STARTO’s Jun Fukuda Faces Strong Pushback Over Fuji TV Outside Director Role

How to balance business with STARTO’s operations?

There has been significant movement ahead of the June shareholder meeting.

In relation to the ongoing Fuji TV issues, the American investment fund Dalton Investments, which holds 7.2% of the shares in Fuji Media Holdings (HD), announced it has sent a shareholder proposal seeking the appointment of 12 outside directors.

Among these 12 candidates is Yoshitaka Kitao (74), Chairman and CEO of the financial giant SBI Holdings, but one name that stands out is Jun Fukuda (59), President of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, a company derived from the former Johnny’s Entertainment. This has raised eyebrows in the industry, with voices questioning:

“Why Fukuda?”

Fukuda was invited from outside the industry to help dispel the image tied to the sexual misconduct issues surrounding the late Johnny Kitagawa. He established a consulting company, Speedy, in 2017.

Given his well-known opinions on the “decline of television and its new possibilities,” Fukuda seems well-suited to help revitalize Fuji TV. However, concerns are being raised about whether Fukuda, who leads a busy daily schedule, can balance his duties at STARTO with the responsibilities at Fuji TV, and whether either role might be neglected as a result.

Additionally, there is the issue of Masahiro Nakai (52), who is considered the instigator of the Fuji TV scandal. As a former Johnny’s talent, his involvement creates a difficult situation. While Fukuda himself is not directly connected to the former Johnny’s agency, it is undeniable that STARTO ENTERTAINMENT has its roots in that lineage.

Mr. Kitao is dissatisfied with the current board structure

There are voices suggesting that as long as Fukuda remains the president of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, he may not be able to take on the role of an outside director at Fuji TV.

“Above all, the fact that Dalton has publicly announced Fukuda’s name means that he has agreed to it. He must be confident that he can handle such an important role,” said a sports newspaper reporter.

During the press conference, Kitao commented on the five directors who remain from the old regime:

“This board is insufficient. I have to say that the value and mission have disappeared under Hideshi (Hisashi) Nichida’s 40-year-long reign.”

He then called for the re-presentation of a personnel plan.

When we asked STARTO ENTERTAINMENT about Fukuda’s inclusion as a candidate for outside director in Dalton’s shareholder proposal, and about the strong rejection within Fuji TV regarding Fukuda’s potential appointment, the response was:

“Regarding the shareholder proposal from Dalton Investments to Fuji TV, we have nothing to comment at this time.”

A current Fuji TV employee commented:

“It’s still less than four months since the start of 2025, but so much has happened that it’s hard to keep up. Those who felt comfortable under the Hideshi regime will likely leave.”

The turbulence is likely to continue.