A Japanese record company has sparked controversy by promoting a memorial album for a deceased singer, including nude photos taken during his 20s as a special bonus.
According to reports from Japan's Sponichi Annex, New Century Record announced it will release a memorial album for Aki Yashiro on the 21st. They stated that two nude photos taken by Yashiro with a Polaroid camera during his 20s would be provided as a special bonus. They also promoted it as "Yashiro's first nude photos."
Yashiro debuted in 1971 with "Love Never Dies" and was known as the "Queen of Enka" for decades. He also worked as an actor and painter. However, as his health declined, he stepped away from the stage and passed away in 2023 at the age of 73. New Century Record is known to hold the audio rights to about 250 of Yashiro's songs.
Criticism has poured in regarding New Century Record's inappropriate promotion as they release the memorial album. An online petition is also underway to prevent the album's release.
Makoto Ono, the president of "Million Planning," Yashiro's agency during his lifetime, has indicated that legal action is forthcoming. He stated through the company's website the day before, "We will take all legal actions, regardless of civil or criminal, and I will never forgive them."
President Ono reportedly had been aware of the issue since around mid-last month, engaging in discussions with the family and legal representatives. He explained that he sent a notice to New Century Record asking them to cease the use of the nude photos last month but did not receive a response, which ultimately led to legal proceedings.