Japanese Top Actor Masaharu Fukuyama, Accusations of Sexual Services with Female Announcers... 'I Want to Meet Newcomers' Message

Japan's top actor Masaharu Fukuyama (56) is facing allegations of repeatedly engaging in inappropriate entertainment involving female announcers, causing a stir in the Japanese entertainment industry.

Shocking Facts Revealed in Fuji TV Internal Investigation

According to Japan's Women Seven on the 18th, the internal investigation at Fuji TV triggered by the sexual assault case involving former SMAP member Masahiro Nakai (53) revealed that inappropriate gatherings involving female announcers had been repeatedly occurring within the broadcasting company.

The investigation committee conducted listening surveys with 222 internal and external stakeholders and a questionnaire survey with 1,263 employees, including announcers, and released a report on March 31. The committee classified the Nakai-related incident as 'sexual violence occurring in the course of work.'

19 Announcers Mobilized Over 19 Years, Over 100 Cases of Sexual Violence

The report repeatedly pointed out the issues of a 'tolerant atmosphere towards sexual violence' and 'inappropriate gatherings' that took place internally. During the investigation, over 100 cases of sexual violence were reported, including instances of 'unwanted physical contact' and 'being invited to hotels.'

Employees testified that they faced disadvantages, stating, 'When reporting to superiors, they were told to resolve it themselves or faced neglect, and not attending gatherings affected evaluations,' and 'If they refused, they were not placed in important positions.'

In particular, the committee confirmed that former executive director Ryo Ohta and a 'male prominent program participant' he had befriended had held inappropriate gatherings involving female employees.

Fukuyama Sent Messages Saying 'I Want to Meet New Announcers'

The media reported that the identity of the 'prominent program participant' mentioned in the report was confirmed to be Fukuyama. The gatherings were held 1-2 times a year since 2005, with several female announcers mobilized each time. So far, at least 19 announcers have been identified as having been mobilized.

Female announcers also testified that inappropriate conversations, including sexual jokes, took place during these gatherings. It was revealed that Fukuyama had sent messages to former director Ohta expressing his anticipation for gatherings with female announcers and stating, 'I want to meet new announcers.'

Fukuyama's Statement

Fukuyama responded to a media interview regarding the allegations. He stated, 'After reading the report, I have been contemplating continuously. The contents of the report are highly confidential information, so I cannot come forward to say anything. Additionally, it is absolutely unacceptable to identify individuals who have had unpleasant experiences.'

He added, 'While pondering how I should apologize, I received this interview request and was able to express my position.'

The Fall of Japan's National Actor

Fukuyama is a national actor in Japan, having gained great popularity through films such as 'The Third Murder,' 'Manhunt,' 'Like Father, Like Son,' and 'The Devotion of Suspect X.' This scandal is likely to cause significant damage to his image.

Women Seven announced plans to release additional reports on the contents of Masaharu Fukuyama's interview.