In a significant fallout, dozens of leading Japanese companies have withdrawn their advertisements from Fuji Television Network after allegations surfaced that the company attempted to cover up a sex scandal involving Masahiro Nakai, a prominent TV host and former member of the iconic boy band SMAP.
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The Sex Scandal Unfolds
The controversy centers around Nakai, who has been linked by Japanese media to an alleged sexual assault during a 2023 dinner party reportedly organized by a Fuji TV staff member.
In December, the weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun reported a 90 million yen ($580,000) settlement between Nakai and a woman over the alleged incident. Nakai later issued a statement acknowledging the settlement but denied any acts of violence, referring to the situation as “trouble.”
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Advertisers Take Action
Initially, the scandal did not lead to an immediate reaction from advertisers. However, a Friday press conference by Fuji TV drew criticism for its lack of transparency and accountability, prompting many companies to pull their commercials and replace them with public service announcements.
Major sponsors, including Nissan Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp., Shiseido, Seven & I Holdings Co., and Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance, announced their withdrawal from Fuji TV programming. Local reports indicate that over 50 companies have followed suit.
A spokesperson for Nissan stated on Tuesday that the company had halted its Fuji TV ads and was monitoring developments before deciding on further actions.
Fuji TV’s Response
During the press conference, Fuji TV President Koichi Minato apologized for the situation and admitted that the company had been aware of the issue for six months before the Shukan Bunshun report but failed to disclose it.
Minato announced an internal investigation but maintained that he believed Fuji TV employees were not at fault. Fuji TV later issued a public apology to advertisers and agencies but withheld specific details about the incident.
More Allegations Emerge
The latest edition of Shukan Bunshun, released Thursday, featured claims by an unnamed female Fuji TV announcer. She alleged that the senior company official linked to the 2023 dinner party had arranged similar events for Nakai in the past.
The network only launched an official inquiry after criticism from Rising Sun Management, one of its largest shareholders. Rising Sun, affiliated with U.S.-based Dalton Investments, demanded a full investigation and corrective measures.
Broader Context in Japan’s Entertainment Industry
This scandal emerges amid broader revelations of sexual misconduct within Japan’s entertainment sector. The now-defunct Johnny & Associates, which managed Nakai’s former group SMAP and numerous other boy bands, admitted in 2023 to decades of sexual abuse perpetrated by its late founder, Johnny Kitagawa, against hundreds of boys and young men.
The allegations against Nakai and the handling of the situation by Fuji TV add to the growing scrutiny of accountability and transparency within Japan’s media and entertainment industries.
