Masahiro Nakai, TV host and former Japanese pop star, retires after reporting on sexual assault

TOKYO (AP) — Masahiro Nakai, one of Japan’s biggest television hosts and former pop star, said Thursday he is retiring to take responsibility for sexual assault allegations that are part of a wave that shook the Japanese entertainment industry and triggered an avalanche of lost advertisements. on one of the networks where he worked.

The weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun reported in December that Nakai had reached a 90 million yen ($580,000) settlement with a woman over the alleged sexual assault at a dinner party in 2023 that Fuji TV staff allegedly helped to organize. He acknowledged “unrest” and a settlement, while denying any violence, in a statement earlier this month. The magazine also claimed that Fuji TV had long exploited its female presenters to entertain stars like Nakai.

“I, Masahiro Nakai, am withdrawing from entertainment activities starting today,” Nakai said in a statement distributed to his paid fan club and posted on social media by apparent members. Japanese media also confirmed and announced his retirement.

“I am truly sorry for causing trouble and loss to so many people,” Nakai said, before reiterating his “sincere apologies” to the woman. “I’m really, really sorry for saying goodbye like that… Sayonara.”

Japan’s entertainment industry is in the midst of a wave of sexual assault cases, including abuse of hundreds of boys and young men by late talent mogul Johnny Kitagawawhose now-defunct Johnny & Associates agency managed numerous boy bands, including the one Nakai belonged to, SMAP.

Last Friday, Fuji TV President Koichi Minato acknowledged that the company knew about the problem six months before the magazine’s report and did not disclose it. Minato apologized and said Fuji TV would investigate the matter, but also said he believed his employees had done nothing wrong.

After dozens of advertisements were removed, Fuji TV apologized for causing problems for advertisers and agencies, but refused to release details.

Fuji Television Network Vice President Ryunosuke Endo, who is also head of the Japanese Commercial Broadcasters Association, told a news conference Thursday that he became aware of the problem in December when asked him for a comment on the scandal and that he “was extremely shocked.” Endo said the issue was kept confidential among a handful of people, including himself, to protect the victim’s privacy and support her.

He said his company should prioritize rebuilding trust by explaining what happened through a proper third-party investigation.

Separately, Fuji TV and its parent company Fuji Media Holdings held a board meeting on Thursday and announced that they have established a panel of lawyers who are independent and in accordance with guidelines set by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

They met following requests from shareholders for further clarification on the scandal, the actions taken by the company and the measures planned.

Nakai said in his statement that he had settled all negotiations to terminate his shows and his contracts with television, radio and sponsors. He said he had not yet taken full responsibility and promised to “face various issues and respond to them sincerely.”

Endo noted that Nakai’s retirement was his “personal decision” but said Nakai was part of the upcoming investigation and he hoped for his sincere cooperation.

Endo admitted to attending a number of parties years ago, accompanied by female announcers known as “Joshi Anna”, who often appear as assistants on entertainment shows. He said the parties were focused on networking and business, but noted the culture could result from male-dominated decision-making.

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AP video journalist Mayuko Ono contributed to this report.