An independent investigation has revealed that Fuji Television Network Inc., the TV arm of Fuji Media Holdings Inc., created a systemic environment that exposed young employees, particularly female announcers, to the risk of sexual harassment by actors and other performers, Bloomberg reports.
The investigation, conducted by a third-party committee of lawyers and legal professionals, found that female announcers were made to feel their work responsibilities included entertaining prominent business partners and TV guests. The report, exceeding 250 pages, asserts that former President Koichi Minato and other executives encouraged this understanding. The operator of one of Japan’s most popular TV networks fostered power imbalances with executives who made casting choices, leaving employees vulnerable.
The panel was formed after investors and sponsors demanded information on why the broadcaster failed to address the scandal for over a year. Fuji Media, which has been struggling to regain its footing following the harassment scandal, has seen advertisers pull out and ratings decline, making it vulnerable to activist investors.
The scandal originated with reports in a local tabloid in December, alleging that Masahiro Nakai, one of the network’s most prominent presenters and a former J-pop idol, sexually harassed a female employee. Widespread public anger over the handling of the June 2023 incident led to a significant exodus of advertisers, including Toyota Motor Corp., Seven & i Holdings Co., and Suntory Holdings Ltd., forcing Fuji Media to reduce its earnings outlook.
Nakai, who continued to appear on the network after the incident, issued a public apology to the victim, with whom he reached a settlement, and subsequently retired from show business. A number of executives, including influential former chairman Hisashi Hieda, have since resigned.
