You really can't fire people in Japan. It is virtually impossible. I have heard that many Japanese companies maintain employees that have no job function, though. Some people will quit out of shame, but many won't because getting another job is also nearly impossible (job hopping is not a thing unless you are a temporary/contract worker).

So, whistle blowers get a "vacation" for the rest of their careers. Hard to say if that's better or worse than getting fired.