Main Japanese advertisers are fleeing broadcast powerhouse Fuji Tv following an alleged intercourse scandal involving former boy band idol turned TV host Masahiro Nakai. Trade heavyweights similar to Toyota, Nissan and Shiseido are amongst greater than 50 corporations pulling their spots from the community, per the Related Press.
The promoting disaster erupted after weekly journal Shukan Bunshun reported in December that Nakai, a former member of the mega-successful male group SMAP, had reached a JPY90 million ($577,000) settlement with a lady over an alleged sexual assault at a 2023 banquet. Whereas Nakai acknowledged settling “a hassle,” he denied any violence occurred.
The scenario reached a boiling level following a Friday press convention by Fuji TV president Koichi Minato that drew widespread criticism for its lack of transparency. Minato admitted the community had sat on data of the incident for roughly six months earlier than the journal expose broke the story.
Including gasoline to the fireplace, Shukan Bunshun’s newest bombshell report options allegations from an unnamed feminine Fuji announcer claiming {that a} senior firm government had organized a number of related gatherings for Nakai.
Fuji TV solely launched an inside investigation after stress from Rising Solar Administration, one in every of its main shareholders affiliated with U.S. funding agency Dalton Funding.
Company large Nissan, one of many many blue-chip advertisers leaping ship, confirmed Tuesday it had pulled its adverts from the community and is monitoring the scenario earlier than making additional choices.
The scandal marks one other darkish chapter for Japan’s leisure trade, which remains to be reeling from the Johnny & Associates abuse revelations. The outstanding expertise company, which beforehand managed SMAP, admitted in 2023 to widespread sexual abuse of younger male skills by its late founder Johnny Kitagawa.
