Singer Aiko (48) confessed that she had been "brainwashed" on the witness stand at the Tokyo District Court. She spoke in detail about the control she had been under by her "foster parents." ■ Discovered before her debut, but the two had a "distorted relationship" Aiko's testimony: "I was brainwashed in every way" Singer-songwriter Aiko made a shocking statement at the trial of her agency's former director, Atsushi Chiba (58). Chiba is accused of purchasing tour goods from a friend's company at a higher price than the actual price between 2016 and 2019, causing damages of approximately 100 million yen to her agency. The prosecution claims that Chiba deposited the inflated amount into his own account and used it to purchase brand-name goods and other items. A fan who has been supporting Aiko for over 20 years as the trial unfolds: A woman who has been a fan for over 20 years said, "Sometimes we buy merchandise with the hope that it will lead to another concert. It's a shock that the money we paid is going into Chiba's pocket." Since her debut in 1998, Aiko has appeared in the Red and White Song Battle 14 times. She has produced many hit songs such as "Kabutomushi" and "Hanabi." The person who discovered Aiko even before her debut and was called her "foster parent" was the defendant Chiba. However, the relationship between the two was strained. Aiko's testimony: "Chiba surrounded her so that she would not have any connections with outsiders, and Chiba was the only person I could talk to." ■A fan for over 20 years: "A relationship like that of Otani and Mizuhara" It is said that the defendant Chiba was deeply involved in almost all of Aiko's business, including the salaries of the employees of her agency and the organization of her concerts, from the time of her debut. Aiko's testimony: "Because I'm involved, reliable staff will help with the live performance. But it's all because I'm the one doing it. If I'm gone, the staff around me will be gone too, so is that okay?" Even when Aiko said she wanted to make the merchandise cheaper for the fans, Chiba never fought over it. Aiko's testimony: "Before I knew it, Chiba had made a rule that he had to check it at all times. If he went against it, music production would be delayed." In the midst of this, despite being at the height of her popularity, she was told that the management was struggling, and Aiko even lent the agency about 460 million yen. Aiko's testimony: "The view I see at the live performances has never changed, because I only see a full house. It was really strange that they said the merchandise was selling the best, but they had no money." Meanwhile, Chiba said he owned a luxury car, two apartments, and even a boat. Aiko was suspicious of his wealth, but she couldn't go against him. Chiba was said to be well-known among fans, with his name often being mentioned at live shows. A woman who has been a fan for over 20 years said, "I wonder if their relationship was like that of Otani and Mizuhara. Someone who was with him as a business partner ended up betraying him because of money. I feel angry, or more like sad." Chiba claims his innocence. (From "Good! Morning," broadcast on June 22, 2024) [TV Asahi News] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp