Fuji TV President Holds Emergency Press Conference as Sponsors Withdraw Over Masahiro Nakai Issue

U.S. investment fund calls for investigation by a third-party committee.

According to reports from Weekly Seven and Weekly Bunshun, it was Fuji’s programming executive A who indirectly arranged the dinner meeting between Ms. X and Nakai (Fuji has completely denied A’s involvement). Furthermore, in the January 16th edition of Weekly Bunshun, a woman, allegedly a Fuji female announcer, testified under a pseudonym:

“I too was offered by A.”

Like Ms. X, she was invited by A to a drinking party with Nakai and another celebrity, where things almost escalated into sexual trouble.

The situation, which raised suspicions of a female tribute system within Fuji, prompted action from Dalton Investments, a U.S. investment fund holding 7% of Fuji Media Holdings’ stock. They sent a letter to Fuji requesting an investigation by a third-party committee. The fund strongly criticized Fuji:

“It exposes serious flaws in Fuji’s corporate governance.”

“It not only undermines viewer trust but also directly leads to a decrease in shareholder value.”

Market sources also commented, “The investment fund is ultimately all about making money, so it’s dangerous to treat them like saints,” adding:

“The doubts about Fuji’s governance will not subside for some time. Immediate action was necessary before the situation escalates further.”

While it would still be within acceptable limits if some sponsors left Nakai’s programs or certain celebrities refused to appear with him, the situation now is far more serious: “Sponsors are withdrawing from Fuji TV.” The advertising department employee lamented:

“Since the end of last year, we’ve seen more clients hesitant to place ads. This means that Fuji as a whole is being viewed with suspicion. We are apologizing profusely to clients, but no detailed information is coming down from the top. We can’t explain things to clients because we lack the material.”

The Nikkan Sports on January 16th reported that about 30% of sponsors had withdrawn from Fuji due to the scandal.

Fuji has brought in external lawyers to conduct an investigation, but its effectiveness remains uncertain. Simply investigating the legality of the situation will not resolve the problem.

“What Fuji fears most right now is that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, which oversees broadcasting, will intervene. Although they don’t expect to lose their broadcast license, the situation remains serious. President Minato will need to provide a satisfactory explanation,” said a sports newspaper TV reporter.

The station’s fate hinges on Minato’s words.