Nintendo Halts Ads on Japanese TV Over Sex Scandal

Fuji TV, one of Japan's premier television networks, has recently ceased broadcasting advertisements from Nintendo following a sexual scandal involving Masahiro Nakai, a well-known TV host and former leader of the iconic boy band SMAP. 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. Subsequent allegations of sexual assault against Nakai led to an out-of-court settlement, reportedly amounting to 90 million yen (approximately $578,000).

In response to the scandal, Fuji TV has engaged independent legal counsel to thoroughly investigate the matter. This move comes amid growing concerns about the network's alleged practice of using female presenters to entertain celebrities, a practice that has remained largely unspoken until now.

Nintendo's decision to pull its ads from Fuji TV aligns it with approximately 50 other companies, including giants like Toyota and Kao Corporation, that have previously severed ties with the network. In place of Nintendo's commercials, Fuji TV will now air social spots provided by the Advertising Council Japan (AC Japan), a respected non-profit organization dedicated to public service advertising.

The Japanese public has responded positively to Nintendo's stance. On the X platform, numerous users have voiced their support for the company's decision, expressing hope that businesses will continue to prioritize ethical standards in their operations.