PRESS CONFERENCE
Scandal in Japan and the Fuji TV Controversy
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.
Fuji TV, one of Japan's most influential broadcasters, has been at the center of intense public and academic scrutiny.
In late 2024, allegations emerged that Masahiro Nakai, a well-known former member of SMAP, sexually assaulted a female Fuji TV employee and subsequently paid her a settlement. The incident, initially handled internally, came to light in the tabloids and prompted widespread criticism of the broadcaster due to evidence of systemic dysfunction and inadequate corporate governance. An independent investigation later confirmed the incident and exposed management's failure to support the victim or adhere to compliance procedures. This triggered public outrage, advertiser pullouts, and the resignation of senior executives.
Igor Prusa, a scholar with dual doctorates and author of "Scandal in Japan: Transgression, Performance and Ritual," will speak at the Club to analyze the controversy and place it within a broader framework of media transparency, democratic accountability, and the cultural dynamics of scandal 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