Fuji TV Lawsuit Highlights Executives’ Costly Compliance and Its Impact on Masahiro Nakai

Fuji TV’s claimed losses amount to ¥45,335,036,707

“When the first report came out, surprisingly, it was rather quiet inside the station.”

This was said by a mid-level Fuji TV insider.

On August 28, Fuji TV revealed that, in the turmoil stemming from a trouble involving Masahiro Nakai (53) and former female announcer A, it had filed a 5-billion-yen damages lawsuit at the Tokyo District Court against former president Koichi Minato and former executive Ryo Ota.

As the basis for the 5 billion yen, the station cited:

“Part of the 45,335,036,707 yen in damages Fuji TV incurred up to June 30, 2025.”

This essentially seeks compensation from the former management for damages incurred in the so-called Fuji TV problem.

The Fuji TV insider added,

“Well, the lawsuit against the two was already expected, so it wasn’t that surprising. However, after the June 25 shareholders’ meeting, the current management’s personnel plan passed, and commercials returned. So, the management likely doesn’t want a long court battle. The claim amount being this high is shocking, but it really cost Fuji dearly that, knowing about the trouble with the female victim, the management ostensibly acted for A while covering for Nakai and continuing to use him on programs.”

He wore an expression of exasperation.

Of course, Nakai is not entirely unrelated to this massive lawsuit that originated from the controversy. Kenji Shimizu, who became president immediately after Minato, commented regarding a lawsuit against Nakai:

“I think it’s something we need to consider.”

However, after the shareholders’ meeting, when our site interviewed Fuji TV, they added:

“Considering the possibility that Nakai’s legal responsibility could be recognized in court, the potential damages if responsibility is established, and the burden on Ms. A if a lawsuit is filed, we believe it is necessary to carefully deliberate.”

By adding the phrase carefully deliberate, it suggested that the tone regarding a lawsuit against Nakai had been toned down.

Rising Sentiment for Punishment of Nakai within the Station

“Initially, there’s no doubt that Fuji TV seriously considered a lawsuit against Nakai. Later, as the likelihood of filing decreased, Nakai seemed quite relieved, and I heard that around that time he began showing motivation to resume activities,” said an entertainment agency insider.

The fact that Nakai’s legal team consists of professionals skilled in corporate law rather than defamation cases shows just how wary he was of a potential lawsuit from Fuji TV.

“According to acquaintances, immediately after his retirement, he appeared quite worn out and aged from the stress. However, after the shareholders’ meeting, when the likelihood of a lawsuit against him decreased, he gradually regained his energy. That said, this 5 billion yen lawsuit is certainly not someone else’s problem for Nakai. Given his strong sense of responsibility, the massive lawsuit against Minato and Ota must be quite a pressure on him,” the entertainment agency insider added.

The aforementioned Fuji TV insider also said:

“Indeed, Minato and Ota also have plenty to be blamed for, trying to cover things up and even taking female announcers to entertainments like hostesses. But beyond that, inside the station, I think the sentiment for punishing Nakai is high. People say it’s Fuji’s corporate culture, but clearly, the one who did something wrong here is Nakai. This lawsuit has only intensified those feelings.”

Nakai, who retired from the entertainment world without appearing publicly, must be reflecting deeply on this massive lawsuit.