On January 16, Japanese police announced the arrest of Yamanaka Takuma (39), the head of a talent agency, on charges of sexual assault by abuse of professional authority. The case was widely reported by major Japanese broadcasters and news outlets.

According to local reports, Yamanaka is accused of sexually assaulting a female actress in her 20s, identified as A, in August 2023. The alleged incidents took place at the agency’s office in Kasukabe, Saitama Prefecture, as well as at nearby lodging facilities. At the time, the victim was signed under his agency.

Police investigations revealed that Yamanaka allegedly lured the victim outside under the pretense of “going for a walk,” created a situation where they were alone, and then committed the assault. The victim later reported the incident to the police.

During questioning, Yamanaka reportedly denied the charges, claiming, “There was sexual intercourse, but it was not forced.”

Following the arrest, Yamanaka’s past claims and background have come under renewed scrutiny. Industry insiders revealed that he frequently introduced himself as a former Johnny’s (now Smile-Up) trainee, allegedly exaggerating his career to gain trust.

Yamanaka had claimed that he was affiliated with Johnny’s from the ages of 12 to 20, spending eight years as a Johnny’s Junior and working as a backup dancer for well-known idol groups. In previous media interviews, he even described himself as a “former Johnny’s talent manager.”

However, Japanese media outlets later confirmed through Smile-Up that Yamanaka had never been affiliated with Johnny’s at any point, indicating that his claims were entirely false.

One woman who had met Yamanaka told local media, “At first, it was hard to believe he was a former Johnny’s trainee because he looked like an overweight middle-aged man. But he talked in such excessive detail about his so-called Johnny’s days that I gradually started to believe him.”

The case has sent shockwaves through Japanese society, as it highlights how trust was allegedly manipulated and power abused by someone in a position of authority within the entertainment industry.

Sources: Nate