Fuji TV sues former directors for 5 billion yen over human rights incident

Fuji Television Network, a subsidiary of Fuji Media Holdings, has filed a lawsuit against former representative director Koichi Minato and former senior managing director Toru Ota. The lawsuit, filed on August 28, 2025, in Tokyo District Court, claims 5 billion yen in damages, representing a portion of the total 45,335,036,707 yen incurred by Fuji TV on or before June 30, 2025. Fuji TV also seeks late payment damages at an annual rate of 3% from the day following the complaint's service.

The legal action follows an external independent law firm's analysis of the directors' legal liability concerning their response to an incident in June 2023 involving a TV personality and a former Fuji TV employee, which potentially involved human rights violations. The analysis concluded that the defendants failed in their duty of care to investigate the facts, seek expert advice, implement appropriate measures, and establish a task force as per internal regulations.

Keiko Yanagisawa, a full-time auditor, will represent Fuji TV in the lawsuit. Fuji Media Holdings expressed regret for the concern caused and affirmed its commitment to strengthening compliance and corporate culture that prioritizes human rights.