NHK said Thursday that it will resume using TV personalities and performers from Starto Entertainment, an offshoot of the former Johnny & Associates talent agency that inherited its entertainment management business after the earlier company was split in two following a sexual abuse scandal involving its founder.

The latest decision will allow the entertainers to appear on NHK's annual year-end “Kohaku Uta Gassen” music program, which features dozens of singers and idol groups. Johnny's performers were barred from appearing in 2023 due to the scandal.

Earlier this month, TV Tokyo announced that it would begin using performers contracted with Starto Entertainment in its programs, following moves by other major broadcasters.