Dozens of corporations pull advertisements from Japanese community over intercourse scandal linked to its workers and superstar

TOKYO (AP) — Dozens of main Japanese corporations 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 preferred 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 among 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 trouble,” 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 studies mentioned greater than 50 corporations 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 turning into conscious of it about six months earlier than the Shukan Bunshun report. Minato mentioned Fuji TV would examine the case but additionally mentioned he believed his workers 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 comparable events for Nakai and Fuji TV.

Fuji solely publicly introduced the inquiry after one among 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 tons of of boys and younger males by its late founder, leisure mogul Johnny Kitagawa.