Nintendo Halts Ads on Japanese TV Over Sex Scandal

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 renowned SMAP boy band.

The controversy erupted in December 2024 when the magazine Josei Seven reported that a high-ranking Fuji TV employee had arranged a dinner intended for colleagues. However, according to the magazine Weekly Bunshun, the dinner was attended solely by Nakai and one woman. Subsequently, Nakai faced allegations of sexual assault, which were reportedly resolved out of court with a settlement of 90 million yen (approximately $578,000).

In response to these allegations, Fuji TV has engaged independent lawyers to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. This action comes amidst growing concerns about the network's alleged unspoken practice of using female presenters to entertain celebrities.

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 taken similar steps. In the absence of Nintendo's commercials, Fuji TV will now feature social spots from the Advertising Council Japan (AC Japan), a respected non-profit organization.

The move by Nintendo has been met with widespread approval from the Japanese public. On the X platform, many users have voiced their support for Nintendo's stance and expressed their hope that companies will continue to adhere to ethical business practices.