NHK, Fuji TV, TBS: Inside the Scandals Shaking Japan’s Television Industry

A recent controversy at NHK, Japan's public broadcaster, has added to a series of scandals plaguing the nation's television industry. An external investigation revealed that NHK had failed to adequately support an employee who reported an alleged sexual assault by a program guest. This led to a management apology, but only after the victim had taken a leave of absence and been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The assault occurred at a social gathering, and the employee returned to work only after a three-year delay. The accused, who admitted to drinking during the incident, has not been named or identified.

NHK's response has reignited discussions about deeper issues within Japan's media landscape, including workplace culture, accountability, and corporate governance. The case follows high-profile controversies at Fuji TV and other broadcasters, such as the handling of allegations against former personality Masahiro Nakai. TBS also came under fire in April 2025 when it disclosed four instances of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior by program associates toward announcers, dating back 15 to 25 years. No appropriate action was taken in any of these cases.

The scrutiny surrounding these incidents has prompted other broadcasters, including TV Asahi, to conduct surveys examining workplace relationships and potential misconduct. While some respondents reported no inappropriate behavior, others raised concerns about power dynamics and blurred professional boundaries in after-hours socializing.

Critics argue that while new compliance measures and investigations may improve broadcasters' responses to complaints, lasting change requires a fundamental shift in workplace culture and attitudes toward power and accountability. The challenge for Japan's television industry is to prove that these reforms are more than temporary responses to the latest scandals.