Independent Probe Confirms Masahiro Nakai's Sexual Assault, Criticizes Fuji TV's Culture
The investigation highlights systemic failures at Fuji TV, including inadequate victim support and a culture of gender-based practices, prompting the network to announce reforms.
- An independent investigation confirmed that Masahiro Nakai, former SMAP member and TV host, sexually assaulted a Fuji TV employee in 2023.
- The report criticized Fuji TV's mishandling of the case, including its failure to support the victim and its culture of having young female employees entertain male clients and celebrities.
- Fuji TV executives resigned after public backlash over their handling of the case, and the network suffered significant advertising losses.
- The victim left Fuji TV after being hospitalized and received a settlement of 90 million yen from Nakai, who retired in January 2025.
- Fuji TV announced reforms, including mandatory compliance training, stronger support for harassment victims, and the involvement of external experts to rebuild trust.
The Japan Times 
The Independent 
South China Morning Post 