Fuji Media Director Resigns Over False Expense Claims
Fuji Media Holdings Executive Resigns Over Expense Irregularities
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Executive’s Resignation Follows Internal Investigation
Fuji Media Holdings announced on Friday, November 3, 2023, the resignation of Executive Managing Director Michiyo Yasuda following an internal investigation into inappropriate expense claims. Yasuda also stepped down from her position as a director of Fuji Television Network.
The investigation, initiated in mid-September 2023, revealed approximately 60 instances of improper expense reporting totaling around ¥1 million (approximately $6,800 USD as of November 8, 2023) since 2020. These irregularities included falsifying attendee numbers for business dinners, according to the company’s statement.
Appointment came Amidst Cultural Scrutiny
Yasuda, a former reporter for Fuji TV, was appointed to Fuji Media’s board in June 2023 as part of a broader management overhaul. This restructuring followed increased scrutiny of the company’s corporate culture in the wake of a sexual assault scandal involving former TV personality Masahiro Nakai.
Company apologizes,Emphasizes No Personal Use of Funds
“It is absolutely unforgivable,and we apologize from the bottom of our hearts,” stated Fuji Media President Kenji Shimizu during a news conference. The company clarified that yasuda did not use the claimed expenses for personal purchases.
yasuda reportedly admitted to the irregularities, offered to refund the funds, and tendered her resignation. The timing of the announcement is notably sensitive, occurring just one day after Shimizu was appointed vice president of the Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association on Thursday, November 2, 2023.
Shimizu acknowledged the unfavorable timing, stating, “It’s very bad timing.”