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Media & Entertainment

Kirin, Asahi pull ads over J-pop agency Johnny's sex abuse

Tarnished talent factory sees clients drop stars from commercials

A screen in Tokyo broadcasts news of the death of Johnny Kitagawa in 2019. The agency he founded acknowledged on Thursday that he had abused young boys for decades.   © Kyodo

TOKYO -- Johnny & Associates, Japan's largest talent agency, has lost two major advertising clients after being rocked by sex abuse allegations, and could lose more as companies weigh the risks of continuing to be associated with the star factory.

Beverage makers Asahi Group Holdings and Kirin Holdings announced separately on Friday that they would no longer use stars from Johnny & Associates in TV commercials.

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