TOKYO — The president of Fuji Television announced on Friday the initiation of an independent investigation regarding allegations of sexual misconduct tied to a high-profile celebrity, along with concerns related to the involvement of company executives.
Masahiro Nakai, previously a member of the famous boy band SMAP and currently a well-known host for Fuji TV, has been implicated in allegations involving sexual assault at an event reportedly organized by a Fuji TV staff member, according to local media sources.
These serious allegations have negatively impacted the company’s stock prices. In addition, one of Fuji TV’s major shareholders has expressed worries about the company’s governance through a written statement.
Koichi Minato, the president of Fuji TV, publicly apologized for the distress caused by the media coverage and announced that an external committee would be established to scrutinize the actions of company officials, himself included.
This scandal arose from reports in December by the magazine Shukan Bunshun, which revealed that Nakai had allegedly reached a settlement worth 90 million yen (approximately $580,000) with a woman involved in claims of sexual misconduct that occurred during a dinner gathering last year.
In a statement made on his official website on January 9, Nakai confirmed he had reached a settlement, referring to it as “a trouble,” while denying any acts of violence or the involvement of others. He stated that he had earnestly complied with the woman’s requests regarding the settlement.
“I take full responsibility for this situation, as it is entirely due to my shortcomings,” Nakai expressed in the statement.
The announcement for a formal inquiry follows criticism from Rising Sun Management, a subsidiary of Dalton Investments, which partially owns Fuji TV. They condemned the network for its lack of transparency and requested a third-party investigation into the matter.
“The turmoil caused by Mr. Masahiro Nakai illustrates not only a broader issue within the entertainment industry, but it also highlights significant deficiencies in your corporate governance,” Rising Sun’s open letter to Fuji’s board, dated January 14, read.
“The inconsistencies and, crucially, the lack of transparency in reporting the situation and the glaring failings in your response deserve serious censure. These issues not only degrade viewer trust but also directly diminish shareholder value. As one of your major shareholders, holding over 7% of the company’s stock, we are appalled!”
Nakai was a pivotal figure in SMAP, a five-member singing and performance group that rose to fame after its debut in 1988, gaining widespread popularity in Japan and throughout Asia until its disbandment in 2016.
In light of these allegations, various Japanese television networks have either suspended programs featuring Nakai or edited him out of episodes.
Nippon Television Network Corp. announced that Nakai would step down from hosting a variety show following a careful assessment of the ongoing situation.
This controversy follows the recent admissions by the now-closed talent agency Johnny & Associates, which managed SMAP among other groups, of sexual abuse incidents committed against numerous underage boys and young males by its late founder Johnny Kitagawa.
