Activist Shareholder Calls for Investigation into Fuji Media's Sexual Misconduct Scandal

In New York, a U.S.-based activist shareholder has pressed Fuji Media Holdings Inc. to conduct an independent inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the television personality Masahiro Nakai. This comes after Rising Sun Management Ltd., affiliated with Dalton Investments and a holder of over 7 percent of Fuji Media's shares, communicated with the company's board on January 14, advocating for a third-party committee to scrutinize the scandal and propose preventative strategies.

Rising Sun Management highlighted significant weaknesses within Fuji Media's corporate governance, particularly regarding the company's inconsistent and opaque handling of the situation. They stressed that maintaining trust with viewers and sponsors is crucial for the company's long-term viability, urging that the matter be addressed with clarity and urgency.

Nakai, aged 52 and formerly part of the popular idol group SMAP, has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Reports from media outlets like the Shukan Bunshun magazine claim that Nakai attended a dinner where only he showed up, despite it being possibly planned for him alongside a Fuji Television employee and others.

In response, Fuji Television has categorically rejected claims about the employee's involvement, affirming that the individual was unaware of any planned gathering and did not play a role in facilitating it. Additionally, Nakai issued a statement through his management, expressing regret for the incident and indicating that the issues have been settled, while also disputing certain aspects of media reports, particularly the implication of third-party involvement.