Japanese comedian and television personality Takaki Ishibashi has issued a formal apology following reports connecting him to a past sexual harassment incident identified in an independent investigation into workplace misconduct at Fuji Television.

The statement, released through his agency on April 16, acknowledges that he was approached for an interview by the broadcaster’s third-party committee. The investigation was prompted by a series of incidents, including those involving former entertainer Masahiro Nakai, which exposed a wider culture of inappropriate behavior within the network.

A recent Shukan Bunshun report linked Ishibashi, 63, to a specific case highlighted in the committee’s findings. The incident reportedly took place over a decade ago, during a dinner with Fuji TV employees, in which a female staff member alleged she was harassed. The report states the man involved was a prominent guest on the network's programs—allegedly Ishibashi.

In his statement, Ishibashi said he does recall attending a dinner with the individuals mentioned in the article, but due to “heavy drinking,” he has no memory of the events in question. “If I caused anyone discomfort or distress during that time, I am deeply sorry,” he said. “It may be that I behaved inappropriately due to my own shortcomings.”

Ishibashi also revealed that in addition to esophageal cancer—previously announced via his YouTube channel—he had also been diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer. He recently underwent surgery and is currently in recovery. He explained that his health condition made it difficult to respond to the committee’s request in a timely manner.

“I had just moved from the ICU to a general hospital ward when I learned of the reports,” he said. “I was preoccupied with tests and hospitalization preparations, and lacked the mental clarity to deal with it at the time.”

He expressed a willingness to apologize directly to the woman involved, stating, “If possible, I would like to meet her in person after I recover and apologize.”

Fuji Television responded to the media inquiry by stating they “take the findings of the third-party committee seriously,” but declined to comment further.

The case adds to a growing public conversation about accountability in Japan’s media industry, particularly regarding the handling of past misconduct by high-profile figures.