NHK has learned that two men who used to belong to the former Japanese talent agency Johnny & Associates have filed a compensation lawsuit in the United States over its late founder's alleged sexual abuse.

Tanaka Junya and Iida Kyohei filed the suit with a court in the western state of Nevada on Wednesday.

The suit was filed against the Japanese company Smile-Up., which changed its name from Johnny & Associates and is dealing with compensation for sexual abuse by the late founder, Johnny Kitagawa. A number of other companies and individuals, including Starto Entertainment, a talent agency that has taken over the business of Johnny & Associates, are also named in the suit.

The two men are seeking a total of more than 300 million dollars in damage.

According to his complaint, Tanaka, then 15-year-old, was sexually assaulted by Kitagawa, in a hotel in Las Vegas in 1997.

Kitagawa allegedly sexually assaulted Iida, then 14-year-old, in the hotel in 2002.

In their complaints, the plaintiffs say they suffered injuries and damage, including severe emotional distress and psychological trauma.

Their lawyer told NHK that the case is not subject to any statute of limitations in Nevada and the plaintiffs are capable of pursuing their actions consistent with how those actions would be remedied in the United States.

Tanaka says he hopes that the lawsuit will be a catalyst to change Japan's outdated legal system and human rights awareness.

Smile-Up. said on its website earlier this month that the firm had paid compensation to 530 people among those who claim they were sexually abused by Kitagawa.

Concerning the lawsuit, Smile-Up. says it believes US courts are not granted jurisdiction over the case, as the two plaintiffs who are reported to have filed the suit have been living in Japan.

The firm says it will deal with the matter while consulting with lawyers in the US.

The company says it has been sincerely facing those who claim to have been victimized and making efforts to implement swift and appropriate compensation. It added that it will continue to do its utmost in dealing with the matter while ensuring fairness in compensation.

Starto Entertainment says it has no capital ties with Smile-Up. and it was established as a completely separate legal entity with separate management from the firm.

Starto Entertainment says it is very confused about the litigation in the US, as it has no connection with it and has no reason to be sued in the matter.

The agency says that as soon as it receives the complaints it will check the facts and take appropriate action.