close
close

Japanese TV Sexual Assault Scandal: How It Went

Japanese TV Sexual Assault Scandal: How It Went

Japanese TV Sexual Assault Scandal: How It Went
Masahiro Nakai, TV presenter and former pop star in Japan, retires after reports of sexual assault (Image: AP)

TOKYO: Bosses o Fuji The network resigned on Monday as pressure mounts on the Japanese broadcaster over sexual assault allegations against celebrity host Masahiro Nakai.
Here is a brief description of the scandal:
December 19, 2024
Tabloid magazine Josei Seven reports that Nakai paid an unnamed woman a lump sum of 90 million yen ($570,000) over what it calls “serious trouble” between them.
The report said Nakai, the woman and one other person were scheduled to attend the party, but the other guest was unable to attend.
The magazine reported, without providing details, that a “serious problem” had arisen between them behind closed doors that evening.
December 25
Another leading weekly tabloid, Shukan Bunshun, publishes an article titled: “X told interviewer the full story of Masahiro Nakai’s 90 million yen sex scandal: ‘I still can’t forgive him’.”
This is the first in a series of reports by Shukan Bunshun detailing the accusation, which the magazine said involved a sexual act performed without the woman’s consent.
December 27
Fuji Television denies tabloid reports suggesting that one of its employees organized a meal during which Nakai, a member of 1990s boy band sensation Smap, met a woman in 2023.
January 8
Fuji TV announces the temporary suspension of Nakai’s weekly show and radio show.
January 9
Nakai apologizes in a statement on its website, stating that “trouble” occurred and confirming that the two sides had reached an agreement.
However, he also claims that some reports “differ from the facts” and emphasizes that no physical violence occurred.
January 14
The American fund Dalton Investments, associated with Rising Sun Management, a shareholder of Fuji TV’s parent company, is calling for an external investigation to “clarify the facts” and present “remedial measures”.
On the same day, Nippon TV also releases Nakai.
January 17
Fuji TV is holding a press conference with select local media where video recording is prohibited, during which company president Koichi Minato says the investigation will be initiated by a group of mostly outside experts rather than a fully independent third-party committee.
January 20
JapanThe Nikkei daily reports that more than 50 companies have withdrawn advertising from Fuji TV over its handling of the scandal.
Top brands including McDonald’s and Toyota confirm to AFP that they are withdrawing their advertising.
January 23
Nakai announces his departure from the entertainment industry after losing all his regular appearances.
“I sincerely apologize” to the woman and “I will continue to face all problems honestly… I am the only one responsible for everything,” she says.
January 27
Fuji TV president Minato and president Shuji Kanoh resign.
“I would like to sincerely apologize to the women concerned for not providing adequate care due to lack of awareness of human rights,” Kanoh tells reporters.