Japanese singer and songwriter Okamoto Kauan — a former client of the Johnny & Associates agency — has alleged that agency founder and long-time head Johnny Kitagawa committed numerous acts of sexual abuse against him and others.

Source: https://newsonjapan.com/html/newsdesk/article/137161.php

The following month, Kauan Okamoto, a former Johnny & Associates performer, told a news conference that he was a victim of Kitagawa's sexual abuse, helping raise people's awareness about male victims.

Source: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/12/30/japan/crime-legal/men-consultations-sexual-abuse/

Unfortunately, Okamoto would pass away that year from liver cancer and the film was later finished by his close friend and fellow animator Kihachiro Kawamoto.

Source: https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/best-anime-movies/the-100-best-anime-movies-of-all-time/