More firms avoid using Johnny & Associates entertainers for their ads

TOKYO, Sep 23 (NHK) - A survey by a private research firm in Japan has found an increasing number of listed companies are severing ties with talent agency Johnny & Associates over reported sex abuse by its late founder.

Teikoku Databank says 65 listed companies had been hiring or planning to hire Johnny & Associates entertainers for their ads and commercials as of September 13.

At that time, a quarter of them, or 16 companies, planned to sever ties with the agency.

The research firm says the number doubled to 32 companies, or 49 percent, in another survey a week later.

Seventeen of those companies reportedly intended to immediately withdraw their TV commercials, while the other 15 said they would not renew their contracts when they expire. ...continue reading