Johnny Kitagawa was a prominent Japanese talent manager and producer, best known for founding the entertainment company Johnny & Associates. Born on October 23, 1931, he played a significant role in shaping the Japanese idol industry, discovering and nurturing many popular boy bands and solo artists. Throughout his career, Kitagawa was instrumental in creating a unique training system for young performers, emphasizing singing, dancing, and acting. His influence led to the rise of numerous successful groups, such as SMAP and Arashi, making him a key figure in Japan's pop culture landscape until his passing in July 2022.