Photo/Illutration Masahiro Nakai (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

NEW YORKA U.S. activist shareholder pressed Fuji Media Holdings Inc. to launch an independent investigation into a sexual misconduct scandal involving TV personality Masahiro Nakai, in which a subsidiary employee may have played a part.

Rising Sun Management Ltd., an affiliate of Dalton Investments that reportedly owns more than 7 percent of Fuji Media shares, said on Jan. 14 it sent a letter to Fuji Medias board of directors.

In contacting Fuji Television Network Inc.s parent company, it seeks to establish a third-party committee to examine the scandal and formulate preventive measures.

In the letter, Rising Sun Management said the scandal “exposes serious flaws in your corporate governance,” citing the lack of consistency and transparency in the company’s handling of the issue.

“Keeping the trust of your viewers and sponsors is a vital component in maintaining the company’s sustainable growth,” the letter said. “It is imperative that the issue be handled appropriately and promptly and without ambiguity.”

Multiple publications accused Nakai, 52, a former member of the now-disbanded popular male idol group SMAP, of sexual misconduct toward a woman.

The Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine and other media outlets alleged that the woman was scheduled to dine with Nakai, a Fuji Television employee and others, but only Nakai showed up.

In a statement posted on its website, Fuji TV categorically denied the employee’s involvement.

The broadcaster said the employee was not aware that such a gathering was planned and did not arrange it or abruptly step away from it on that day.

In a statement released on his personal management agencys website, Nakai apologized for the “trouble” with the woman and said the matter has been resolved.

But he disagreed with part of the media reports, denying the involvement of those other than the two parties.