Fuji Television CEO Shimizu Kenji / We are extremely aware of our accountability as a company. We sincerely apologize to the victim for the pain she has experienced as a result of the company's inadequate remedies.

Fuji Television CEO Shimizu apologized during a news conference that was held on March 31.

He said that the president at the time and others did not view the sexual violence as a human rights issue, despite the fact that the female victim had reported the case, and that the company’s response was insufficient.

Shimizu said ensuring respect for human rights was the most important agenda for the broadcaster’s structural reform, and said that the company would strengthen efforts to address human rights and compliance issues, and continue to publicize its initiatives.

Specifically, the company will work to promote human rights policy within the group and tighten disciplinary  measures against harassers.

The remarks came following the report by a third-party committee that was looking into the Japanese broadcaster. It concluded that there was sexual violence.

Meanwhile, sponsors that have suspended the airing of their commercials on Fuji Television Network remained reluctant to resume commercials following the report.