Fuji TV Apologizes to Sato Jiro and Hashimoto Ai for Communication Misstep During Filming

(CNA Tokyo, July 7) - A controversy arose during the filming of the Japanese drama "The Couple's Anonymous Detective." Fuji TV admitted today that although the production team was aware of lead actress Hashimoto Ai's concerns beforehand, they failed to fully communicate these to lead actor Sato Jiro, leading to friction due to insufficient information transfer and causing significant psychological distress to both actors. The network expressed deep apologies for this.

According to a report by Sponichi Annex, Fuji TV stated today that due to speculation and misinformation prevalent in related media reports and social media, they decided to disclose the events based on an external lawyer's investigation to prevent further harm.

Fuji TV's statement indicated that before accepting the role, Hashimoto stipulated that any kissing or bed scenes would require prior consultation with her and the involvement of professionals such as an "intimacy coordinator." While the production team had informed Sato's agency of these conditions, the agency, believing that informing Sato directly might affect his performance, did not relay the information to him.

Subsequently, during filming, a scene not present in the script, where Sato spontaneously touched Hashimoto's face, occurred. However, Hashimoto's side stated that they did not consider this contact to be sexual harassment.

Fuji TV pointed out that during filming, Hashimoto's side felt that "some improvisational physical contact and excessive proximity to others" were occurring. Hashimoto's agency president then confirmed with the producer whether the actor had been informed of these performance considerations. Following this, the production team formally explained the relevant cooperation matters to Sato himself, and filming continued.

After this, Sato's side expressed a desire for further discussion on issues such as which physical contact would require prior consent. He visited Hashimoto's dressing room and made remarks such as, "If acting has so many restrictions, you should have said so beforehand," and "Shouldn't you stop being an actress?"

Fuji TV stated that Hashimoto was deeply affected by these words, even crying uncontrollably, which impacted the filming. The external lawyer determined that Sato's words and actions "caused mental distress beyond the scope of normal tolerance and can be considered harassment."

Later, Fuji TV adjusted the filming environment, including limiting the ways the two could have direct contact, allowing filming to proceed. Sato's side also expressed a willingness to apologize to Hashimoto. Fuji TV continued to mediate after filming concluded, but ultimately no settlement was reached, and the incident was exposed by the media.

Fuji TV concluded by stating that the company failed to adequately alleviate the burden on the involved parties and failed to mend the relationship between them. In the future, they will strengthen measures to prevent harassment and improve consultation systems. They also urged the public, "Do not spread slander, speculation, or information based on false facts." (on) false facts." (Editor: Tang Shengyang) 0707

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