A new Japanese talent agency that has succeeded the business of the disgraced Johnny & Associates has begun full operations with a concert featuring its performers.

Starto Entertainment opened an official website on Wednesday to declare the start of operations and make public its corporate structure. Its first concert was held at Tokyo Dome on the same day.

The agency was established last October to manage the performers of the former Johnny & Associates, following revelations of sexual abuse by its late founder, Johnny Kitagawa.

Johnny & Associates changed its name to Smile-Up., which is paying compensation to abuse victims.
A total of 973 people have reportedly filed claims. Agreements on payments had been reached by 356 of them as of the end of March.

Starto Entertainment's website says it has contracts with 295 performers in 28 groups, and 185 staff members. It says many of the staff used to work for Smile-Up., but they were not involved in sexual abuse.

The agency has spelled out measures to prevent abuse and other illegal actions. It says it will give seminars on sexual abuse and respect for human rights. Other steps include a system for reporting problems and consultation services for young performers hoping to make their debuts.

Starto Entertainment says it has no capital relationship with Smile-Up. But Smile-Up. is in charge of managing Starto performers' fan clubs, including the collection of admission and membership fees.

The new agency has not clarified how its management will be separate from that of Smile-Up.