Snow Brand beef scandal to be dramatized on NHK

NHK is producing a documentary/drama special titled “Tatta Hitori no Hanran,” based on a major beef scandal in 2002.

The company Yukijirushi (also known as Snow Brand) had been falsely labeling imported beef as domestic beef, taking advantage of a government buyback program after mad cow disease surfaced in Japan. Yoichi Mizutani, the president of a warehousing company, blew the whistle on the fraud. His actions cost him his business, but he helped pave the way for other corporate whistle-blowers in recent history.

Mizutani himself is appearing in some of the documentary scenes, but his character in the drama is currently being cast, with veteran actors such as Naoto Takenaka and Mitsuru Fukikoshi under consideration.

The program will be aired on July 30.

Source:
Sports Hochi