TOKYO — In a significant development, the president and chairperson of Fuji Television have announced their resignations amid a growing sexual assault controversy involving a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry. This scandal has ignited fervent discussions about transparency and accountability within media networks, particularly regarding the treatment of women.
The focus of this controversy is Masahiro Nakai, a former lead member of the once extremely popular boy band SMAP. The situation gained traction following a costly settlement related to alleged sexual assault claims made by a woman during a dinner gathering in 2023. These accusations initially emerged in December through various magazine articles, leading to widespread allegations of systematic cover-ups purported by executives at Fuji Television. The ensuing public outrage has significantly impacted the network, resulting in substantial advertising revenue losses.
During an extensive press conference that lasted over ten hours, Fuji Television Network President Koichi Minato, along with other officials, expressed regret over the mishandling of the situation. They acknowledged that their actions may have infringed upon the woman’s human rights. However, they refrained from sharing further details, citing the need to protect her privacy and the ongoing investigation by a third party. Reporters at the conference voiced their frustration, demanding greater clarity and transparency from the organization.
Minato stated, “We sincerely apologize for our inability to effectively manage the case due to our insufficient understanding of human rights and corporate governance, which ultimately resulted in inadequate responses to the woman involved.” He admitted that the incident was treated as a highly confidential matter, shared only within a limited circle of executives. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Nakai continued to appear on Fuji programs for a year and a half, with Minato insisting that the network was not attempting to cover up the issue due to Nakai’s celebrity status.
Interestingly, Minato expressed that he did not perceive the incident as sexual assault, claiming that the matter was only brought to the corporate compliance office’s attention after media reports surfaced. A report from the independent investigation is anticipated by March. Although he dismissed any involvement by Fuji TV employees, he acknowledged that this staff member previously organized events including barbecues for Nakai and stated that these claims warranted further examination.
Furthermore, Fuji representatives recognized that their female announcers and staff had historically participated in social gatherings intended for male celebrities and executives. However, they firmly denied allegations of any sexual services being offered at these events. Minato emphasized the need for the organization to rethink its approach to outdated gender roles, declaring a fundamental shift in mindset is necessary.
The weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun, which played a role in exposing the allegations, initially mistakenly reported that the woman was invited by a Fuji employee; however, they later corrected this by stating that Nakai himself extended the invitation. Despite this, the magazine stood by its assertions that the employee in question had previously organized parties for Nakai, alleging that Fuji Television has long exploited its female talent for the benefit of male stars.
In addition to Minato’s resignation, board chairperson Shuji Kanoh stepped down before the press conference took place, highlighting the severity of the situation. Last Thursday, Nakai announced his decision to retire to take accountability for the controversy and subsequent financial downturns experienced by the network. He had previously denied any acts of violence or wrongdoing.
This unfolding series of allegations sheds light on the broader issue of sexual misconduct within Japan’s entertainment sector, reflecting a delayed #MeToo movement which parallels the global push for accountability that began in the 2010s. Notable cases, such as the widespread abuse inflicted by the late talent executive Johnny Kitagawa and his agency Johnny & Associates, which managed multiple boy bands including SMAP, further underscore the urgent need for systemic change within the industry.
