Large maintenance work platforms have been placed outside the head office of Johnny & Associates talent agency in Tokyo apparently in preparation to remove its signboard from the top of the building.

The agency has been at the center of a scandal over sex abuses by its late founder Johnny Kitagawa.

The company announced on Monday that it plans to change the current corporate name of Johnny & Associates to "SMILE-UP." on October 17, and then dissolve it after it completes compensation for victims.

Johnny & Associates says on its website that the company moved its head office to the current location in July 2018.

On Thursday morning, the maintenance platforms were placed near the top of the building.

Fans of the agency's entertainers flocked in front of the building, trying to catch a final glimpse of the corporate signboard and taking photos of it, though it was almost completely obscured by the platforms.

A woman visited there from neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture, together with her daughter. She said that she wanted to see the signboard before the company changes its name. She also said that she believes it was the right decision although the current name meant a lot to her.

She expressed hope that a good environment should be provided for entertainers who have decided to continue with their careers.