SMILE-UP. will change its management structure effective 1 October, with President Higashiyama Noriyuki (東山紀之) retiring at the end of his term. Yamada Masayuki (山田将之) will assume the position. The company has stated that it will continue its compensation response to the sexual abuse issue.
At a board meeting on 28 September, SMILE-UP. resolved to change its structure as the directors’ terms expire, and will transition to a new structure from 1 October after obtaining shareholder approval. President Higashiyama Noriyuki (東山紀之) and Executive Managing Director Abe Akira (安部朗) will retire, and Yamada Masayuki (山田将之) will assume the position of new representative director and president.
The company has a history of addressing the sexual abuse issue over an extended period under the name Johnny & Associates. It explained that the latest structural change reflects a policy under which the focus will shift not only to completing compensation operations, but also to situations requiring legal procedures and professional judgment.
As of the latest disclosed figures on 15 September, there had been 1,047 claims. Of the 821 people with whom contact had been established, 818 had been notified of the compensation terms or informed that compensation would not be provided, and compensation payments to 578 people had been completed. The mental health support helpline will continue, and claims submitted through the helpline will also be accepted.
The continuation of compensation operations and the structural change are being carried out in line with the compensation policy of the former Johnny & Associates. After assuming the presidency in September 2023, Higashiyama Noriyuki (東山紀之) suspended part of his entertainment activities and devoted himself to addressing the sexual abuse issue. Future developments are expected to depend on progress in compensation and legal proceedings.