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.”