Dozens of major Japanese companies have pulled their commercials from broadcaster Fuji Television amid allegations company officials tried to cover up a sex scandal involving one of the country’s most famous TV hosts.

This alleged sex scandal is another dark chapter for Japan’s entertainment industry, which has not recovered from the Johnny & Associates abuse revelations in 2023.

Japanese TV network Fuji faces mass advertiser exodus after allegations of covering up sexual assault claims against host Masahiro Nakai of SMAP fame.

Many major Japanese companies said Monday they are suspending commercials on Fuji Television Network Inc, as the broadcaster faces scrutiny over its alleged involvement in a misconduct scandal involving Masahiro Nakai,

Former star of J-pop band SMAP Masahiro Nakai resigned after several damning reports and suspicions that broadcasting giant Fuji TV covered up the assault case. The scandal is part of a wave of sexual assault cases hitting the Japanese entertainment industry.

Masahiro Nakai, one of Japan's top TV hosts and a former pop star, says he is retiring to take responsibility over sexual assault allegations.

Japan’s Fuji TV is grappling with a major crisis over its handling of a sexual assault scandal surrounding star presenter Masahiro Nakai, with at least 50 companies pulling their advertisements from the broadcaster.