Fuji TV, one of Japan's premier television networks, has ceased broadcasting advertisements from Nintendo due to a sexual scandal involving Masahiro Nakai, a prominent TV host and former leader of the renowned 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, only Nakai and a single woman were present at the event. Nakai faced allegations of sexual assault, and the matter was reportedly resolved out of court with a settlement of 90 million yen, approximately $578,000.
In response to the scandal, Fuji TV has engaged independent legal counsel to probe the incident and address concerns about the network's alleged practice of using female presenters to entertain celebrities. This situation has prompted Nintendo to join a growing list of 50 companies, including giants like Toyota and Kao Corporation, in withdrawing their advertisements from Fuji TV. In place of these ads, Fuji TV will now feature public service announcements from the Advertising Council Japan (AC Japan), a respected non-profit organization.
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 hope that companies will continue to prioritize ethical business practices in the future.
