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Leadership Changes at Fuji Media Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Japan’s Fuji Media announced on Monday that its chairman, Shuji Kanoh, along with Koichi Minato, the head of its television division, would resign immediately as a result of an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a well-known TV host.

This ongoing scandal has prompted significant action from advertisers, leading to a withdrawal of support from several major companies, as well as heightened calls for a reevaluation of management practices within the organization. Additionally, the situation has sparked intense discussions around the treatment and exploitation of women within Japan’s entertainment sector.

The controversy took root in December when various Japanese publications accused Masahiro Nakai, a prominent television personality and former member of the boy band SMAP, of inappropriate behavior. Nakai, who has had a lengthy career across multiple television networks in Japan, was alleged to have been involved in incidents tied to a gathering organized by an executive from Fuji Media.

Reports from the tabloid Shukan Bunshun claimed that the same executive had previously arranged an event at a hotel where female television personalities were present supposedly for the entertainment of Nakai and other male celebrities. This context has intensified scrutiny on the company’s internal practices and corporate culture.

Nakai, 52, has expressed remorse for the dissatisfaction caused by these events and announced his retirement from the entertainment industry. While he acknowledged having settled with involved parties, he has not directly responded to the specific allegations raised against him. A request for comment made by Reuters went unanswered.

In the wake of the scandal, Fuji Media confirmed that the resignations of its chairman and TV unit head would take effect immediately, with fellow executive Kenji Shimizu stepping in to oversee the television division.

Further allegations surfaced involving a June 2023 incident where a woman reportedly found herself in a compromising position with Nakai after a dinner meeting that was supposed to include a Fuji TV executive—who ultimately canceled. Tabloids reported that Nakai was involved in a non-consensual sexual encounter with this woman.

During a press conference, Kanoh issued an apology, stating, “I sincerely apologize to the woman involved who felt that we did not provide adequate care and respect for her human rights.” This statement marked a recognition of the serious nature of the complaints, although questions remain about the company’s response timeline.

A spokesperson for Fuji Media indicated that the company first learned of the woman’s allegations in June. However, the response appears to have been marked by a lack of thorough investigation due to privacy concerns and ongoing negotiations with the involved parties.

The situation escalated further following a press conference conducted by Minato on January 17, which faced criticism for being closed to most media and for his limited engagement with journalists.

Notable corporations, including Toyota and cosmetics manufacturer Kao, have paused their advertisements featuring Fuji Media as public trust wanes, leaving many of its broadcasts largely filled with public service announcements.

In response to the growing backlash, Fuji Media committed to a full independent inquiry led by an external committee of three attorneys, with a report expected by the end of March.

Investors, concerned about how the crisis has been managed, include prominent stakeholders such as U.S.-based Dalton Investments and U.K.-based Zennor Asset Management. Zennor remarked that the board’s recent actions suggest a more serious approach to the allegations, while emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive review of governance and possibly new leadership from outside the current framework.

Following significant stock declines in late December and early January, Fuji Media’s shares have seen a recovery, attributed in part to speculation around potential restructuring within the company.

The recent events mirror broader societal issues in Japan, echoing themes reminiscent of the #MeToo movement initiated in the United States in 2017. The past year has already seen significant shifts in the landscape of Japanese entertainment, with Johnny & Associates, a prominent talent agency, announcing its dissolution after revelations of decades-long abuse by its founder.

Interestingly, one of the agency’s most notable contributions was the creation of the boy band SMAP, which launched Nakai and his peers into fame starting in 1988. Furthermore, the recent documentary “Black Box Diaries,” which follows a woman’s quest for justice after accusing a high-profile journalist of rape, has garnered an Academy Award nomination, highlighting ongoing societal concerns regarding sexual violence in the industry.

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