Following an investigation by a third-party committee, Fuji Media Holdings has publicly acknowledged that the allegations surrounding former entertainer Masahiro Nakai involve sexual misconduct "within the scope of his professional duties." The committee's report, released on March 31, provides detailed findings on how Masahiro interacted with the victim and sheds light on a broader pattern of workplace harassment within Fuji TV.

The investigation, which spanned two months, included employee surveys and reports on other internal harassment cases. Spanning 394 pages, the report reveals new information, including the fact that the victim, previously referred to as a “Fuji TV associate,” was actually one of the network’s announcers. The committee also recognized sexual misconduct as a serious human rights violation, emphasizing its commitment to addressing such issues.

In response to the findings, Fuji Media Holdings president Kenji Shimizu publicly apologized to the victim and acknowledged that the company’s work culture has historically favored men. He also stated that Fuji TV will take further steps to investigate similar cases and ensure those involved are held accountable. The network is now under increased scrutiny, as its ability to implement meaningful reforms may determine whether sponsors and business partners continue their support.

The victim, A-san, cooperated fully with the investigation and shared her thoughts after the report’s release. She admitted feeling relieved that the official findings had been made public, as she had endured months of online speculation, misinformation, and harassment since the allegations first surfaced in December. She expressed appreciation for the third-party committee’s efforts to uncover the facts despite time constraints and confidentiality agreements.

However, A-san also revealed that some aspects of the report left her feeling deeply unsettled. Learning about the post-incident exchanges between Masahiro and a senior programming executive, as well as Fuji TV’s handling of the situation under former president Koichi Minato, brought fresh frustration.

“The harm I experienced will never fully disappear, and I cannot regain what I lost," she shared. "I truly hope that these issues are not only addressed in the media and entertainment industry but across society as a whole.”

As scrutiny grows, the pressure is on Fuji TV to prove that real change is coming.