Nintendo Halts Ads on Japanese TV Amid Sex Scandal

One of Japan's premier television networks, Fuji TV, has ceased broadcasting advertisements for Nintendo following 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 the magazine Josei Seven reported that a senior Fuji TV employee had arranged a dinner for colleagues. Subsequent reports from Weekly Bunshun revealed that only Nakai and one woman were present at the event, leading to allegations of sexual assault against Nakai. The matter was reportedly resolved out of court with a settlement of 90 million yen, approximately $578,000.

In response to the incident, Fuji TV has engaged independent legal counsel to investigate the matter thoroughly. This move comes amid growing concerns about the network's alleged unspoken practice of employing female presenters to entertain celebrities.

Following this scandal, Nintendo has joined a list of 50 other companies, including Toyota and Kao Corporation, in suspending their advertising partnerships with Fuji TV. As a result, Nintendo's advertising slots will now feature public service announcements provided by the Advertising Council Japan (AC Japan), a respected non-profit organization.

The decision by Nintendo has been met with widespread approval from the Japanese public. On social media platforms like X, numerous users have voiced their support for Nintendo and expressed their hope that companies will continue to prioritize ethical business practices.