Agency head in Japan arrested for allegedly raping actress after asking, “Shall we go for a walk?”

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[The Financial News] The head of an entertainment agency in Japan has been arrested on charges of raping an actress under his management.
Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK), Nagoya Broadcasting Network and other local media reported on the 16th that Japanese police had arrested entertainment agency head Yamanaka Takuma, 39, on suspicion of rape by abuse of his position at work.
Local outlets pointed out that this case is a typical example of sexual violence in the entertainment industry, in which the perpetrator exploited his status as company president.
Yamanaka is accused of raping a woman in her 20s, actress A, who was under contract with his agency, on two occasions in August 2023 at an office and lodging facilities in Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture.
The case came to light after victim A filed a report with the police. Investigators believe Yamanaka called her out by saying, “Let’s go for a walk,” and then committed the assaults.
During questioning, A reportedly stated that because Yamanaka was the head of her agency, it was difficult for her to refuse him.
Yamanaka has denied the rape allegations in police interviews, reportedly claiming, “There was sexual intercourse, but it was not forced.”
Japanese media have also revisited Yamanaka’s fabricated career history in connection with this case. He had long claimed that he was formerly part of Johnny's Jr. and had worked for eight years as a backup dancer for a famous group, building trust in the industry on that basis. Johnny & Associates is a major talent agency in Japan specializing in male entertainers.
Yamanaka is then said to have used this falsified background to approach women aspiring to become entertainers. However, during the investigation it emerged that he had never been affiliated with Johnny & Associates at all.
y27k@fnnews.com Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter