PRESS CONFERENCE: Ikumi Yoshimatsu, Miss International 2012
Monday, December 16, 2013, 15:00 - 16:00
"The Dark Side of Japan’s Entertainment Industry" Ikumi Yoshimatsu,
Miss International 2012
Language: The Speech and Q&A will be in Japanese with English interpretation.
In Japan's often-shady entertainment world, speaking out against bullying, harassment and stalking of women by talent agency management and producers has long been taboo. With recent high-profile murders of women after being stalked and denied protection from the police, any woman who stands her ground and goes public does so at great personal risk.
Ikumi Yoshimatsu has filed a criminal complaint against one of Japan's most powerful talent agencies' executives for stalking, intimidating and threatening her and her family, blackmail, extortion and criminal business interruption. Attached to the complaint is extensive audio and photographic evidence of the alleged crimes perpetrated by a top male executive of the Japanese talent agency K-Dash, including a chilling audio recording of this person forcing his way into her dressing room and trying to abduct her from the NTV studio after a live broadcast she was on.
According to Yoshimatsu, the Japanese-owned Miss International organization has asked her to "play sick" and not participate in her last obligation of bestowing her crown to her successor, completing her year-long reign. She says this was a result of threatening calls made to the organization by the executive.
Yoshimatsu, the first Japanese to win the Miss International title in the 52-year history of the pageant, will reveal the terror hidden behind her smile during the past year. She wishes to speak out on behalf of all the women in Japan living in fear, without protection, and ignored by a "culture of silence" toward crimes against women that has been the norm for centuries.
Please reserve in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website (still & TV cameras inclusive). Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation.
Professional Activities Committee
Video
http://iwj.co.jp/wj/open/archives/116796