Shukan Bunshun’s Response to Masahiro Nakai Scandal Sparks Debate

Quietly overwrote the mistake.

An article about former talent Masahiro Nakai (52) and his female troubles has sparked controversy after Shukan Bunshun’s editorial department issued a correction on January 28.

In the magazine’s December 26 issue last year, it was reported that the victim, referred to as “X,” was invited to the gathering where the trouble occurred by “Fuji senior executive A.” However, from the January 8 issue onward, this was changed to state that she was invited by Nakai.

According to the magazine’s statement:

“Regarding the dinner on the day of the incident, we initially reported that ‘X was invited by Fuji programming executive A.’ However, further investigation revealed that ‘X was invited by Nakai’ and that she recognized it as an extension of a gathering set up by A. Therefore, from the January 8 issue onward, we have reported the updated findings based on additional coverage.”

Furthermore, the magazine stated:

“As we previously reported, just before the incident, A took X to a barbecue at Nakai’s residence. X also told our magazine, ‘There is no doubt that the incident was an extension of a gathering set up by A.’ Based on this, we believe that A’s involvement in the trouble remains unchanged.”

Before this statement was released, former Osaka Governor and Mayor, lawyer Toru Hashimoto (55), had pointed out the manner in which the change was made.

“They quietly overwrote their mistake. This is dishonest to the readers,” 

He was criticized.

“If there is an error, it should be properly corrected.”

He further emphasized.

Following this criticism, Bunshun issued its statement.

 

However, the use of the word shiretto felt somewhat out of place. The term means:

“Acting unconcerned”

“Appearing indifferent”

For example, it is used in phrases like:

“Even when caught lying, they remain shiretto (unfazed)” (according to Goo Dictionary).

In a way, it is quite a provocative expression that stands out. Even if there was no intent to single out Bunshun’s correction to ease the mounting pressure on Fuji, some doubts remained.

On the other hand, Bunshun’s response was mature.

After Hashimoto’s criticism, they issued a correction, published an explanation by the editor-in-chief on Bunshun Online detailing how the correction came about, and even featured Hashimoto’s lengthy opinion in the January 30 issue. This was an exceptional and thorough handling of the situation.

There are doubts regarding human rights violations.

During my time at Tokyo Sports, when I worked as a reporter and later as the head of the Culture and Society department, I also had experiences where individuals featured in articles pointed out issues. After reviewing the content, the reporting process, and supporting evidence, we sometimes had to issue corrections. While there are differences between newspapers and weekly magazines, Bunshun’s correction this time felt quite unusual, especially with the editor-in-chief’s statement being included.

If Fuji executive A had no acquaintance or connection with Nakai or the woman in question, that would be a different matter. However, reports indicate that in May 2023, a month before the incident, A had invited the woman to a barbecue party at Nakai’s home. Later, the three of them went to a sushi restaurant, where Nakai asked for her phone number, and she felt unable to refuse. Given these circumstances, it seems reasonable that the woman perceived the gathering on the day of the incident as:

“An extension of a meeting arranged by A.”

Additionally, the situation appears to be linked to the long-standing corporate culture at Fuji Television, described as unchanged since the 1980s—a point even mentioned in press conferences. Taking all factors into account, the key issue may not be whether A or Nakai invited her that day, but rather the broader systemic problems at play.

The main reason sponsors began pulling their commercials on January 17 was not Bunshun’s reporting but Fuji TV’s mishandling of the situation. This included the way then-president Koichi Minato (who resigned on January 27) conducted a press conference with restrictions such as not allowing his video to be shown, the company’s response to the woman, and the fact that Nakai continued to appear on Fuji for a year and a half after the trouble became known. These actions exposed Fuji’s failure in compliance and governance regarding human rights issues.

Regarding Bunshun’s correction, sponsors maintained that:

“There are still doubts regarding human rights violations.”

As reported by Shinsou Houdou Bankisha! on NTV on February 2, the issue did not impact their decision to halt commercials. In a survey of 41 companies that advertise on Fuji, none stated that Bunshun’s correction influenced their stance.

Ultimately, attention will now shift to the findings of the newly established third-party committee, which is set to conduct a thorough investigation into Nakai’s alleged misconduct and present its conclusions by the end of March.