Most foreigners interested in working in Japan's entertainment industry have heard or will hear of the agency known as Inagawa Motoko (aka IMO). It's one of the largest, if not the largest talent agency specializing solely in foreign talent. But this does not mean it's respectable or professionally managed. In fact, the reality is quite the opposite.
In writing this I hope to expose this sham of an agency for what it really is--a den of common thieves. Furthermore, it is my wish that others sharing my plight may join my crusade to spread the word about these con artists. Ultimately, my goal is total shutdown of their unethical business practices--which equates to their entire business model. If nothing else, I want the public made aware before more unsuspecting foreigners are
taken advantage of and exploited.
After getting laid off from my IT job, I decided to sign up at IMO hoping to at least make some money while searching for a new IT job. Since my schedule was quite free, I was available for just about any jobs they offered me.
My very first job was for a Japanese TV show. At that shoot I met some other foreigners working in the entertainment industry. I told them I was new to IMO, and that this was my first job. After I said that, a friendly fellow American pulled me aside and told me to be very careful with IMO. I asked why. He then asked me, "When did they tell you that you'd be paid?" I replied, "2 months after the job." "Ha! Ha!" he shot back. "More like 6 months, and you have to bitch and whine to get it."
At other jobs the IMO sentiment was exactly the same. Lines like "IMO sucks," "IMO never pays," "IMO owes me money" constantly reverberated amongst the foreign talent. At one job I was promised the money in cash that same day. When I got to the front of the line, they told me I'd be paid via bank transfer the next morning. I checked my bank account, and no money. They lied to my face.
How IMO's Scam Works
What Happens If You Complain
The obvious thing to do is complain that you haven't received your money. Here's how the con artists deal with you:
Complaining this way doesn't get you very far. The only thing they'll pay you is excuses.
How To Get Paid
I finally got paid by simply writing them an email that said, "If I don't receive my money by Friday, I will go to the Labor Department (労働基準監督署) on Monday." I was paid the same day I wrote the email. That works! They obviously don't want the Labor Department involved.
If you still don't get paid, I recommend complaining to the Labor Department. In fact, I recommend complaining to the Labor Department first so they catch wind of how corrupt this agency is. The more people that complain to the LD, the more likely they are to finally investigate and shutdown these scammers.
Here is the one you need to contact:
http://www.roudoukyoku.go.jp/shisetsu/kantoku/k-map-03.html
When I went there, they were very receptive and helpful; however, in my case there wasn't much they could do since I was technically paid. Make sure to keep and bring any records you have of job dates, promises to pay, etc. Keep these records yourself because IMO sure as hell won't provide them.
Avoid IMO
Not surprisingly, they stopped calling me and offering me jobs after they paid me. I guess they don't like paying people for work! Please save yourself a lot of time and trouble by avoiding Inagawa Motoko Talent Agency.
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