/20240608s00041000559000c.html |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |url-status=live}}}}

On April 29, the formation of KAMIGATA BOYZ, a collaboration group of four groups from the Kansai region, Super Eight, West, Naniwa Danshi, and Ae! Group, was announced.{{cite web |title=SE社所属の関西勢「SUPER EIGHT」「WEST．」「なにわ男子」が新ユニット『KAMIGATA BOYZ』結成 |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/891924 |website=chunichi |access-date=2024-06-07 |language=Japanese |date=2024-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505023700/https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/891924 |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |url-status=live}} Their debut single Musekinin de Eejanaika Love was released digitally on May 3, and a video of the song was released on YouTube the same day.{{cite web |title=KAMIGATA BOYZ「無責任でええじゃないかLOVE」配信開始 コテコテ関西節&グループを象徴するフレーズに注目 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2325520/full/ |website=oricon |access-date=2024-06-07 |language=Japanese |date=2024-05-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505025800/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2325520/full/ |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |url-status=live}} On May 15, Ae! Group made their CD debut as the first group since the full launch of Starto.{{cite web |title=Ae! group Unveils Debut Single: Introducing 《A》BEGINNING |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/04/ae-group-unveils-debut-single-introducing-abeginning |website=Tokyohive |access-date=2024-06-09 |date=2023-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416191522/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/04/ae-group-unveils-debut-single-introducing-abeginning |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Aぇ! group、デビュー日を"関西の先輩"SUPER EIGHT&WEST.&なにわ男子が祝福 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2327072/full/ |website=oricon |language=Japanese |date=2024-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514194617/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2327072/full/ |archive-date=May 14, 2024 |url-status=live}}

Jun Matsumoto, member of Arashi, announced his departure from Starto for solo pursuits starting May 30th. He continues as part of Arashi through an agent contract.{{cite web |title=Arashi's Jun Matsumoto embarks on solo journey: Embracing new horizons |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/05/arashis-jun-matsumoto-embarks-on-solo-journey-embracing-new-horizons |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111100839/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/05/arashis-jun-matsumoto-embarks-on-solo-journey-embracing-new-horizons |archive-date=11 November 2024 |website=Tokyohive |access-date=13 June 2024 |date=16 May 2024}}

timelesz started recruiting for new members, and the process began streaming on Netflix under the title timelesz -AUDITION- PROJECT starting September 13.{{Cite web |date=4 August 2024 |title=timelesz’s New Member Auditions to Stream Exclusively on Netflix |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/08/timeleszs-new-member-auditions-to-stream-exclusively-on-netflix |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124232048/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/08/timeleszs-new-member-auditions-to-stream-exclusively-on-netflix |archive-date=24 January 2025 |access-date=24 January 2025 |website=Tokyohive}} Participation of Starto Junior members as candidates, uncertain as of start of the series.{{Cite web |date=17 July 2024 |title=timelesz新メンバーオーディション、「しかるべきタイミング」で合流の参加ジュニアに臆測も |url=https://cyzowoman.jp/2024/07/post_480609_1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124231752/https://cyzowoman.jp/2024/07/post_480609_1.html |archive-date=24 January 2025 |access-date=24 January 2025 |website=Cyzo Woman |language=Japanese}} On the other hand, 3 members, Takuto Teranishi, Yoshitaka Hara, and Daichi Imae, nicknamed the "actors unit", joined Timelesz auditions as candidates during the fourth round, after the group and staff had chosen 15 candidates out of 18,922 applicants.{{Cite web |date=6 December 2024 |title=Teranishi Takuto, Hara Yoshitaka, and Imae Daichi join Timelesz auditions as STARTO's "Actor Unit". |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/12/teranishi-takuto-hara-yoshitaka-and-imae-daichi-join-timelesz-auditions-as-startos-actor-unit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124230816/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/12/teranishi-takuto-hara-yoshitaka-and-imae-daichi-join-timelesz-auditions-as-startos-actor-unit |archive-date=24 January 2025 |access-date=24 January 2025 |website=Tokyohive}}

It was reported that Snow Man would have 2 concerts in Japan National Stadium in 2025, making it the 3rd group from the former Johnny & Associates's debuted groups (after SMAP and Arashi) and the first of Starto Entertainment to perform there. The tour "Snow Man 1st Stadium Live Snow World" takes place on April 19 and 20 at the National Stadium and at Nissan Stadium in Kanagawa on June 7 and 8.{{Cite web |date=22 January 2025 |title=Snow Man、スタジアム公演開催へ STARTO社初の新たな国立競技場での有観客ライブ |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2365245/full/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250122234023/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2365245/full/ |archive-date=22 January 2025 |access-date=22 January 2025 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}

On February 12, Starto announced that KAT-TUN would disband at the end of March, stating that since the company signed a contract with KAT-TUN in April 2024, it had been discussing with the members whether or not they would continue their activities and decided not to sign a second-year contract starting April 1.{{cite web |title=Idol Group KAT-TUN to Disband on March 31st; Kamenashi to Leave Agency |url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20250213-238356/ |website=Japan news |publisher=The Yomiuri Shimbun |access-date=2025-02-14 |date=February 13, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215010526/https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20250213-238356/ |archive-date=February 15, 2025 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=KAT-TUNに関するご報告 |url=https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10039 |website=Starto Entertainment Information |access-date=2025-02-14 |language=Japanese |date=2025-02-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214092832/https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10039 |archive-date=February 14, 2025 |url-status=live}} Member Kazuya Kamenashi would leave Starto as of March 31, while the remaining members, Yuichi Nakamaru and Tatsuya Ueda, would remain with Starto and continue their activities as individuals.{{cite web |title=KAT-TUN to disband on March 31, Kazuya Kamenashi to leave STARTO ENTERTAINMENT |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2025/02/kat-tun-to-disband-on-march-31-kazuya-kamenashi-to-leave-starto-entertainment |website=Tokyohive |access-date=2025-02-14 |date=2025-02-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218100435/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2025/02/kat-tun-to-disband-on-march-31-kazuya-kamenashi-to-leave-starto-entertainment |archive-date=February 18, 2025 |url-status=live}}

On February 15, new members of Timelesz were announced. After a year-long audition process, five new members were selected from the general public: Shuto Inomata, Taiki Shinozuka, and Masaki Hashimoto, in addition to Takuto Teranishi and Yoshitaka Hara, who had previously worked as actors in Starto.{{cite web |title=「timelesz project（タイプロ）」がついに終幕。新メンバーのプロフィールと記者会見を速報レポート |url=https://www.elle.com/jp/culture/music-art-book/g63803307/timelesz-project-new-member-profile-25-02/ |website=Elle Japan |access-date=2025-02-18 |language=Japanese |date=2025-02-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250217173756/https://www.elle.com/jp/culture/music-art-book/g63803307/timelesz-project-new-member-profile-25-02/ |archive-date=February 17, 2025 |url-status=live}} Timelesz continues as an eight-member group.{{cite web |title=New members of timelesz assigned member colors during press conference |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2025/02/new-members-of-timelesz-assigned-member-colors-during-press-conference |website=Tokyohive |access-date=2025-02-18 |date=2025-02-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250216042740/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2025/02/new-members-of-timelesz-assigned-member-colors-during-press-conference |archive-date=February 16, 2025 |url-status=live}}

On February 16, three new groups of trainees (Junior), ACEes, Key To Lit (read: Kiteretsu), and B & Zai (read: Banzai), were announced.{{cite web |title=STARTOジュニア「ACEes」「KEY TO LIT」「B&ZAI」3グループ結成を発表 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/611942 |website=natalie |access-date=2025-02-18 |language=Japanese |date=2025-02-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250217012457/https://natalie.mu/music/news/611942 |archive-date=February 17, 2025 |url-status=live}} The previously active groups Bi Shonen, HiHi Jets, and 7 Men Samurai were disbanded, and the members who had been there or in Shonen Ninja were selected for the new groups.{{cite web |title=ジュニア3組大再編　「少年忍者」は17人で活動継続へ　「美 少年」藤井直樹はジュニアでソロに |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2025/02/16/kiji/20250216s00041000292000c.html |website=sponichi |access-date=2025-02-18 |language=Japanese |date=2025-02-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250217013754/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2025/02/16/kiji/20250216s00041000292000c.html |archive-date=February 17, 2025 |url-status=live}}

After almost 2 years of no Starto artists on NHK programs, especially on music programs, Ae! Group participated on the broadcaster's music program "Uta Con" on March 25, 2025. The group has been the only Starto artist to appear on an NHK program (not counting asadora Anpan participation of Arashi's Kazunari Ninomiya,{{Cite web |date=2025-04-01 |title=『あんぱん』二宮和也が初登場 「扱い方が贅沢すぎる」と話題【ネタバレあり】 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2377149/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401063934/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2377149/full/ |archive-date=2025-04-01 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}} who is no longer a Starto member for individual activities).{{Cite web |date=2025-03-19 |title=NHK　STARTO社タレント起用再開　第1弾Aぇ！groupは「制作現場がそれぞれ判断して選定」 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2025/03/19/kiji/20250319s00041000123000c.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401061533/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2025/03/19/kiji/20250319s00041000123000c.html |archive-date=2025-04-01 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=Sponichi |language=Japanese}}

On April 1, 2025, another disbandment was announced, this time of a Kansai Juniors group. Lil Kansai was announced to stop activities on this day, with members continuing to work as individual artists within the agency, except for member Ryūko Toma, who would leave the agency on March 31.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-01 |title=関西ジュニアのLil かんさい、4・1ご報告 それぞれ個人活動に専念「Lil かんさいとしての歩みはここで一区切り」【全文】 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2377148/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401014213/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2377148/full/ |archive-date=2025-04-01 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-01 |title=News 2025.04.01 |url=https://jr-official.starto.jp/s/jr/news/detail/10459 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401072704/https://jr-official.starto.jp/s/jr/news/detail/10459 |archive-date=2025-04-01 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=Starto Entertainment Junior official site |language=Japanese}}

On April 26, Starto announced through its official website that it had entered into a business partnership with a newly established company, J-pop Legacy, led by Tadayoshi Okura of the five-member group Super Eight.{{cite web |title=SUPER EIGHT・大倉忠義の会社と「STARTO」が業務委託契約締結　ジュニア全体育成へ |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20250427-YTZELRFYXRMSZGFK6DRJU26VJU/ |website=sanspo |access-date=2025-04-28 |language=Japanese |date=2025-04-27}} Beginning in May 2025, J-pop Legacy will be entrusted with responsibilities including the development, discovery, and production of trainees.{{cite web |title=STARTO ENTERTAINMENT、大倉忠義が社長の「J-pop Legacy」と業務委託へ ジュニアの育成、発掘、プロデュースなど |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2381811/full/ |website=oricon |access-date=2025-04-28 |language=Japanese |date=2025-04-26}}

In September, Starto, in cooperation with Young Communication (YC), the site that hosts many of the concerts and stage performances in which Starto's contract artists appear, announced that it had filed a request for disclosure of information regarding the operator of a ticket-reselling website. According to a statement that the agency released on its official site, Starto had discovered around 10,000 cases of ticket scalping involving their artists, 3,000 of them being of the group Naniwa Danshi alone, for whom around 100 tickets were being resold at an excess of 100,000 yen. In August 26, Starto and YC had requested the information through Tokyo Flex Law Office for 299 transactions but received no information in return. On September 5, WaveDash, the operating company of the "Ticket Distribution Center", the site where the scalpers were detected, announced that it would refuse to disclose the information, so Starto and Young filed a request with the Tokyo District Court for disclosure of information based on the Provider Liability Limitation Act. The agency emphasized its commitment to eradicating illegal ticket resales to ensure that more fans can purchase tickets at their intended prices. It is considered the first case nationwide that an entertainment business requests information to a reseller site.{{Cite web |date=5 September 2024 |title=STARTO ENTERTAINMENT takes legal action against ticket scalping, aims to combat high-priced resales |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/09/starto-entertainment-takes-legal-action-against-ticket-scalping-aims-to-combat-high-priced-resales |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111104429/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/09/starto-entertainment-takes-legal-action-against-ticket-scalping-aims-to-combat-high-priced-resales |archive-date=11 November 2024 |access-date=11 November 2024 |website=Tokyohive}}{{Cite web |title=STARTO社が『チケット流通センター』に高額転売者の情報開示求める全国初の申し立て　代理人「イベントは転売者に利益を与えるためではない」 |url=https://parabola2020.com/starto-yc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111111111/https://parabola2020.com/starto-yc/ |archive-date=11 November 2024 |access-date=11 November 2024 |website=Parabola 2020 |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=5 September 2024 |title=お知らせ NEWS |url=https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111111750/https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10019 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |access-date=11 November 2024 |website=Starto Entertainment official site |language=Japanese}}{{cite web |title=「チケット転売ヤー」の身元開示を◆ＳＴＡＲＴＯ社、異例請求の裏側 #ネットの落とし穴 |url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/v8?id=202409ticket-team |website=jiji.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111105113/https://www.jiji.com/jc/v8?id=202409ticket-team |archive-date=2024-11-11 |access-date=2024-11-08 |language=Japanese |date=2024-09-05}} In 2019 "Prohibition of Unauthorized Resale of Tickets Act" was passed and crackdown of high-priced resellers was strengthened. One case was that of a 24-year-old nursery schoolteacher that was arrested on suspicion of violating the Act. From June to September 2019, the woman had illegally resold electronic tickets to three people for an Arashi concert, ranging from 40,000 t0 133,000 yen. In August 2020, the Osaka District Court sentenced her to one year and six months prison, sentence suspended for three years because of admittance of guilt and fined 300,000 yen. Her plan was to get tickets to obtain the best seat, reselling the surplus tickets to obtain funds for the next event.{{Cite web |date=19 September 2024 |title=旧ジャニーズのタレント所属「STARTO社」、チケット売買サイトに発信者情報開示請求 |url=https://www.corporate-legal.jp/news/5848 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111112042/https://www.corporate-legal.jp/news/5848 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |access-date=11 November 2024 |website=Corporate Legal Navigation |language=Japanese}}

On March 19, 2025, Starto Entertainment and Young Communication shared posts related to the request for disclosure of information requested in November and December 2024 against "Ticket Jam" and "Ticket Distribution Center". On March 10, 2025, YC's petition was accepted by the court, and an order was issued for disclosure of sender information on March 10, 2025 for all resale listings named in the request, resulting in the decision being the first landmark judicial decision in Japan in which the resale of concert tickets is judged to be an infringement of rights. A new request of information is being made for over 4000 tickets resold in February 2025.{{Cite web |date=19 March 2025 |title=チケットの転売出品に関する日本で初めての司法判断について |url=https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10041 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319113937/https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10041 |archive-date=19 March 2025 |access-date=19 March 2025 |website=Starto Entertainment |language=Japanese}} In addition, Young Communication informed about the instalation of their own reseller site in summer, where people will be able to resell legally their tickets at a fixed price.{{Cite web |date=19 March 2025 |title=チケットの転売出品に関する日本で初めての司法判断について |url=https://young-communication.jp/s/yc/news/detail/10003 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250319120103/https://young-communication.jp/s/yc/news/detail/10003 |archive-date=19 March 2025 |access-date=19 March 2025 |website=Young Communication |language=Japanese}}

On August 23, 2024, the agency set a reporting form, where anyone could report to the company any kind of infringement of rights of their artist.{{Cite web |date=29 January 2025 |title=ＳＴＡＲＴＯ社がタレントの権利侵害に声明「見過ごせない」 警察に通報、開示請求も |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/332265 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130064248/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/332265 |archive-date=30 January 2025 |access-date=4 February 2025 |website=Tokyo Sports |language=Japanese}} On January 29, 2025, the company released a document on the official site, reporting that, since opening the reporting form, close to 70 thousand reports had been done, most of them about information that could affect not only the artists, but their family, friends and those close to them. The agency posted: "We are taking legal measures such as consulting with the police, requesting disclosure of sender information, and requesting deletion of articles and posts, but we will continue to respond resolutely to protect the safety and rights of our contract talents and related parties."

Several posts defaming Arashi's Satoshi Ohno were found on the internet in November 2024, around the date of Arashi's anniversary. The group has been on hiatus since 2021, and the only one not in public has been him. Starto responded with a post on the official site. In the post, they stated: "It must be said that such unfounded articles and posts are malicious and significantly reduce Ohno's social reputation, and we cannot overlook the widespread dissemination of these false articles and posts as if they were true. We are currently preparing to take legal action against these malicious articles and posts. In order to protect the reputation of talents, we will continue to take strict measures, including legal action, against false articles and defamatory posts on social media, etc., together with our team of lawyers."{{Cite web |date=30 November 2024 |title=当社契約タレントへの著しい名誉毀損記事・投稿について |url=https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250204102833/https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10025 |archive-date=4 February 2025 |access-date=4 February 2025 |website=Starto Entertainment official site |language=Japanese}} On the 31th, Starto posted a follow-up. 7 defamatory articles and postings had been found. On the page, Starto indicated: "as a result of proceeding with legal action against the Internet site that posted the defamatory article, we have confirmed the results such as the closure of the site where the article was published."{{Cite web |date=31 January 2025 |title=当社契約タレントへの著しい名誉棄損記事・投稿に対する対応状況について |url=https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10036 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250204104649/https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10036 |archive-date=4 February 2025 |access-date=4 February 2025 |website=Starto Entertainment official site |language=Japanese}}

On February 4, 2025, on the Timelesz Project's SNS, a post calling attention to slander: "We will take strict measures, including legal action". This was after confirmed content and information that can be taken as slander was found on SNS, in particular, following the results of the fifth round of screening. "This situation cannot be overlooked". Starto Entertainment, which operates the timelesz project, will take strict action.{{Cite web |date=4 February 2025 |title=「timelesz project」（タイプロ）誹謗中傷に再度注意喚起「法的措置を含めた厳正な対応をいたします」 |url=https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/4489673 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250205073623/https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/4489673 |archive-date=5 February 2025 |access-date=5 February 2025 |website=Model Press |language=Japanese}}{{Cite tweet |user=timelesz_proj |number=1886606661215031485 |date=4 February 2025 |title=timelesz projectをご覧くださっているすべての皆さまへ |language=Japanese |access-date=5 February 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250205073451/https://x.com/timelesz_proj/status/1886606661215031485 |archive-date=5 February 2025 }}

Those who made their CD debut as a group are commonly referred to as "debut group".{{cite web |title=ジャニーズの"デビュー"って一体なに？人気ジャニーズJr.のファンがCDデビューを待ち望むワケ |url=https://www.vivi.tv/post234412/ |website=vivi.tv |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=Japanese |date=2021-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118110350/https://www.vivi.tv/post234412/ |archive-date=November 18, 2021 |url-status=live}} There are also individual actors and entertainers. Those who belong to Starto but have not yet debuted or started acting are trainees and are commonly referred to as “junior".{{cite web |title=ジャニーズJr. |url=https://tower.jp/artist/318395 |website=tower |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=Japanese |date=2021-07-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016164213/https://tower.jp/artist/318395 |archive-date=October 16, 2013 |url-status=live}} Although 4U is a group with a long history of activity, it has not made its CD debut.{{cite web |title=ふぉ～ゆ～、CDデビューはしていないけど初の映画主題歌 メンバー辰巳雄大が出演『僕らの千年』【コメントあり】 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2289030/full/ |website=oricon |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=Japanese |date=2023-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730213014/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2289030/full/ |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |url-status=live}} New trainee recruitment began on May 25, 2024.{{cite web |title=STARTO ENTERTAINMENT Kicks Off Junior Talent Search to Discover Future Stars |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/05/starto-entertainment-kicks-off-junior-talent-search-to-discover-future-stars |website=Tokyohive |access-date=2024-06-03 |date=2024-05-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526051055/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/05/starto-entertainment-kicks-off-junior-talent-search-to-discover-future-stars |archive-date=May 26, 2024 |url-status=live}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

;Groups

• Domoto{{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}}
• 20th Century{{Cite web |date=27 October 2023 |title=トニセン、新曲「回れよ地球」11・1に配信 藤巻亮太が作詞作曲でポジティブな思い届ける「まず俺らが楽しまなくちゃ」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2300442/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107101407/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2300442/full/ |archive-date=7 January 2024 |access-date=7 January 2024 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=23 May 2022 |title=トニセン、Twitter開設「昭和生まれの小粋な3人組です」新曲は初の配信リリース |url=https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20220523-2350112/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107094308/https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20220523-2350112/ |archive-date=7 January 2024 |access-date=7 January 2024 |website=My Navi |language=Japanese}}
• NEWS
• Super Eight
• Hey! Say! JUMP
• Kis-My-Ft2
• Busaiku
• Timelesz
• Fuma Kikuchi {under agent contract since April 2024){{Cite web |date=10 April 2024 |title=菊池風磨、STARTO ENTERTAINMENTと専属エージェント契約 27日に個人FCも開設へ「一世一代の挑戦」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2323705/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207005822/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2323705/full/ |archive-date=7 December 2024 |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}
• A.B.C-Z

{{col-3}}

• West.
• SixTones
• Snow Man
• Naniwa Danshi
• Travis Japan
• Ae! group

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

;Groups under agent contract

• TOKIO{{cite web |title=株式会社TOKIOがSTARTO ENTERTAINMENTとエージェント契約を締結、5月に新社屋へ移転 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/569232 |website=natalie |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=Japanese |date=2024-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206232922/https://natalie.mu/music/news/569232 |archive-date=December 6, 2024}}
• Arashi{{cite web |title=嵐、「STARTO ENTERTAINMENT」グループエージェント契約 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2323574/full/ |website=oricon |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=Japanese |date=2024-04-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206233451/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2323574/full/ |archive-date=December 6, 2024}}
• Sho Sakurai (under individual agent contract since April 2024){{Cite web |date=10 April 2024 |title=櫻井翔　「個人的に準備を進めてきました」　個人のHP開設の理由を明かす 【コメント全文】 |url=https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/culture/7337afd529d24cbc94969a9d2ce3b9d1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207005108/https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/culture/7337afd529d24cbc94969a9d2ce3b9d1 |archive-date=7 December 2024 |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=Nippon TV official site |language=Japanese}}
• Kazunari Ninomiya (went independent for individual activities in October 2023){{Cite web |date=24 October 2023 |title=【速報】二宮和也 事務所から独立を発表「個人で活動していく」 |url=https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/culture/784e4695de4d4f83b443d7fa4392998c |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024150900/https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/culture/784e4695de4d4f83b443d7fa4392998c |archive-date=24 October 2023 |access-date=24 October 2023 |website=NTV News |language=Japanese}}
• Jun Matsumoto (went independent for individual activities in May 2024){{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}}
• King & Prince{{cite web |title=King & Prince、新会社設立を報告 STARTO ENTERTAINMENTとグループエージェント契約を締結 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2327976/full/ |website=oricon |access-date=2024-06-04 |date=2024-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206234236/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2327976/full/ |archive-date=December 6, 2024}}

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

;Collaboration Groups

• KAMIGATA BOYZ{{Cite web |date=29 April 2024 |title=SE社所属の関西勢「SUPER EIGHT」「WEST．」「なにわ男子」が新ユニット『KAMIGATA BOYZ』結成　 |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/891924 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505023700/https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/891924 |archive-date=5 May 2024 |access-date=5 May 2024 |website=Chunichi |language=Japanese}}
• Super Eight
• West.
• Naniwa Danshi

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

;Actors/Soloists

• Takuya Kimura
• Koichi Domoto
• Hiroki Uchi
• Yuma Nakayama (until January 31, 2025){{Cite web |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Yuma Nakayama to Leave STARTO ENTERTAINMENT on January 31, 2025 |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/08/yuma-nakayama-to-leave-starto-entertainment-on-january-31-2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128121552/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/08/yuma-nakayama-to-leave-starto-entertainment-on-january-31-2025 |archive-date=28 January 2025 |access-date=28 January 2025 |website=Tokyohive}}
• {{ill|Jun Hasegawa (actor)|ja|長谷川純|lt=Jun Hasegawa}}
• Keito Okamoto
• Kento Nakajima{{Cite web |date=17 October 2024 |title=中島健人、初のソロアルバム&ワンマンライブ発表 制作裏、海外進出、timeleszとの約束…充実した"現在"の本音に迫る【インタビュー】 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2349022/full/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241016203657/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2349022/full/ |archive-date=16 October 2024 |access-date=16 October 2024 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}
• {{ill| Fumito Kawai (entertainer)|lt=Fumito Kawai|ja|河合郁人}}{{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}} (under agent contract since April 29, 2024)
• {{ill|Shota Hayashi (actor)|ja|林翔太}}

{{col-3}}

• {{ill|Ryuta Muro|ja|室龍太}}
• {{ill|Sho Takada|ja|高田翔}}
• {{ill|Daichi Imae|ja|今江大地}}
• {{ill|Kota Matsumoto|ja|松本幸大}}
• {{ill|Kensho Tomioka|ja|冨岡健翔}}
• {{ill|Yuki Nozawa|ja|野澤祐樹}}
• {{ill|Kōji Uchiumi|ja|内海光司}}
• {{ill|Atsuhiro Satō|ja|佐藤アツヒロ}}

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

;Entertainers

• {{ill|4U (entertainers)|lt=4U|ja|ふぉ〜ゆ〜}}
• {{ill|Yuki Koshioka|ja|越岡裕貴}}
• {{ill|Yusuke Matsuzaki|ja|松崎祐介}}
• {{ill|Yuta Fukuda|ja|福田悠太}}
• Yudai Tatsumi
• Yuichi Nakamaru (under agent and management mixed contract since January 2024){{Cite web |date=20 January 2024 |title=中丸雄一「エージェント契約とマネジメントのミックス」合意発表　YouTube開設生配信で結婚は語らず |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2024/01/20/kiji/20240120s00041000294000c.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207010147/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2024/01/20/kiji/20240120s00041000294000c.html |archive-date=7 December 2024 |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=Sponichi |language=Japanese}}
• Tatsuya Ueda

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;Groups

• KAT-TUN (until March 31, 2025){{Cite web |date=31 March 2025 |title=KAT-TUN、きょう3月31日に解散 記録づくしの伝説を振り返る |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2375957/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250331051140/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2375957/full/ |archive-date=31 March 2025 |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=12 February 2025 |title=KAT-TUNが解散 結成から25年で決断 亀梨は退所、上田と中丸は契約継続【報告全文】 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2368768/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212141931/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2368768/full/ |archive-date=12 February 2025 |access-date=12 February 2025 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}
• Kazuya Kamenashi (until March 31, 2025)

The Junior groups are groups within the agency that are yet to debut. On February 16, 2025, Starto announced a major reorganization within these groups, the results: one Junior starting solo activities (still as Junior) and the creation of 3 new groups.{{Cite web |date=16 February 2025 |title=STARTOジュニア「ACEes」「KEY TO LIT」「B&ZAI」3グループ結成を発表 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/611942 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250217012457/https://natalie.mu/music/news/611942 |archive-date=17 February 2025 |access-date=17 February 2025 |website=Natalie Music |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=16 February 2025 |title=ジュニア3組大再編　「少年忍者」は17人で活動継続へ　「美 少年」藤井直樹はジュニアでソロに |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2025/02/16/kiji/20250216s00041000292000c.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250217013754/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2025/02/16/kiji/20250216s00041000292000c.html |archive-date=17 February 2025 |access-date=17 February 2025 |website=Sponichi |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=16 February 2025 |title=ジュニア　グループシャッフルで誕生「ACEes」とは？浮所、作間ら幅広く活動の若手5人組 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2025/02/16/kiji/20250216s00041000285000c.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250217014455/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2025/02/16/kiji/20250216s00041000285000c.html |archive-date=17 February 2025 |access-date=17 February 2025 |website=Sponichi |language=Japanese}} On April 1, 36 names were removed from the site, including AmBitious's Taro Yoshikawa and Raku Kawashita, and Lil Kansai's Ruuko Touma, who have departed the agency.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-31 |title=別れと門出の3月31日…KAT-TUNは3人で涙のお別れ生配信　石原さとみ産休入り、フジアナ3人退社 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2025/03/31/kiji/20250331s00041000181000c.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401235526/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2025/03/31/kiji/20250331s00041000181000c.html |archive-date=April 1, 2025 |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=Sponichi |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-02 |title=ジュニア36人が退所　STARTO社　新年度迎え育成方針変化?「Lil　かんさい」は解散 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2025/04/02/kiji/20250401s00041000418000c.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402011652/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2025/04/02/kiji/20250401s00041000418000c.html |archive-date=2025-04-02 |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=Sponichi |language=Japanese}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-01 |title=「非常に悔しくて残念」36名が“一斉退所”のジュニア　当事者がSNSで本音吐露も…即削除された「投稿の内容」 |url=https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/28467449/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402011456/https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/28467449/ |archive-date=2025-04-02 |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=Livedoor |language=Japanese}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• SpeciaL (ja) - formed 2018
• Go!Go!Kids (ja)- formed 2022
• Shonen Ninja (少年忍者) - formed 2018, restructured in 2025
• Boys be (ja) - formed 2020
• AmBitious (ja)- formed 2021
• ACEes - formed in 2025
• KEY TO LIT - formed in 2025
• B&ZAI - formed in 2025

{{col-end}}

• Naoki Fujii (former Bi Shonen)

• 7 Men Samurai - formed 2018, restructured in 2025
• HiHi Jets (ja) - formed 2015, restructured in 2025
• Yuto Takahashi (until October 1, 2024){{Cite web |date=19 September 2024 |title=HiHi Jets高橋優斗、STARTO ENTERTAINMENTを退所「新たなフィールドで大きな挑戦を」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2345605/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919213551/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2345605/full/ |archive-date=19 September 2024 |access-date=19 September 2024 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}
• Bi Shonen (美 少年) - formed 2016, restructured in 2025
• Issei Kanasashi (until November 24, 2024){{Cite web |date=3 December 2024 |title=元美 少年・金指一世、「TOBE」に加入 アーティスト名は「ISSEI」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2357295/full/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204054905/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2357295/full/ |archive-date=4 December 2024 |access-date=4 December 2024 |website=Oricon |language=Japanese}}
• Lil Kansai (Lil かんさい) - formed 2019, disbanded 2025
• Ruuku Toma (until March 31, 2025){{Cite web |date=30 January 2025 |title=「Lil かんさい」當間琉巧がSTARTO社退所を発表、3月末で「自分がなりたい人間の差をずっと…」 |url=https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/28050644/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130113818/https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/28050644/ |archive-date=30 January 2025 |access-date=30 January 2025 |website=Livedoor |language=Japanese}}

• Atsushi Fukuda - Chief executive officer{{cite web |title=Information |url=https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10001?ima=0446 |website=Starto Entertainment |access-date=2024-06-03 |date=2023-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603132358/https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10001?ima=0446 |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |url-status=live}}
• Shinichiro Tsukuda - Chief operating officer
• Yoshihiko Inohara - Chief marketing officer
• Kazuhiro Tatsuki - Chief financial officer
• Mika Wada - Chief customer officer
• Yuichi Yoshimura - Audit ＆ Supervisory Board Member{{cite web |title=『STARTO ENTERTAINMENT』「より質の高い意思決定を行う体制」へ 監査役の就任&取締役会設置会社への移行を発表 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2309970/full/ |website=oricon |access-date=2024-06-03 |language=Japanese |date=2024-01-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111013957/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2309970/full/ |archive-date=January 11, 2024 |url-status=live}}
• Masao Takiyama - Independent director{{cite web |title=人事異動（6月1日付） |url=https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10009?ima=1331 |website=Starto Entertainment |access-date=2024-06-12 |language=Japanese |date=2024-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611235854/https://corporate.starto.jp/s/e/news/detail/10009?ima=1331 |archive-date=June 11, 2024 |url-status=live}}
• Masahiro Daiko - General Manager of Osaka Branch Office

Starto continued with the charity projects as part of their 2024 activities. The single "We are", sung by the special unit "STARTO for you", formed by 75 members of 14 groups, was released in digital form on April 10, and as CD on June 12, with proceeds of the sales of the single going to Noto Earthquake relief funds.{{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", name of the last Johnny & Associates charity project, which served during the COVID pandemic, and was used during the first activities with Starto, 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}}

===Joint concert===

;Organized by Starto Entertainment

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{reflist|2}}

• [https://starto.jp/?lang=en Official Website]
• [https://jr-official.starto.jp/?lang=en&ima=2830 Junior Official Website]

{{Starto Entertainment|state=collapsed}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Starto Entertainment}}

Category:Johnny & Associates

Category:Talent agencies based in Tokyo

Category:Entertainment companies established in 2023

Category:Japanese companies established in 2023

Category:Japanese talent agencies