In a press conference earlier today, Fuji TV president Minato Koichi apologized over allegations that the network was involved in Masahiro Nakai‘s sexual misconduct scandal. This was the network’s first press conference since reports surfaced in December about the incident. Fuji TV’s first monthly press conference of 2025 was initially scheduled for late February, but it was urgently pushed up by several weeks following media outcry over Nakai’s scandal.
Minato said that although Fuji TV was aware of the incident in June 2023, it was not made public as the network “prioritized the woman’s physical and mental recovery as well as the protection of her privacy, considering it a highly sensitive matter.” “We apologize for not being able to provide explanations earlier,” Minato said.
Minato also announced the establishment of a new investigation panel led by lawyers to look into the incident and its aftermath.
According to Shukan Bunshun, in June 2023, what was originally planned as a dinner with Fuji TV employees was in the end only Nakai and the woman present. This dinner led to nonconsensual sexual activity and a ¥90 million yen out of court settlement from Nakai to the woman.
Minato declined to comment on Bunshun’s criticism of Fuji TV’s handling of the situation with the woman, referring to the upcoming investigation, one that he himself will also be subjected to.
Fuji TV denied involvement in the incident, saying that the network employee in question neither arranged nor was aware of the meal. The network said the matter would be “entrusted to the investigation committee for further review.”
