Japanese talent agency Johnny & Associates says it is changing its name to focus on compensating the victims of its late founder. The agency has been at the center of a scandal over sex abuse involving Johnny Kitagawa. It also says it's starting a new company to manage their roster of talent.

The company says 478 people have come forward as of the end of last month with allegations of abuse involving Kitagawa.

Of those, 325 are seeking compensation, which the company will begin distributing starting in November under a new name: "Smile-Up."

Last month, the agency admitted for the first time that Kitagawa abused young male entertainers over a span of decades before his death in 2019.

Some alleged victims had been calling for the founder's name to be wiped from the agency.

The company has also been facing mounting criticism over its measures to deal with the matter.

Several Japanese companies have been reviewing their use of the agency's entertainers in advertisements. And some have pulled out of business with it.

The new president said the company will start a new company to manage its stars. He has called on fans to suggest a new name.