Shocking Revelations from Fuji TV’s Third-Party Report: Can the Company Recover?

The content was shocking, beyond imagination

“I never imagined it would be this bad.”

This was the stunned reaction of a 40-year-old current Fuji TV employee.

A report from the third-party committee investigating a series of issues involving former talent Masahiro Naka (52) and his troubles with a woman was made public on March 31. The report spans nearly 400 pages. While various media outlets have provided detailed coverage, the content has had a significant impact even within Fuji TV.

“I thought it would just be gently brushed off… but it was far worse than expected. It has been clearly proven that our company is far removed from common societal norms. I’ve been with this company for nearly 20 years, and the content shocked me beyond imagination,” said a Fuji TV employee.

The report included email exchanges between Naka and former senior programming executive B, Fuji TV’s sloppy response to A, a woman who suffered sexual assault, the careless treatment of female employees, indecent behavior during a drinking session in a suite, and countless other troubling issues. Many of these were stories that even current employees had never heard before.

Among the most shocking revelations was that even Fuji’s own lawyers sided with Naka rather than the victimized woman.

The investigation revealed that even after Fuji TV became aware of Naka’s sexual violence, they failed to support A.

In November 2023, Naka received a notice from A’s legal representative and asked B for an urgent introduction to a lawyer. B then introduced Naka to lawyer K, who was involved in legal checks for Fuji’s programs.

Lawyer K was reportedly referred to as the mobile lawyer by then-President Koichi Minato, as he provided 24/7 support. According to the report, while no contract was signed between K and Fuji, a monthly legal advisory fee had been paid since April 2005.

Instead of siding with A, lawyer K advanced settlement negotiations on Naka’s behalf. This raised the suspicion of a conflict of interest between Fuji and K.

During the hearing, K claimed that when he was asked to represent Naka, he confirmed with B, who told him, “Please do this on behalf of Fuji TV,” and thus, he agreed.

Does the company not protect its employees? 

On the other hand, B testified during the third-party committee’s hearing that, as only the programming department head at the time, he could not consent on behalf of Fuji. He also stated that he did not understand that K’s appointment would result in a conflict of interest between Naka and Fuji.

In any case, from A’s perspective, it is enough to cause fear that even Fuji’s in-house lawyer sided with Naka. The report condemns the actions, stating:

“By giving the impression of protecting Naka rather than A, the act of introducing lawyer K by B and others could be considered secondary harm to A.”

A 30-year-old Fuji employee said:

“This was the most shocking part. Does the company not protect its employees? Thinking that I worked at such a company makes me feel empty.”

Fuji aims to turn a new page with the announcement of the third-party committee’s findings and embark on a path of renewal. Hisashi Hieda, known as the “Don of Fuji TV,” also resigned as a director. Inside the company, some voices expressed a sense of mission, saying:

“We must take action toward reform from here.”

However, the day after the third-party committee’s press conference, more skeptical opinions arose, questioning:

“Can the company really recover from this?”

The 40-year-old Fuji employee at the start of the story said:

“The exodus of female announcers continues, and in fact, several young employees have already resigned. I, too, am seriously considering changing careers. March 31 was the day Fuji TV died. After such a scandal, I think resurrection will be difficult.”

The third-party committee’s report has drained the morale of current employees to such an extent.

There is still no clear timeline for resuming commercial breaks.

“Given that content, immediate resumption is impossible. On the contrary, the possibility of contract terminations is higher,” said another TV industry insider. Fuji’s struggles are likely to continue for the foreseeable future.