Johnny’s fans are saddened but also hopeful after name change, especially for KANJANI∞ and Johnny’s West

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Johnny’s Jimusho announced their new structure and their new name changing to “SMILE-UP” on October 17th.

While there are fans who are appreciative of the name change, there are those with mixed feelings and are saddened as Johnny’s was Japan’s top brand name that everyone knew and invested heavily into.

But with the sexual assault caused by its former President/founder Kitagawa Johnny, the Johnny’s brand has been tarnished. And with the company name now changing, what about the names of groups bearing the Johnny’s name such as KANJANI∞ or Johnny’s WEST?

Kanjani∞ members have uploaded videos on their official fan club site. All five members and announced that he would be recruiting new group names on the site.

Yokoyama Yutaka (42) said, “We’ve been working together with the fans, so we can’t decide on our own”.

Shota Yasuda (39) said, “Since it’s a new start, it would be nice if there was a name that we and the fans could share”.

Next year will be the 20th anniversary of their debut, and Murakami Shingo (41) said with a smile, “Please rest assured that the five of us will continue our activities properly”.

Kiriyama Teruji (34) of Johnny’s WEST has updated his membership blog. After the group name change was revealed, he wrote, “I think there are a lot of people who are worried…” and said, “The seven of us will definitely convey our feelings to everyone!!”.

Fans have been commenting on social media but some feel that the name change has to happen if it protects the members and also accepting the claim by victims who were sexually assaulted by Kitagawa.

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