GACKT, the renowned Japanese singer, took to social media on January 30, 2025, to express his disappointment over the conduct of journalists during Fuji TV's unprecedented press conference on January 27. This lengthy event, which lasted for over ten hours and involved 437 reporters from 191 media outlets, focused on troubling allegations concerning former talent Masahiro Nakai and his interactions with women.
During the press conference, which commenced at 4 PM and extended until 2:23 AM the following day, tensions ran high as reporters pressed management about the allegations. GACKT stated, "I want to applaud Ishida from HEADLINE who responded calmly, and Sato from the newspaper for speaking up..." highlighting two journalists who stood out for their professionalism amid the chaos.
GACKT's assessment of the conference was overwhelmingly negative, characterizing much of the questioning as emotional and inappropriate. He criticized reporters for asking personal and inflammatory questions without regard to the potential secondary harm it could cause to those involved. He noted, "Does the presence of so many reporters unsuitable for such occasions bother only me?" questioning the behavior exhibited by various journalists present.
He elaborated on the atmosphere at the conference, stating, "The majority revolved around emotional reporters with poor manners, and viewers might have found it intolerable as well. This leads one to wonder: When did Japan's journalistic standards drop to this level?" His remarks resonate particularly against the backdrop of Japan's historical commitment to nuanced and respectful journalism.
The unprecedented duration of the conference and the emotional backdrop of the situation drew public ire reflected through social media. Many users echoed GACKT's sentiments, indicating their frustrations with the media's approach. Comments ranged from expressions of agreement to calls for improvement, saying, "It's disappointing to see such low behavior from journalists." The incident has sparked widespread discussions about media ethics and the responsibilities of journalists, especially when covering sensitive matters like these.
Fuji TV's management also faced intense scrutiny during the event. Hiroshi Minato, the former president of the network, along with other high-ranking officials, presented their resignations, acknowledging the gravity of the allegations and their administrative failures. This confession was part of the broader need to restore public confidence following the serious scrutiny they received.
The public response to GACKT's observations reflects a growing concern about the intersection of journalism and ethics. Viewers are calling for higher standards from the media, urging journalists to act with more respect and insight. This incident is not just about GACKT’s critique but is emblematic of the larger discussion concerning media practices and accountability.
The fallout from the press conference and GACKT's comments has set off waves across social media, with phrases like "journalistic standards" and "reporter conduct" trending as users express their concerns and opinions. Many agree, support GACKT’s stance on maintaining professionalism, especially during high-stress situations involving personal allegations.
This event brought to light not only the specific incident but also the culture within media reporting, influencing how the public interacts with news outlets. The overwhelming emotionality exhibited during the press conference raises questions about the future of journalism practices, challenging both reporters and audiences alike to rethink their roles and responsibilities.
GACKT's observations have ignited urgent conversations about the standards of journalism today. With calls for accountability and professionalism echoing throughout social media, the question remains: what steps can be taken to uplift these standards and avoid future embarrassments? Only time will tell if this moment acts as a catalyst for change or falls by the wayside as just another critique within the complex relationship between media and public figures.