A Fresh Start: STARTO Entertainment Emerges as the New Home for Former Johnny & Associates Performers
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In a highly anticipated announcement last Friday, December 8, it was announced that STARTO Entertainment would be the new name assumed by the Japanese male talent agency formerly known as Johnny & Associates.
In a statement issued to the media, the company provided further insight into the meaning and origins behind the new “STARTO” name, while also reaffirming their commitment to their top flight roster of artists and respective fandoms. A portion of the statement read:
The name is derived from STAR and TO, as in “to head toward the future,” in addition to being the Japanese phonetization of the word “to start” (スタートする). It is an expression of our commitment to all our artists current and yet to come; with whom we inaugurate a new era in accordance with their individual talents and personal goals.
STARTO is, without any doubt, an entertainment team that represents the pride of Japan. Be it song, dance, or stagecraft, the first-class contents and national treasures of Japan have left an indelible mark around the world and mandate continued effort to meet the appropriately high expectations of their passionate fans.
– Excerpt from STARTO Entertainment Press Release, 12/8/23
Taking the helm as chief executive officer of STARTO is Atsushi Fukuda, a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience as the chief executive of consulting firm Speedy Inc. and a former vice president at Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Inc.
Fukuda’s proven track record and dedication to the entertainment industry position him as a key figure in steering STARTO Entertainment towards success.
Founded in 1962, Johnny & Associates played a pivotal role in shaping the Japanese entertainment industry, catapulting several music acts and television personalities to unparalleled stardom.
The decision to establish STARTO Entertainment was announced in October this year as a strategic move to create distance from the late Johnny Kitagawa, the founder of Johnny & Associates who was found to have been involved in acts of sexual misconduct spanning several decades.
Now, with the establishment of STARTO Entertainment, a new chapter unfolds for the company, promising a fresh start and a supportive environment for the remarkable talent associated with the former Johnny & Associates performers.
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