A U.S. activist investor is pressuring Fuji Media Holdings to launch an external investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against one of Japan’s most prominent TV personalities, highlighting growing scrutiny of corporate governance at Japanese media companies.
Rising Sun Management, affiliated with Dalton Investments, demanded the Japanese broadcaster establish an independent committee to examine claims against former SMAP member Masahiro Nakai. The investors, who jointly hold more than 7% of Fuji Media, warned that delayed action could trigger sponsor withdrawals and viewership decline.
The controversy has intensified the ongoing tension between Fuji Media and its activist shareholders. Dalton previously urged the company to pursue a management buyout in May 2024, a proposal that was rejected. The fund is now considering pushing for asset sales at the upcoming shareholder meeting.
Fuji Television Network responded by announcing it has initiated an investigation with external lawyers, though it denied reports that its employee organized the dinner where the alleged incident occurred.
The dispute marks the latest challenge for Japan’s entertainment industry, which has faced increasing pressure to address misconduct allegations and improve corporate oversight. For Fuji Media, the controversy comes at a sensitive time as activists press for structural changes to boost shareholder value.
