Star TV host retires as sex scandal rocks Japan industry

Renowned Japanese television host Masahiro Nakai has announced his retirement following a major scandal triggered by sexual assault allegations, which has shaken the Japanese entertainment industry. Nakai, who previously hosted programs for Fuji TV, is accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a staff dinner in 2023.

Dozens of companies have withdrawn their advertisements from Fuji TV due to allegations that the network's employees attempted to cover up the scandal. Nakai has denied using violence against the woman and stated on January 9th that he had "resolved" the matter through a settlement, but this has not quelled public anger.

In a social media statement released on Thursday, Nakai stated, "I am truly very sorry for causing so much trouble and loss to so many people." He also said, "I am really, really sorry to be saying goodbye in this way." His resignation came after Fuji TV president Koichi Minato confirmed that the company had known about Nakai's scandal long before media reports but did not make it public.

Several companies, including automakers Nissan and Toyota, and retail company Seven & I Holdings, which operates 7-11 convenience stores, have announced they will withdraw their advertisements from Fuji TV due to the scandal. It is expected that Fuji TV will establish an independent committee to investigate the scandal. Nakai's programs have also been removed.

Nakai rose to fame in the 1990s as the leader of the Japanese idol group SMAP, one of Asia's most successful groups. The group released over 50 singles, many of which topped the charts, and had a weekly variety show during prime time. After SMAP disbanded in 2016, Nakai became a television host and one of Japan's wealthiest celebrities.

The Japanese entertainment industry is facing a reckoning over long-unreported cases of sexual assault. In 2023, J-pop executive Johnny Kitagawa, who had passed away four years prior, was exposed for sexually assaulting hundreds of boys and young men over decades. His agency, Johnny & Associates, also managed idol groups such as SMAP.