Question from Readers:
I’m very curious if the next candidate for president of Fuji Television, Makiko Yamada, can truly change the company. She seems to be referred to as a “amakudari bureaucrat,” and I wonder if having someone like her as president will really result in any change in Fuji Television’s culture. For a long time, Fuji Television has had a
culture of “as long as it’s entertaining, anything goes,” which has led to declining viewership ratings, scandals, and controversies. Every time there’s a change in leadership, the term “reform” comes up, but in reality, not much changes. I believe that corporate culture and power structures cannot be easily altered just by changing one top executive. If there is a serious intent to revitalize Fuji Television, I think a complete overhaul of the executives is necessary. However, with an amakudari bureaucrat at the top, it’s likely that any changes will only be superficial. It doesn’t seem like the personnel changes would address the fundamental issues at Fuji Television; rather, it feels like the old culture would persist. There’s an opinion that “bad corporate culture doesn’t change overnight,” and I agree. Looking back at history, there hasn’t been a dramatic improvement at Fuji Television just because the leadership changed. If Makiko Yamada becomes president, will Fuji Television truly change, or will it just be the same cycle repeating? What do you all think?
Thinking About the Future of Fuji Television
Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about Makiko Yamada, the candidate for president of Fuji Television. I’m also curious if she can genuinely change the company. Indeed, she is referred to as an “amakudari bureaucrat,” and it’s interesting to consider how that background might influence her role.
The Deep-Rooted Corporate Culture
Fuji Television has long been entrenched in a culture of “as long as it’s entertaining, anything goes.” This culture is clearly linked to the decline in viewership and various scandals. Whenever there’s a change in leadership, the word “reform” gets thrown around, but in reality, it often results in merely superficial changes. From a legal perspective, I also believe that corporate culture and power structures cannot easily change with just one new top executive. When I used to work part-time at a judicial scrivener’s office, I noticed that just because the boss changed, the way we conducted business didn’t immediately change. Often, the new boss ended up following the old ways. This experience has made me acutely aware of how difficult it is to change a company’s culture.
The Need for Major Reform
If Fuji Television is serious about revitalization, I believe a significant overhaul of the executives is necessary. It’s undeniable that with an amakudari bureaucrat at the helm, any changes are likely to end up being superficial. I agree with the notion that “bad corporate culture doesn’t change overnight.” Looking back at history, there hasn’t been dramatic improvement just because of a change in leadership.
Personal Thoughts
I personally feel a bit anxious when considering the future of Fuji Television. If Ms. Yamada becomes president, I wonder what changes might occur; I have mixed feelings of expectation and concern. I hope that under her leadership, we’ll see an increase in programs that are loved by viewers, but I’m skeptical about whether that will actually happen. As someone who has been watching less television at home recently, I hope to see more engaging content offered. I wonder what everyone reading this blog thinks about the future of Fuji Television. Please feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments. I welcome any perspective, so don’t hesitate to share. I’d like to think through this together with you.
