TOKYO – Dozens of main Japanese firms have pulled their commercials on Fuji Tv amid allegations firm officers tried to cowl up a intercourse scandal involving one of many nation’s most well-known TV hosts.
The scandal facilities on Masahiro Nakai, a former member of the tremendous well-liked male band SMAP and now a well-liked host at Fuji and different Japanese networks. Nakai has been linked by native media to an alleged sexual assault at a celebration reportedly organized by one in every of Fuji TV’s workers.
After the weekly journal Shukan Bunshun reported in December a 90 million yen ($580,000) settlement between Nakai and a girl over the alleged sexual assault at a 2023 feast, the previous SMAP star issued an announcement acknowledging a settlement over “a hassle,” however he denied utilizing any violence.
Information of the scandal didn’t instantly set off a flood of pullouts by sponsors. However many apparently began changing their commercials with public service bulletins after a information convention Friday by Fuji TV that triggered criticism that the corporate was missing transparency and contrition over the affair.
Main sponsors corresponding to automakers Nissan Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp.; cosmetics maker Shiseido; retailer Seven & I Holding Co. and life insurer Meiji Yasuda introduced they have been pulling advertisements from Fuji TV. Native media experiences mentioned greater than 50 firms had achieved the identical.
Nissan mentioned Tuesday that it had pulled its Fuji TV provides and was watching developments earlier than deciding on additional steps.
Throughout Friday’s information convention, Fuji TV President Koichi Minato apologized and acknowledged his firm had not disclosed the issue regardless of changing into conscious of it about six months earlier than the Shukan Bunshun report. Minato mentioned Fuji TV would examine the case but in addition mentioned he believed his staff had not achieved something mistaken.
Fuji TV apologized for inflicting hassle to many advertisers and companies however declined to reveal particulars.
The newest version of Shukan Bunshun, revealed Thursday, cited an unnamed feminine Fuji announcer who alleged that the senior firm official linked to the 2023 feast had organized different related events for Nakai and Fuji TV.
Fuji solely publicly introduced the inquiry after one in every of its largest shareholders, Rising Solar Administration, criticized the corporate and demanded a full investigation and acceptable motion. Rising Solar is an affiliate of the U.S. funding administration agency Dalton Funding.
Japan’s leisure trade is within the midst of a wave of sexual assault circumstances, together with large abuses by the now-defunct expertise company Johnny & Associates, which managed SMAP and lots of different boy bands. In 2023, it admitted to sexual abuse towards lots of of boys and younger males by its late founder, leisure mogul Johnny Kitagawa.
Copyright 2025 The Related Press. All rights reserved. This materials is probably not revealed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed with out permission.
