On March 31, 2025, a report released by the Third Party Committee established by Fuji Television revealed shocking details about sexual violence involving former talent Masahiro Nakai and a former female announcer at the network. The investigation, which included testimonies from 222 individuals and spanned nearly 400 pages, concluded that the incident constituted "sexual violence in the extension line of business" due to the significant power imbalance between Nakai and the victim, identified as woman A.
The report outlined disturbing exchanges between Nakai and the woman that took place on June 2, 2023, when Nakai invited her to dinner, suggesting that other colleagues would join. However, it was later revealed that he did not invite anyone else and instead proposed a private dinner at his apartment. Nakai’s emails, which the committee described as coercive, showed a clear attempt to corner the woman into accepting the invitation despite her reservations.
"If I'm told that by a powerful person in the entertainment industry with whom I have work commitments, I have no choice but to go," the woman testified, highlighting the pressure she felt to comply with Nakai's request. The Third Party Committee concluded that the woman was left with no escape route due to the ongoing communication and the hierarchical power dynamics at play.
The report also criticized Fuji Television's management, particularly the actions of former President Koichi Minato and other executives, who initially dismissed the incident as a mere "private issue" between two adults. This mischaracterization contributed to a culture that allowed harassment to flourish within the organization. The committee noted that executives failed to recognize the gravity of the situation, which ultimately led to further victimization of the woman.
After the incident, the woman experienced severe psychological distress, leading to her hospitalization for PTSD. The report detailed how she struggled with daily activities and was deeply affected by the trauma of the assault, which caused her to develop an aversion to foods associated with the event. Despite the severe impact on her mental health, Fuji's response was inadequate, and the company continued to support Nakai’s career, further alienating the victim.
In the aftermath of the incident, Nakai attempted to settle the matter quietly, initially offering a consultation fee of 1 million yen. However, as the situation escalated, the settlement amount reportedly reached approximately 80 million yen. The committee revealed that Fuji Television cooperated in concealing the details of the settlement, which reinforced the perception that the network prioritized protecting Nakai over the well-being of the victim.
In a press conference following the release of the report, Fuji's current president, Koichi Shimizu, publicly apologized for the company's failures, stating, "As a company, we did not provide sufficient relief, and as a result, we caused the victimized woman great distress. I sincerely apologize." Shimizu emphasized the need for reform within the organization to prevent such incidents from recurring.
The report also highlighted a broader culture of harassment within Fuji Television, stating that many employees felt uncomfortable reporting incidents due to fears of retaliation. It pointed out that harassment victims were prevalent throughout the company, indicating a systemic issue that needed addressing.
The findings of the Third Party Committee have sparked a wave of criticism against Fuji Television, prompting calls for immediate reforms to create a safer working environment. The report revealed that the network had a history of tolerating harassment, which contributed to a culture where victims felt unable to speak out.
In addition to Nakai’s case, the report mentioned other instances of harassment within the organization, including behavior exhibited by other executives. This has led to increased scrutiny of the company's leadership and their handling of such sensitive matters.
As the fallout from this scandal continues, many are questioning whether Fuji Television can genuinely reform its corporate culture and ensure the safety and dignity of all its employees. The Third Party Committee's recommendations will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future policies of the network.
The revelations surrounding Nakai and the systemic issues within Fuji Television serve as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for organizations to prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees over the interests of prominent figures.
