Masahiro Nakai Announces Retirement Amid Sexual Assault Scandal

Masahiro Nakai, a well-known television presenter and former member of the successful boy band SMAP, declared his retirement from the entertainment field on Thursday as he faces serious allegations of sexual assault. This announcement comes in light of claims made against him last year and a reported settlement amounting to approximately ¥90 million, which was disclosed by weekly magazines like Josei Seven and Shukan Bunshun.

In his formal statement, the 52-year-old Nakai acknowledged, “I am retiring from show business as of today.” He mentioned the conclusion of discussions related to the suspension of any ongoing television projects and the termination of contracts with broadcasters and sponsors. Nakai took full responsibility for his actions, expressing deep regret for the hurt he has caused and extending apologies to the impacted parties, especially the woman involved in the case.

Furthermore, Nakai indicated his intention to dissolve his management company once all necessary steps are finalized. A lawyer representing him stated that the specifics of the situation remain confidential between those involved.

Nakai’s rise to fame began as part of SMAP, which was launched in 1988 and became a prominent cultural force in Japan, often deemed a “national treasure.” Since the group’s disbandment in December 2016, Nakai continued to work as a presenter on various television shows.

The allegations against Nakai reportedly stemmed from an incident at a dinner hosted by a Fuji TV executive, although the network denied any involvement in arranging the event. After a push for investigation from shareholders, Fuji TV announced the formation of a third-party committee to address the allegations. However, the network faced backlash when its president acknowledged prior awareness of the allegations, raising concerns about their handling of the situation. As a result, numerous companies, including major corporations like Toyota and Shiseido, have halted their advertising partnerships with the channel.

The recent events have sparked a larger conversation about how the entertainment industry in Japan has dealt with allegations of sexual assault, drawing comparisons to the controversies surrounding Nakai and the late music producer Johnny Kitagawa. The Independent has sought comments from Nakai and Fuji TV regarding the matter.