Igor Prusa, Ph.D. and Czech scholar in Japanese and media studies, is currently affiliated with Ambis University Prague and Metropolitan University Prague. Prusa received PhDs in media studies at Prague’s Charles University and his second at the University of Tokyo. His research interests include media scandals in Japan and anti-heroism in popular fiction. Today we’re going to talk about his new book, Scandal in Japan: Transgression, Performance and Ritual (Routledge, 2024). He recently started teaching a course at the University of Vienna on the subject.
Author Igor Prusa and BOA podcast host Amy Chavez talk about some Japanese scandals that have gone global, and why: the Unification Church scandal (2022) that brought to the forefront the assassination of former PM Abe Shinzo; the Olympus scandal (2011) triggered by the British CEO Michael Woodford; and the Nissan scandal (2019) involving CEO Carlos Ghosn. So get ready to join the wild and crazy ride with Igor Prusa in this episode of the Books on Asia Podcast.
Show Notes
Prusa explains his definition of a scandal, emphasizing its public revelation and media framing. He highlights the Unification Church scandal involving former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, noting its unique trigger by a tragedy and the role of foreign media in revealing information. Prusa also discusses narrative aspects and media event characteristics of Japanese scandals, concluding that while contorversies often serve as rituals, they rarely lead to fundamental societal improvements.
They then mull over two major Japanese scandals. The first is the Olympus scandal of 2011, exposed by CEO Michael Woodford, involved hiding company losses for over 20 years through creative accounting and mergers. The scandal was initially covered by outside media, with the Financial Times playing a crucial role. The Nissan scandal, involving CEO Carlos Ghosn, revealed millions in personal financial gains and a conflict between Japanese and French governance. Ghosn’s extravagant lifestyle and a planned merger with Renault, further fueled public outrage. This conversation also highlights the role of media in scandal coverage and the cultural nuances of whistleblowing in Japan.
Lastly, Prusa tells what his 3 favorite books on Japan are:
1. Shimbun Kisha (新聞記者) by Isoko Mochizuki (望月衣塑子)- Written in Japanese, this book provides insights into the role of journalists in Japan and how they have helped expose various scandals, including the Moritomo Gakuen and Shiori Ito rape cases. The book inspired a 2019 Japanese film by the same name.
2. Media and Politics in Japan edited by Susan Pharr and Ellis Krauss -With a chapter on political scandals by Maggie Farley. This is a classic introduction to understanding the relationship between media and politics in Japan.
3. Idols and Celebrity in Japanese Media Culture edited by Patrick Galbraith and Jason Karlin – Offers valuable insights into the role of idols and celebrities in Japanese media and culture, and how scandals can emerge in this context.
Be sure to check out Igor Prusa’s book Scandal in Japan: Transgression, Performance and Ritual.
Visit him on social media at the following links:
- Academic website: https://mup.academia.edu/IgorPrusa
- LinkedIn (follow here for the latest Japanese scandals and Prusa’s analysis)
The Books on Asia Podcast is sponsored by Stone Bridge Press, publisher of quality books on Japan and Asia for over 30 years. Go to their website at www.stonebridge.com