Higashiyama Noriyuki (東山 紀之) announced that he would leave his position as president of Smile. Yamada Masayuki (山田 将之) is scheduled to assume the position effective 1 October, while Higashiyama (東山) indicated that he would retire from the entertainment industry and focus on compensation work for victims.
Higashiyama Noriyuki (東山 紀之) announced that he would leave his position as president of the former Johnny & Associates' Smile-UP. upon completion of his term. Attorney Yamada Masayuki (山田 将之) is scheduled to assume the position effective 1 October.
In an exclusive interview, he discussed how, since the spring after assuming the presidency, he had focused on compensation related to the sexual abuse issue involving Johnny Kitagawa (ジャニー 喜多川). He said his future activities had not been decided.
He indicated that he intended to focus on compensation work for victims and stated clearly that he had no plans to return to the entertainment industry.
Kimura Yoshino (木村 佳乃) reportedly understood and supported her husband's decision, and it was said after the press conference that the family had also provided support.
On 10 April, Start Entertainment under its new structure held a commemorative performance at Tokyo Dome, and related developments have continued.