Japan’s Masahiro Nakai sex scandal sees Fuji TV bosses resign amid advertiser backlash

Criticism has mounted from advertisers and the public over the scandal, which centres around TV host and J-pop megastar Masahiro Nakai.

A leading tabloid magazine reported last month that the 52-year-old Nakai had carried out a sexual act without a woman’s consent in 2023.

Nakai reportedly later paid the woman, who worked for Fuji TV, a lump sum of 90 million yen (US$570,000) and the pair signed a non-disclosure agreement.

As pressure mounted, the broadcaster announced on Monday that Fuji TV president Koichi Minato and chairman Shuji Kanoh were stepping down.

A growing number of top advertisers pulled their commercials from the network after staff were accused of trying to cover up the scandal.