Mass Exodus of Advertisers, including Corporate Giants Toyota and Kao
The resignation of Fuji Media’s chairman Shuji Kanoh and TV head Koichi Minato marks a pivotal moment in Japan’s media landscape.
Following allegations of sexual misconduct involving former SMAP leader Masahiro Nakai, the broadcaster has been thrown into a storm of controversy.
Fuji Media’s promises of accountability and an independent third-party investigation come amid mounting public outrage and a mass exodus of advertisers, including corporate giants Toyota and Kao.
Advertisers Vote with Their Wallets
The scandal has shaken trust in Fuji Media’s governance.
Big-name firms have suspended their advertising, forcing the broadcaster to air public service announcements instead.
This financial fallout highlights the growing demand for corporate accountability, as activist investors like Dalton Investments and Zennor Asset Management call for a complete overhaul of Fuji Media’s management and governance structure.
A #MeToo Reckoning for Japan?
This incident is the latest in a troubling series of scandals highlighting sexual exploitation in Japan’s entertainment industry.
From the disbandment of Johnny & Associates due to decades of abuse, to the international acclaim of Black Box Diaries, Japan’s entertainment ecosystem is confronting its darkest corners.
Fuji Media’s promises of reform, coupled with Nakai’s retirement and apology, signal an industry grappling with its systemic flaws.
The Road to Redemption
Will Fuji Media’s independent investigation and leadership changes be enough to restore trust?
The answer will depend on the findings of the third-party committee and whether Fuji Media can transform its corporate culture.
The stakes are high: with public confidence and advertiser support on the line, this could be a defining moment for Japan’s media industry.
As Fuji Media faces the fallout, one thing is clear: the days of brushing allegations under the rug are over.
With global attention on Japan’s #MeToo reckoning, the entertainment industry must prioritise transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of human rights—or risk further erosion of trust from audiences and stakeholders alike.
The APPIES is an annual event that presents a rare opportunity for creative, media, digital and marketing agencies or brands to present their best campaigns to the industry.
This is the only event where Live Presentations meets Live Judging.
Similar to TED Talks, The APPIES is the chance for great presenters with outstanding work to show it off to some of the industry’s most important industry leaders.
This year’s winners will receive Gold, Silver or Bronze trophies for 21 categories, and 6 special Best of Best categories (red trophies) that require no submissions!
Campaign entries must have run between June 2024 to May 2025
