Johnny & Associates announces earthquake relief project, “Marching J”, feat. all talents

Johnny & Associates have announced the creation of an earthquake relief project called “Marching J“, which will feature the participation of all Johnny & Associates talents.

The project was named by president Johnny Kitagawa, and the “J” stands for both ‘Japan’ and ‘Johnny’s’. Mr. Kitagawa says, “I put the meaning of ‘Let’s walk together toward the recovery.”

Although Johnny & Associates housed a relief unit, “J-FRIENDS“, for 1995’s Great Hanshin Earthquake, it was only comprised of TOKIO, KinKi Kids, and V6. This time, however, “Marching J” will involve all the agency’s talents – it’ll mark the first in-house collaborative project since the company’s founding in 1962. Mr. Kitagawa explained, “It was that big of a disaster. We need to get together, and take actions to make our hearts as one.” He also revealed that there were many talents who were willing to do something for the disaster relief.

The first event for “Marching J” will be through a fundraiser, which will be hosted in front of the First Gymnasium at the Yoyogi National Stadium. The event will run from April 1st to the 3rd, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Including Johnny’s Jr. boys (and trainees), there will be over 100 talents participating the event under the slogan, “Use our energy without using electricity“. Talk segments will also be held at the event.

Mr. Kitagawa also stated that the project does not have a set time limit, nor will this be a one-time event. He said, “We will continue to do some kind of activity every month until the end.”