by Wonsuh Song
A recent revelation has rocked Japan’s entertainment industry: a major talent agency—Johnny & Associates (commonly known as “Johnny’s”)—has come under fire over serious allegations of sexual abuse perpetuated by its late founder. This scandal, involving one of Japan’s most iconic idol groups, SMAP, and particularly member Masahiro Nakai, has exposed the agency’s power dynamics, revealing that female announcers new to the industry were reportedly coerced into sexual arrangements. Shockingly, within the Japanese media and broader society, these acts are often referred to merely as “trouble,” a term that glosses over the seriousness of what is essentially sexual exploitation and a clear violation of human rights.
Japan is widely celebrated for its meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful social etiquette. It’s also a country frequently tested by natural disasters, a reality that has historically strengthened its sense of cooperation and communal harmony. At the same time, many Japanese individuals learn to endure personal difficulties quietly, a tendency that can be described as a form of “silent solitude.”
The problem arises when these cultural tendencies—meticulous politeness and aversion to overt conflict—transform genuine social issues into something less alarming through euphemisms or indirect phrasing. In other words, rather than confronting an uncomfortable truth head-on, some segments of Japanese society may prefer to soften or “beautify” it, potentially obscuring the true nature and severity of the problem.
The allegations against Johnny’s revolve around a classic case of power-based sexual abuse. Even after the agency’s founder passed away, the scandal only briefly flared up in the public eye before quickly being downplayed or dismissed. Negotiations that resulted in significant settlement payments effectively closed off deeper investigation and broader public discourse.
Yet what’s most striking is how local media and public opinion tend to label such serious crimes as no more than a “trouble” or “mishap.” It’s a striking euphemism for a situation that clearly involves perpetrators and victims. Though social media and other online platforms increasingly question these downplayed narratives, mainstream outlets often limit themselves to neutral, indirect language. This tendency to gloss over serious matters mirrors historical controversies, such as wartime responsibilities, where discussions have frequently been softened or misrepresented in public discourse.
Japan’s culture of “beautification” is intimately tied to its positive attributes—kindness, hospitality, and a keen aesthetic sense. It is not easy to isolate the problematic aspects without also acknowledging what the country does well. However, calling blatant sexual exploitation merely a “trouble” effectively minimizes the crime, keeps power dynamics intact, and erodes opportunities for transparent public scrutiny. Moreover, as seen with many historical and cultural controversies, this style of euphemism can mask deeper institutional and social issues that need unvarnished attention.
Truly understanding a country involves recognizing both its strengths and its flaws. Japan’s generosity, respect for others, and structured social order remain admirable. Still, turning a blind eye to “beautification” that hides or distorts serious injustices can perpetuate systemic harms. History has shown repeatedly that burying the truth under polished words only compounds harm and creates deeper rifts over time.
While no foreigner can simply dictate how another culture should operate, acknowledging these stark differences remains an essential step toward more honest dialogue and mutual growth. Notably, calls for accountability are growing within Japan itself, signaling a possible shift toward open confrontation of difficult truths. One can only hope that this momentum continues—prompting collective reflection, helping victims find justice, and ensuring that future generations inherit a society willing to address uncomfortable realities head-on.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
- Full-time Lecturer, Faculty of School Teacher Education, Shumei University
- Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Waseda University
- Visiting Researcher, Center for Spatial Information Science, University of Tokyo
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