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Business
Jun 16, 2026
Analyzed by Glm 4.7 Flash

Fujitsu Chair Resigns Amid 'Woman-Related Inappropriate Conduct' Scandal

AI Summary
Fujitsu Chairman Hidenori Furuta has resigned after the board confirmed 'woman-related inappropriate conduct,' adding to the company's ongoing struggles with the Post Office IT scandal and a broader wave of corporate governance issues in Japan.

The Resignation of Hidenori Furuta

Fujitsu has confirmed that Hidenori Furuta, who has served as chairman for two years, has stepped down effective 16 June. The board became aware of the inappropriate conduct and subsequently accepted his request to resign. The company also announced that it has withdrawn his candidacy as a non-executive director at the upcoming annual shareholders' meeting.

  • Role History: Furuta was elevated to chair in 2024 after serving as COO, EVP, and CTO.
  • Recent Activity: He was actively involved in international business relations, notably attending the Japan-EU Business Round Table in Brussels.
  • Statement: Furuta stated, 'The company statement speaks for itself,' when contacted by Reuters.

Financial and Reputational Fallout

This resignation occurs against a backdrop of severe reputational damage for Fujitsu, primarily stemming from its role in the Post Office IT scandal. The company supplied the faulty Horizon system, leading to the wrongful conviction of 900 postmasters for theft and false accounting.

  • Settlement Status: Despite admitting knowledge of system faults since the 1990s, Fujitsu has not yet contributed to the £1.5bn compensation bill for victims, which is currently footed by UK taxpayers.
  • System Replacement: The Horizon system is set to be replaced by a new accounting system implemented by Accenture and OneView Commerce.
  • Strategic Importance: As Japan's biggest IT services company, Fujitsu is pivotal to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's strategy to advance AI capabilities and reduce reliance on the US.

Corporate Governance in Japan Under Scrutiny

The incident highlights a growing intolerance for inappropriate conduct within Japan's corporate elite. Furuta's departure follows a series of high-profile resignations and dismissals across major Japanese firms.

  • Honda: Shinji Aoyama, an executive vice-president, resigned in 2025 after an allegation of inappropriate behavior at a social gathering.
  • Eneos: President Takeshi Saito was dismissed in 2023 for misconduct at a social gathering while intoxicated.
  • Media Sector: The scandal involving Masahiro Nakai of Fuji TV, accused of sexual assault, led to a significant advertiser boycott.

Navigating the AI Transition

Fujitsu faces a critical juncture where internal stability is required to execute its external strategy. The company is expected to lead Japan's AI initiatives, but the recent leadership turmoil raises questions about its ability to maintain the confidence of international partners and government officials during this transition period.