One of the strictest bans in the world on entertainment photographs is from Johnny’s Jimusho, the agency responsible for decades of Japan’s popular boy bands such as SMAP, TOKIO, V6, KinKi Kids, Arashi, Kanjani 8, Hikaru Genji, to name a few.
The Johnny’s image rules are so strict in Japan that even Amazon or online music shops can’t post a single, an album or a magazine cover if a member’s face is seen.
Example of a January 2018 magazine cover featuring KinKi kids
Arashi’s “Find the Answer” will be released this month. Don’t worry, this is not the actual cover.
An An’s latest issue features a cover on Amazon that showcases really impressive Adobe Photoshop skills!
Johnny’s believes that by doing so, it protects the portrait rights of their talents.
On January 31st, the strict, yet super famous management agency did something unprecedented…they decided to ease the ban by allowing photos that are taken by media at press conferences and stage greetings as long as it is in conjunction with articles.
Yes, this is a small step forward but perhaps someday, maybe not in our lifetime or our children’s lifetime, but perhaps by 2099, we may see these bans lifted.
More from my site
ARASHI’s Sakurai Sho was interviewed about the Johnny’s Jimusho press conference
Bunshun reports that Higashiyama Noriyuki will become the new president of Johnny’s Jimusho
Fujishima Julie Keiko , president of Johnny & Associates has been appointed chairman and representative director of four affiliated companies
ARASHI’s Ninomiya Kazunari and his wife welcomed their second child
Johnny’s Jimusho announces that they are not involved in any crowdfunding projects