During the Cannes Film Festival, Takeshi Kitano, the renowned Japanese entertainer and filmmaker, spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about the long shadow cast by sexual misconduct allegations within Japan’s entertainment sphere. The remarks touched on a pattern that Kitano characterizes as deeply rooted and historically tolerated, spanning the careers of many artists who have moved through the country’s vast talent networks. In the interview, Kitano suggested that conversations around topics like LGBT rights and workplace harassment are only the latest iterations of a conversation that has persisted for decades in Japan’s entertainment industry. He emphasized that such topics are not new, pointing to a culture where power imbalances and institutional norms often shaped how talent was managed, compensated, and controlled over time. Kitano, aged 76, spoke with frankness about the realities he perceives within the sector, describing a landscape where artistic output has frequently existed alongside pressures that can undermine personal autonomy and fair treatment.
Beyond personal anecdotes, the discussion broadened to critique the business practices of major talent agencies. Kitano argued that, historically, contracts offered to performers and creators often placed them in a subordinate position, effectively treating talent as interchangeable assets rather than as partners in a collaborative process. He claimed that these agencies exploited the talents they represented, extracting value while offering terms that favored institutional interests over individual welfare. The veteran figure noted that such arrangements have persisted long enough to leave a lingering imprint on how deals are struck and how careers are steered within the industry. The perception of an industry entrenched in old, opaque practices has resurfaced in recent years as new generations of artists begin to demand greater transparency and accountability in contract negotiations and talent management.
In related and troubling developments, the narrative surrounding Johnny Kitagawa, a former powerhouse producer who passed away with a controversial legacy, has remained under intense scrutiny. Posthumous allegations have come to light from Kauan Okamoto, a Japanese-Brazilian singer who stepped forward at age 19. Okamoto described experiences of sexual coercion and abuse that began when she was a minor, detailing multiple incidents over a period of years since 2012. The claims have intensified discussions about safeguarding and consent within the entertainment industry, underscoring how power dynamics can intersect with youth in ways that raise serious ethical and legal concerns. The revelations have prompted calls for reform, greater oversight, and stronger protections for artists at all stages of their careers. The broader public discourse reflects a lasting demand for accountability, with stakeholders urging clearer guidelines around conduct, safeguarding measures, and independent avenues for reporting misconduct. The statements attributed to Okamoto and the ongoing conversation about Kitagawa’s legacy are part of a wider reckoning aimed at improving industry standards and safeguarding creative talent from exploitation.