Fuji TV Scandal: A Wake-Up Call for Japanese Media

このページを日本語で読む

A scandal involving entertainer Masahiro Nakai and a female Fuji TV employee sent shockwaves across Japan. Fuji TV, which had a contract with Nakai, responded with an unprecedented press conference.

Not only did it run well beyond its scheduled time but it also revealed deeper issues within the organization. It exposed a lack of awareness of women's rights and doubts about its corporate culture and governance.

Former SMAP Star Masahiro Nakai Controversy and its Fallout Explained

As I watched events unfold, countless questions ran through my mind. Where did things go wrong? How can Japanese media find a path to redemption and recovery?

Impact on Japanese Media

JAPAN Forward was launched eight years ago by a small group of volunteers from The Sankei Shimbun. It operates as a much smaller, independent online media outlet with no capital ties to Fuji TV.

Still, for JAPAN Forward — and for the future of Japan's media — learning from Fuji TV's mistakes and striving for improvement is crucial. Recognizing this, after holding internal discussions, we committed to covering the issue extensively in English.

*Fuji TV Headquarters. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

The following article, published on February 10, was written by JAPAN Forward reporter, Arielle Busetto.

Fuji Television Facing New Reform Demands After Nakai Sex Scandal

This article reported that a major shareholder of Fuji Media Holdings (FMH), Fuji TV's parent company, had sent a letter expressing dissatisfaction with the company's response. The American investment fund criticized the resignations of Fuji TV's president and chairman as inadequate. It called for further governance reforms to restore public trust.

The letter also questioned the influence of FMH's 87-year-old senior advisor, Hisashi Hieda. It asked, "Why has a single dictator been allowed to control this vast broadcasting group for nearly 40 years?"

JAPAN Forward's article also included comments from Shin Ushijima, a Japanese lawyer and corporate governance expert. Ushijima acknowledged that Hieda may be an example of an advisor whose influence exceeds his title.

A Call for Reform

On February 6, Fuji TV announced the launch of a "Revitalization and Reform Project Headquarters." Led by newly appointed President Kenji Shimizu, the initiative aims to prevent similar scandals and reform the company's corporate culture. We hope it brings meaningful change.

Busetto concluded by highlighting a statement posted on X by Kinliser, a water supply company that advertised on Fuji TV. While many sponsors withdrew from Fuji TV, Kinliser resumed airing its commercials.

The company explained, "Instead of bashing or dismissing people based mainly on speculation, we should listen to what they have to say. We should respect those who are sincerely making efforts to face this issue and look to the future."

*Fuji Media Holdings and Fuji TV executives bow in front of reporters on January 27. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

A Turning Point for Japanese Media

Hideaki Ota, Representative Director of JAPAN Forward Association, Inc, previously served as FMH's president from 2013 to 2015. When asked about the situation in a meeting, Ota declined to comment, citing the fluid nature of events.

"Comments made in passing could be irresponsible," he said. However, he also expressed his intent to share his perspective through JAPAN Forward "when the time is right."

No one is immune to making mistakes. The key question is how one confronts those mistakes and what actions are taken for the public good.

For leaders of major corporations with social influence and public responsibilities, this burden is even greater. How will they respond to the findings of ongoing investigations? What decisions will they make, and what actions will they take?

As Kinliser pointed out, failure must serve as a catalyst for improvement. The time for change has undoubtedly arrived. Will Japanese media truly transform at this critical moment?

Watch for the next issue on March 17.

JAPAN Forward is a small media outlet driven by an unparalleled passion to amplify Japan's voice worldwide in both English and Japanese. To join us in shaping our vision together or for inquiries, please call 0570-033-433 (Sankei iD) or email us at info@japan-forward.com.

Author: Yasuo Naito, Editor in Chief