NHK employee alleges sexual assault by show participant, faces delayed transfer

NHK announced that one of its staff members was sexually assaulted by a participant in a broadcast program, leading to a decline in the employee’s health. The victim applied for a transfer to another workplace, but the request was denied and not approved until roughly three years later. In April, the employee lodged a complaint through a labor union, prompting NHK to form a three-member investigative committee that included an outside attorney.

The committee reported that, although the assault was severe, NHK’s response was confined to following standard procedures. President Tatsuhiko Inoue issued a statement expressing deep regret over the incident and apologised for the organization’s inappropriate actions at the time. The case highlights concerns about workplace safety and procedural adequacy within Japan’s one outlet broadcaster.