PRESS CONFERENCE
How to Think About Scandals in Japan: Fuji TV and Suntory CEO
Igor Prusa, Ph.D. et Ph.D., Ambis University Prague & Metropolitan University Prague

13:00-14:00 Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Language: The speech and Q&A will be in English.

Japan has seen two big scandals this year, the resignation of Suntory CEO Takeshi Niinami and an advertiser boycott of Fuji TV after a top talent allegedly committed sexual assault. To walk us through these scandals -- how to make sense of them and the meaning of their more ritualized aspects -- the FCCJ is pleased to welcome Igor Prusa, the author of "Scandal in Japan: Transgression, Performance and Ritual." Prusa is arguably the world's leading expert on scandals in Japan, a Czech scholar in both Japanese studies and media studies who has been affiliated with Ambis University and the Metropolitan University Prague.

Mr. Prusa will analyze both scandals and place them within a broader framework of media transparency, democratic accountability, and Japan's cultural dynamics. The Niinami scandals, which involves allegations that the CEO took a supplement containing substances related to cannabis, is still developing. The speaker will give his thoughts on where the incident stands now and how he expects it could play out going forward.

He will take a deeper dive into the scandal at Fuji TV, one of Japan's most influential broadcasters. Late last year, accusations emerged that Masahiro Nakai, a well-known former member of a boy idol-band called SMAP, sexually assaulted a female Fuji TV employee and subsequently paid her a settlement. The broadcaster tried to handle it internally, but when the story hit the tabloids anyway, Fuji TV faced public outrage and boycotts from advertisers for allegedly trying to sweep the incident under the carpet. An independent investigation later confirmed the incident and management's failure to support the victim or adhere to the company's own internal compliance procedures. Senior executives resigned as a result.

Please join us to hear the latest on these scandals as well as how to think about them and the broader meanings of scandals in Japan.

How to attend: 
Please register by emailing front@fccj.or.jp with your name and the name of your media outlet. FCCJ members should also include their membership number. Doors will open 15 minutes before the event.

How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCCJchannel/live  

How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/BV8ZaRB7JJnhpji59    

TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors will open for TV crews 30 minutes before the event. FCCJ will limit live-streaming of FCCJ-hosted press conferences to Club members only. Non-members will no longer be permitted to live-stream these events. However, non-members may still film for reporting purposes and use footage after the press conference.

Professional Activities Committee