Fuji Television Establishes Investigative Committee Amid Nakai Scandal

On January 23, Fuji Television Network Inc. and its parent company, Fuji Media Holdings Inc., decided to create a third-party committee to investigate their potential involvement in a scandal related to Masahiro Nakai, a prominent television celebrity. This decision was made during an extraordinary board meeting and follows the guidelines set by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, known as Nichibenren. The committee will be led by lawyer Akira Takeuchi, joined by fellow legal professionals Yuko Gomi and Masahiro Terada.

The primary purpose of the committee is to determine if the companies had any role in the troubling situation involving Nakai and a woman at a dinner event in 2023, which ultimately prompted Nakai's retirement announcement on January 23. The investigation will also look into any similar incidents that may have occurred and evaluate how Fuji Television responded once it became aware of the issues. Following the investigation, the committee will provide recommendations aimed at enhancing the company's internal controls, governance practices, and human rights initiatives, as well as measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

In a statement, Takeuchi emphasized the commitment to carrying out a transparent investigation that addresses the concerns of various stakeholders, including viewers, sponsors, and employees. As the situation unfolds, Fuji Television plans to hold a press conference on January 27 to detail the commission's establishment and outline its forthcoming actions. Meanwhile, dissatisfaction among young employees regarding management's handling of the scandal has risen, leading to an increase in labor union membership, leaving over 500 members as of January 23. One concerned employee expressed hope for the company's transformation in light of the ongoing crisis.