U.N. group says people abused by late Japanese boy band producer deserve apologies and compensation
The men who came forward to allege they were sexually abused as teenagers by Japanese boy band producer Johnny Kitagawa now have a powerful listener: the United Nations
TOKYO — The men who came forward to allege they were sexually abused as teenagers by Japanese boy band producer Johnny Kitagawa now have a powerful listener: the United Nations.
Damilola Olawuyi, chair of the U.N. Working Group on Business and Human Rights, told reporters Friday the number of victims may total several hundred, and he accused Japan's mainstream media of standing silent about the alleged abuse for decades.
Olawuyi raised serious questions about the sincerity of the response from the talent agency Kitagawa founded, Johnny & Associates. He urged other entertainment industry players to carry out a “transparent and legitimate investigation with a clear timeline.”
Junya Hiramoto, one of seven men who talked with Olawuyi’s team, was moved to tears by the U.N. official's remarks.
“I felt our message had been clearly relayed,” he said. “They gave me such courage.”
Pichamon Yeophantong, a fellow member of the U.N. group who appeared with Olawuyi at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, urged the Japanese government to do more.
“This case highlights the need for the government, as the primary duty-bearer, to ensure transparent investigations of perpetrators and that victims obtain effective remedies, be they in the form of an apology or financial compensation,” she said.
Olawuyi and other experts have been in Japan since July 24. They met with government officials, human rights advocates, trade unions and companies, to learn about how businesses may be violating human rights and harming the environment.
A full report is set to be presented to the
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