Anger at Fuji Executive for Mobilizing Female Announcers for Nakai’s Reception Amid Industry Backlash

Anger towards Fuji TV is spreading to other networks.

A series of incidents stemming from former talent Masahiro Nakai’s (52) troubles with women has escalated into a situation that threatens Fuji’s survival. Fuji Media Holdings, the parent company of Fuji TV, announced that due to the impact of halted commercials, its net profit for the full fiscal year ending in March is expected to decline by 73%, down to 9.8 billion yen compared to the previous period.

In Fuji TV’s standalone financial results for the period from April to December last year, the final profit was 5.5 billion yen. If the decline in commercial revenue continues this year, there is a possibility that Fuji’s standalone results for the fiscal year ending in March could end in a net loss.

 

Relentlessly demanding the invitation of announcers from other networks

In the midst of this, the February 6th issue of “Weekly Bunshun” reported that former programming executive A was reportedly responsible for initiating the rumors about Fuji’s “tribute culture.” It was revealed that A had been persistently asking female announcers from other networks to attend drinking parties.

A reportedly contacted female announcers from their own network who had connections with announcers from other networks through their subordinates, and demanded that they invite the other network’s announcers. “Bunshun” also published an “invitation LINE” from one of A’s subordinates, acting on his wishes.

The participation of announcers from other networks in A’s drinking party was also reported by “Sports Nippon” on January 27th. It was said that Masahiro Nakai and a famous male talent were present at the party. The participating women reportedly entered the room one by one at A’s signal and were introduced to Nakai and the male talent.

There were also reports of the male talent pleading, “Let me fuck you!,” suggesting the drinking party was quite informal and relaxed.