Kazunari Ninomiya Calls for Apology from Late Show-Business Mogul Johnny Kitagawa in Upcoming Book

Kazunari Ninomiya, known for his role in the idol group Arashi, recently shared his thoughts in an upcoming book titled "Dokudan to Henken." Set to be released on June 17, the book includes a poignant question-and-answer section where Ninomiya reveals his longing for an apology from Johnny Kitagawa, the founder of the now-defunct Johnny & Associates Inc. This agency was at the center of a serious scandal revealing that Kitagawa sexually abused numerous boys and young men connected to it.

In his book, Ninomiya expresses a heartfelt wish for Kitagawa to sincerely apologize for the impact of his actions, highlighting the personal loss he felt due to the agency's demise. He articulates how Kitagawa's conduct deprived him of a cherished place and reflects on the significant changes arising from the scandal. Although he does not tackle the details of the scandal outright, Ninomiya indicates his willingness to disassociate from the "Johnny" name, which is set to change following the agency's decision to rebrand as Smile-Up Inc.

Notably, Ninomiya departed from Johnny & Associates in October 2023, aligning with reforms initiated in light of the abuse revelations. He reasons that staying with the agency would compromise his future work potential, especially given its lack of global credibility. Addressing reporters before his book launch, he explained how Kitagawa's actions led to the downfall of the agency and, ultimately, changed the course of his own career. Despite Kitagawa's passing, Ninomiya emphasizes the importance of having a conversation about these issues directly with him, expressing a belief that an apology would be forthcoming. The book will also cover a range of personal insights related to both his time in Arashi and his life post-agency.