Nintendo Halts Ads on Japanese TV Amid Scandal

One of Japan's premier television networks, Fuji TV, has recently ceased broadcasting advertisements from Nintendo due to a significant sexual scandal involving Masahiro Nakai, a well-known TV host and former leader of the SMAP boy band. The controversy erupted in December 2024 when Josei Seven magazine disclosed that a high-ranking Fuji TV employee had arranged a dinner for colleagues. However, according to Weekly Bunshun, only Nakai and one woman were present at the dinner, leading to allegations of sexual assault against Nakai. The situation was reportedly resolved out of court with a settlement of 90 million yen, approximately $578,000.

In response to the scandal, Fuji TV has enlisted the services of independent lawyers to probe deeper into the matter. This move comes amidst growing concerns over the network's alleged practice of using female presenters to entertain celebrities, a practice that has been tacitly acknowledged but never formally addressed.

Nintendo has joined the list of 50 companies, including giants like Toyota and Kao Corporation, that have decided to pull their advertisements from Fuji TV. In place of Nintendo's ads, Fuji TV will now feature social spots provided by the Advertising Council Japan (AC Japan), a non-profit organization dedicated to public service announcements.

The decision by Nintendo has been met with widespread approval from the Japanese public. Many users on the X platform have voiced their support for Nintendo's stance, expressing hopes that companies will continue to prioritize and uphold ethical business practices in the face of such scandals.