Fuji Media Holdings, Inc.

Fuji TV issued a statement regarding a dispute over the drama "Fufu Bessei Keiji," revealing that although a female actor had requested the involvement of an intimacy coordinator for kissing and bed scenes as a condition of her appearance, this information was not shared with the male co-star, and the goodwill and consideration on set ended up increasing the burden on the parties involved. The statement took issue with the male actor visiting the female actor's dressing room and making remarks that went as far as questioning her continuation as an actor over physical contact restrictions. This mirrors the case of the 2024 film "Sensei no Shiroi Uso," where lead actor Nao faced criticism when the director opted for direct communication after she requested an intimacy coordinator, highlighting the reality that traditional on-set sensibilities are no longer acceptable. Intimacy coordinators are professionals who balance actor safety with directorial intent, and their introduction allows actors to focus on performance while improving production quality. However, the role has yet to become widespread in Japan, placing excessive burden on individual consideration and manager judgment. This controversy marks a turning point, showing the need to establish consent and safety mechanisms to protect freedom of expression, rather than blaming any single person.