Fans of entertainers belonging to the Japanese talent agency Johnny & Associates have expressed mixed feelings over the closure of shops selling official merchandise.

These so-called Johnny's Shops, which sell photos and other goods featuring the agency's talents, are scheduled to shut down on Monday. This follows the sexual abuse scandal involving the agency's late founder, Johnny Kitagawa.

The closure of the shops in Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya cities comes one day before the agency changes its name to Smile-Up.

Many fans gathered at the shop in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, from early on Monday.

A mother and daughter who came from neighboring Gifu Prefecture said that they believe Johnny Kitagawa and the agency's entertainers should be viewed separately. They expressed regret over the shops' closures.

A university student said the agency's name change cannot be helped when considering the victims. She said she will still continue to support the entertainers.