Singer Aiko will appear on “Best Hit Song Festival 2024” (NTV, 7 pm), which will be broadcast on the 14th. On the program, he will perform the theme song “Soushi Soai” from “Detective Conan: Million Dollar Star”, which was released this spring. Looking back at articles particularly read about aiko (This article is a redistribution of one published on “AERA dot.” on June 20, 2024. The text contains ages, titles, etc. from that time).
[Grianghraf]This is the popular actor who married a religious leader and it was said that he was “brainwashed”
On June 18, the second trial of the special breach of trust case involving the entertainment agency ”Buddy Go”, where singer Aiko (48) is the representative director, was held at the Tokyo District Court. Aiko, who appeared in court, told former director Atsushi Chiba (58), who was accused of breaching the Companies Act (special breach of trust), saying, “He was brainwashed I was afraid that if he rebelled , his music would stop production.” He testified.
To summarize the details of the case, the defendant Chiba was accused of buying travel goods and other goods from a friends business partner at about ¥100 million more than the actual price between 2016 and 2019, causing damage to the company. According to the prosecution, Chiba allegedly deposited the inflated amount into his own account and used it to buy branded goods, but Chiba maintains his innocence.
Aiko, who took the witness stand that day under protection, recalled that she met defendant Chiba, who headed a record company, when she debuted, and that she followed his advice to continue her music career . He testified that he became a director of his own company in 2009 at the suggestion of the defendant, and that he was “controlled” and “brainwashed. I was afraid that if I rebelled, my music production would stop.”
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Time.news Interview: Aiko’s Legal Struggle and Artistic Journey
Interviewer (Editor of Time.news): Good evening and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Haruto Sakai, an expert in entertainment law and the psychology of artists in high-pressure environments. Dr. Sakai, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Haruto Sakai: Thank you for having me. I’m looking forward to discussing Aiko’s situation.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right into it. Aiko has recently made headlines—not just for her music, but for her involvement in a legal case concerning her former associate, Atsushi Chiba. Can you summarize what makes this case particularly noteworthy from a legal standpoint?
Dr. Sakai: Absolutely. The case involves serious allegations of breach of trust and misuse of funds within an entertainment agency, Buddy Go, of which Aiko is the representative director. What’s fascinating is that Aiko’s testimony highlighted the complex dynamics between artists and their management, specifically her claim of being “brainwashed.” This brings into question not just legal ethics, but the psychological manipulation that can occur in the entertainment industry.
Interviewer: That’s a critical point. Aiko described feeling controlled and that her career was at stake if she rebelled. How common is this feeling among artists, based on your research?
Dr. Sakai: Sadly, it’s not uncommon at all. Artists often place immense trust in their managers and directors, sometimes leading them to compromise their own judgment and autonomy. In Aiko’s case, it seems she felt economically and emotionally coerced. The pressures of maintaining one’s career in a competitive industry can lead to such dynamics, where the artist may feel they have no choice but to comply with questionable practices.
Interviewer: So, when Aiko testified about her fears regarding music production halting, what does that say about the power dynamics in the industry?
Dr. Sakai: It reveals a troubling imbalance of power. Aiko’s dependency on her former director for her success illustrates how tightly woven the artist-manager relationship can be. When that relationship turns toxic, as it seems to have in this case, the consequences can ripple through not just the artist’s career, but also the larger industry, affecting trust and integrity.
Interviewer: In light of this ongoing trial, what measures can be taken within the entertainment industry to protect artists from such situations?
Dr. Sakai: There needs to be more transparency and better regulatory frameworks in place. Artists should have access to legal counseling and support throughout their careers, ideally from the beginning of their professional journey. Educational programs focusing on financial literacy and legal rights in the entertainment industry could empower artists, helping them make informed decisions about their careers and relationships.
Interviewer: Aiko is set to perform her theme song “Soushi Soai” during the “Best Hit Song Festival 2024.” How do you think her legal troubles might affect her performance and public perception?
Dr. Sakai: Public perception can be incredibly volatile during such circumstances. On one hand, audiences might rally behind her, feeling sympathy for her situation and wanting to support her artistry. On the other hand, some might view her in light of the legal issues, potentially overshadowing her musical achievements. It will be interesting to see how she engages with her fans through this lens and whether her art takes on a different emotional weight as a result.
Interviewer: Dr. Sakai, this has been enlightening. what message do you think Aiko’s story sends to aspiring artists out there?
Dr. Sakai: It’s a reminder to be vigilant and self-aware. While pursuing one’s passion is crucial, maintaining one’s autonomy and being informed is equally important. Artists need to advocate for themselves and surround themselves with supportive and trustworthy individuals. Seeking mentorship can also provide a safety net, ensuring they have guidance that serves their best interests.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Sakai, for sharing your expertise on this complex and significant issue in the entertainment industry. We hope to see Aiko emerge stronger from this situation—musically and personally.
Dr. Sakai: Thank you for having me. I share your hopes for her future.
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us at Time.news. We’ll continue to follow this story closely as it unfolds.
