Fuji Television held a press conference on January 17, 2025, to address the growing controversy surrounding talent Naka Masahiro and reports of his involvement with women, which have recently sparked significant public and media scrutiny.
The scandal broke mid-December 2024 when Weekly Seven published sensational details alleging Naka's serious troubles with women. Further investigations revealed he reportedly paid around 90 million yen as part of settlements. These reports led to intense speculation about the involvement of Fuji Television employees, prompting the network to release statements denying any connections.
During the press conference, Fuji Television’s CEO, Koichi Minato, expressed his regret, stating, "We apologize for the considerable inconvenience caused to viewers and our stakeholders, and we could not provide explanations until now." He also confirmed the establishment of an independent investigation committee spearheaded by external lawyers to thoroughly examine all the allegations and present findings publicly.
Following Weekly Bunshun's follow-up reports detailing the scandal, including allegations of Fuji Television's employee setting up meetings between Naka and the involved women, the network faced а backlash from stakeholders. A major shareholder, the Dalton Investments fund, demanded accountability and thorough investigations following their criticism of Fuji’s handling of the situation. The shareholders are particularly concerned about maintaining trust and integrity within the organization.
Minato acknowledged the raised concerns and announced, "We will establish a committee centered on external lawyers for the investigation and to release findings as soon as possible." His opening remarks set the tone for the conference, emphasizing Fuji's dedication to transparency and ethical responsibility.
The controversy surrounding Naka has not only affected his career but also raised questions about corporate responsibility. Various newspapers highlighted dissatisfaction with the handling of this situation, particularly focusing on how the company has responded to internal and external pressures. Media access during the conference was restricted, with many journalists critiquing the closed nature of the event. Reports suggest the need for greater openness, especially as more troubling allegations emerge.
Despite Naka's prior acknowledgment of the situation, stating he regretted any inconvenience caused, the reaction from the audience and shareholders illustrated the intensity of the public's concern. The women's lawyers have also commented, affirming their clients' desires to lead their lives anew amid the damaging fallout.
Minato reiterated their commitment to respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved, stating, "We must prioritize the protection of individual privacy and core human rights. We will fully respect the anonymity and choices of those directly affected, which constrains our ability to comment on specific details at this moment.”
Questions during the press conference mostly revolved around the identity of employees involved and specifics about the actions taken by the corporation. Reports claim some executives were hesitant to provide candid responses, as Minato often deferred to the investigations yet reiterated the company's intent to act decisively. He emphasized, "Trust is the backbone of our business; we must regain it through rigorous examination and corrective measures."
Following the uproar, major television networks began pulling Naka from their programming, and the publicly visible fallout spurred growing concern about his ability to rebound career-wise. The press conference, lasting well over an hour, reflected both the seriousness of the situation and Fuji Television's struggle to navigate the delicate balance of corporate responsibility and media scrutiny.
Moving forward, it appears the consequences of this incident could have long-lasting effects on both Naka’s career and Fuji Television’s image. Stakeholders have expressed worries about how such scandals impact the broader media industry and the ethical standards expected within it. With the formation of the independent committee, the broadcasting company is poised to face one of its most significant challenges yet, determining both accountability and its future operational integrity.
What remains clear is the need for transparency and responsibility. The coming weeks will undoubtedly offer more insights as the investigation develops and more information surfaces about the circumstances surrounding this controversial issue.