Photo/Illutration Carlos Ghosn (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

While former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn, 67, was still in power, he was perceived as "tyrannical," "high-handed" and "headstrong."

And the atmosphere in the company enabled Ghosn's "proteges" and "cronies" to throw their weight around.

The Tokyo District Court will hand down a ruling next week on former Nissan executive Greg Kelly, 65, who was charged with violating the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law by underreporting Ghosn's remuneration of 17 billion yen ($148.2 million) by more than 50 percent.

I read through court testimonies by Nissan executives, including its former president.

"That was the most lamentable blemish on my career," said a former board member in reference to his failed attempt to advise Ghosn against hiding his compensation. He testified he could not disobey Ghosn's order, delivered with menace, to "just do it."

Another former board member recalled, "The board was made up only of people who owed their allegiance to Ghosn for favors he's done for them, and there was no way I could speak plainly."

There were only three choices left to the executives: Dare to stand up to the chairman and get demoted; give in and do his bidding; or blow the whistle to investigative authorities.

Reading the testimonies, I was reminded acutely of how distorted an organization can become when its leader is out of control.

There is an old saying to the effect that one cannot refuse the monarch's order.

Even if it is unethical, challenging it takes true resolve. When the boss has become a dictator, subordinates are put to agonizing tests.

The responsibilities of those former Nissan executives are grave. But what should really be on trial is Ghosn's breach of trust through his aberrant conduct.

With Kelly's sentencing approaching, I wonder how the former executives are feeling about having been summoned to the court and grilled severely in the absence of the main character.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 22

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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