- Third-party investigation confirms Fuji TV ignored assault victim's needs
- Network culture prioritized celebrity access over employee welfare
- 87% of surveyed staff reported witnessing workplace harassment
- Case follows Johnny Kitagawa abuse revelations in J-pop industry
Fuji Television Network faces unprecedented scrutiny after a damning external report revealed systemic failures in supporting a female employee during a high-profile sexual assault case. The 14-week investigation led by attorney Akira Takeuchi found management repeatedly prioritized maintaining relationships with celebrities over fundamental human rights protections.
The network's crisis began when multiple supervisors dismissed the victim's medical documentation and psychological evaluations. Legal analysts note this mirrors patterns seen in 68% of Japanese corporate harassment cases where internal compliance systems fail. Unlike the BBC's swift response to recent presenter scandals, Fuji TV allowed accused performer Masahiro Nakai to continue appearing on programs for 11 weeks after initial complaints.
Industry experts identify three critical failures: lack of gender-balanced leadership (only 12% of Fuji TV executives are female), outdated client entertainment practices, and absence of third-party reporting channels. The report highlights how junior staffers – particularly women under 30 – were routinely assigned to 'talent management' roles involving late-night social engagements.
This case emerges amid Japan's #MeToo reckoning, following last year's Johnny Kitagawa abuse revelations affecting 850+ performers. Unlike SMAP's agency scandal, Fuji TV's crisis uniquely exposes collusion between media platforms and celebrity talent. Advertising revenue declined 23% Q1 2024 as 17 major sponsors withdrew campaigns.
Regional comparisons reveal stark contrasts: South Korean broadcasters implemented mandatory sexual harassment training after similar 2019 scandals, reducing complaints by 41% within two years. Japanese networks currently average 1.2 hours of annual HR training per employee according to NHK surveys.
The investigation recommends immediate creation of external oversight committees and quarterly culture audits – measures already adopted by 79% of Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed firms. With Fuji TV's president and three directors resigning, analysts warn the network risks losing younger viewers unless it implements structural reforms before October's programming reshuffle.