Longstanding malpractices in Japan's entertainment industry are finally being brought under scrutiny. It is necessary to establish an environment in which artists' rights and free entertainment activities are protected.

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has released findings from an investigation into contractual disputes within the music and broadcasting sectors. In addition to questionnaires with talent agencies and hearings with entertainers and broadcasters, it also accepted submissions of information. And what the investigation revealed was a situation threatening the freedom of individuals in show business.

Entertainers reported being threatened by their agencies that they would not be able to engage in any further activities if they transferred to another agency or became independent, and that bad publicity about them was spread to their prospective employers and the mass media. There were also cases where they were not able to use their stage or group names after becoming independent.

The JFTC indicated that such obstructive actions could constitute "unjust use of superior bargaining positions" or "interference with transactions" under Japan's antimonopoly law.

In addition to calling on agencies to pay attention to the matter, the commission will formulate guidelines on what cases would be considered problematic from a legal standpoint to prevent future trouble.

Normally, show business artists enter into exclusive management contracts with their agencies. But because they rely on the agencies for all aspects of their careers, their position is weak and they often lack sufficient knowledge of their rights and other related issues. While being managed exclusively, entertainers are bound by their contacts, but about 30% of agencies had only verbal contracts with their artists -- a situation that could put the entertainers at a disadvantage.

The issues between artists and agencies became evident in the treatment of three former members of the popular Japanese group SMAP who became independent from the now-defunct entertainment agency Johnny & Associates. The agency was suspected of exerting pressure on television networks to prevent the three former members from appearing on air, and in 2019, the JFTC issued a warning, citing the possibility of an antimonopoly law violation.

As part of its growth strategy, the Japanese government is promoting the content industry centering on anime and music as well as program broadcasts. But unless it prepares an environment in which artists can work with peace of mind, they won't be able to fully demonstrate their talents.

As society takes a harsher view of harassment and other issues, young people's perceptions are also shifting. The Japanese entertainment industry should change its culture and search out a path leading to its sustainable development.