One of Japan's premier television networks, Fuji TV, has ceased broadcasting advertisements from Nintendo due to a sexual scandal involving Masahiro Nakai, a prominent TV host and former leader of the SMAP boy band. The controversy erupted in December 2024 when Josei Seven magazine disclosed that a senior Fuji TV employee had arranged a dinner for colleagues. However, according to Weekly Bunshun magazine, the event was attended solely by Nakai and one woman, leading to subsequent allegations of sexual assault against Nakai. The matter was reportedly resolved out of court with a settlement of 90 million yen, equivalent to approximately $578,000.
In response to these allegations, Fuji TV has engaged independent legal professionals to delve into the matter, amid concerns over the network's informal practice of employing female presenters to entertain high-profile figures. This incident has prompted Nintendo to join a list of 50 companies, including major corporations like Toyota and Kao Corporation, that have previously withdrawn their advertising from Fuji TV. In the absence of Nintendo's commercials, Fuji TV will now air public service announcements from the Advertising Council Japan (AC Japan), a non-profit dedicated to social welfare.
Nintendo's decision to pull its ads has been met with widespread approval from the Japanese public. On the X platform, numerous users have voiced their support for Nintendo's stance, expressing hopes that companies will continue to prioritize ethical conduct in their business dealings.
