Kitagawa returned to Japan again and founded Johnny & Associates in 1962 after establishing the male idol group Johnnys.
Talent Agency Johnny & Associates founder Johnny Kitagawa passed away in a Tokyo hospital before 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage (form of stroke).
Johnny & Associates went on to establish and manage many male idol groups such as SMAP, Arashi, Tokio, KinKi Kids, V6, KAT-TUN, and Hey!
The members of idol groups under the management of Johnny & Associates are collectively known as “Johnny’s.”