Heartfelt Apology: Fuji TV’s President Responds to Assault Scandal

​In early 2025, Fuji Television Network, one of Japan's leading broadcasting companies, became embroiled in a significant sexual assault scandal involving former TV host Masahiro Nakai. This incident not only led to the resignation of top executives but also sparked widespread public outrage and prompted a reevaluation of corporate culture within the organization. #asiadailynews.org #sexual_assault_fuji_apology_misconduct_addressed

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The Incident and Initial Response

In June 2023, a female employee of Fuji TV alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Masahiro Nakai, a prominent television host and former member of the pop group SMAP, during a dinner party organized by the network. The victim reported the incident to her supervisors and sought medical assistance. Despite her efforts, the company's initial response was inadequate, failing to provide the necessary support and neglecting to involve the compliance office in addressing the matter. 

The situation escalated when it was revealed that Nakai had reached a settlement with the victim, leading to accusations of a systematic cover-up by Fuji TV executives. This revelation resulted in significant advertising losses and widespread public condemnation. ​

Leadership Changes and Public Apology

In response to mounting pressure, Fuji TV's President Koichi Minato and Chairman Shuji Kano announced their resignations during a marathon ten-hour press conference in January 2025. During this session, Minato acknowledged the company's failures in handling the situation and expressed a profound lack of awareness regarding human rights issues. 

The press conference, attended by 437 journalists from 191 media outlets, was broadcast live, reflecting the high level of public interest and concern. This event underscored the gravity of the situation and the necessity for transparent communication. ​

Third-Party Investigation and Findings

Following the resignations, Fuji TV commissioned an independent third-party committee to investigate the incident and the company's handling of it. The committee's comprehensive report, released on March 31, 2025, spanned 273 pages and included findings from questionnaires and interviews with executives and employees. The investigation concluded that the female employee had indeed been subjected to sexual violence by Nakai, aligning with the World Health Organization's definition. Furthermore, the report uncovered a pervasive culture of sexual harassment and power harassment within the organization, extending beyond Nakai to other employees and external parties such as advertising agencies and sponsors. ​

The report also highlighted systemic issues, including instances where victims' reports were leaked to perpetrators, resulting in further victimization and deterrence from reporting future incidents. This lack of a supportive environment for victims was identified as a significant organizational failure.

Organizational Reforms and Preventative Measures

In light of the investigation's findings, Fuji TV announced a series of reforms aimed at addressing the identified issues and preventing future occurrences. These measures included:​

• Establishment of the Revitalization and Reform Project Headquarters: A dedicated body tasked with implementing changes to corporate culture and ensuring compliance with ethical standards.
  
  
  
• Implementation of Mandatory Compliance Training: Regular training sessions for all employees to raise awareness about harassment, human rights, and appropriate workplace behavior.