Fuji TV, one of Japan's premier television networks, has recently ceased broadcasting advertisements from Nintendo due to a high-profile sexual scandal involving Masahiro Nakai, a well-known TV host and former leader of the iconic SMAP boy band. The controversy erupted in December 2024 following a report by Josei Seven magazine about a dinner organized by a senior Fuji TV employee. Weekly Bunshun later alleged that only Nakai and a single female colleague attended this dinner, leading to accusations of sexual assault against Nakai. The matter was reportedly resolved outside of court with a settlement of 90 million yen, approximately $578,000.
In response to the allegations, Fuji TV has engaged independent legal counsel to thoroughly investigate the situation. This move comes amidst growing concerns about the network's alleged practice of employing female presenters to entertain celebrities, a practice that has come under scrutiny.
Nintendo's decision to pull its advertisements aligns it with 50 other companies, including giants like Toyota and Kao Corporation, that have previously severed ties with Fuji TV over similar ethical concerns. In the absence of Nintendo's ads, Fuji TV will now feature public service announcements from the Advertising Council Japan (AC Japan), a respected non-profit organization dedicated to social welfare.
The Japanese public has responded positively to Nintendo's stance. On the X platform, numerous users have voiced their support, praising the company for prioritizing ethical business practices and expressing hope that other corporations will follow suit in maintaining high moral standards.
