Masahiro Nakai, a former member of the legendary Japanese pop group SMAP, has been at the center of a shocking sex scandal that has rocked Fuji TV, one of Japan’s major networks.
With allegations of a cover-up, dozens of major sponsors — like Nissan, Toyota and Shiseido — pulling ads and public backlash against Fuji TV’s handling of the situation, this controversy is shaking Japan's entertainment industry to its core.
In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we take a closer look at the scandal that led to Nakai’s shocking retirement announcement, the allegations of corporate governance failures at Fuji TV and the growing sensitivity to sexual assault issues within Japan’s entertainment industry.
What does this scandal reveal about the Japanese media and entertainment world? Is this the tip of the iceberg? Join us for this deep dive into one of Japan's biggest news stories.
© Japan Today
9 Comments
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tamanegi
Some wide shows and sports rags reporting that sex fiend Nakai had been spiraling into sexual predation and debauchery since breaking up with his long time girlfriend in 2019. It's alleged that even fellow Smap member Kimtaku tried to warn him of his risky and obscene behavior around female colleagues.
kennyG
So what will Japan today exactly do ?
Newgirlintown
Watch the video and “take a closer look at the scandal that led to Nakai’s shocking retirement announcement.”
stickman1760
I’m tired of hearing about this story. He quit, the company executives stepped down now let’s all move on. There are more important things going on in the world.
tom toto
If we are honest with ourselves can we say fake/fantasy porn contribute to sexual behaviors? If I were his therapist I would ask if he excessively watched porn?
smithinjapan
No... they are NOT looking at the scandal... they are looking at how to spin it so it's less of one, and how to "Promise to be transparent", and maybe even change their name, so they can continue to go unchecked. How's Johnny's new company doing, by the way? Still suffering?
itsonlyrocknroll
A masterclass in deflection, I suggest to conflate and confuse, to migrate any complicity.
Buy the victims silence. Here today gone tomorrow.
It is remarkable how the authorities just turn a blind eye. Walk away from such blatant contempt for the law any hope due process.
Until the next victim.
Toblerone
Japan Today Spotlight - “it sounds like the same old same old”. You got that right. What a farce.
kennyG
I am joining already. Is Jef ichard letting this news be gone with only 8 comments? What does Japan Today want to do with this news?
Japan Today and J*ff shouldn't threw the ball into the court . Shouldn' they keep the game going on?