Masahiro Nakai, one of Japan’s top TV hosts and a former pop star, said Thursday he was retiring to take responsibility over sexual assault allegations that are part of a wave roiling Japan's entertainment industry and have triggered an avalanche of lost advertising at one of the networks where he worked.

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

One of Japan's biggest pop stars and best-known TV hosts, Masahiro Nakai, announced his retirement Thursday over sexual misconduct allegations, reports said, in the latest scandal to rock Japan's entertainment industry.

TV personality Masahiro Nakai, stung by a reported sexual misconduct scandal and feeling pressure from corporate sponsors and broadcasters, announced his retirement from the entertainment industry on Jan.

SMAP member allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct and Fuji TV is now facing criticism over its handling of the issue.

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. View on euronews

Following allegations that an executive from the Japanese broadcaster Fuji TV was involved in 'sexual favors' related to famous celebrity Masahiro Nakai, local media including Kyodo News reported on the 21st that Japanese corporations are increasingly halting advertisements aired on Fuji TV.

Major sponsors such as carmakers Nissan and Toyota and the owner of 7-Eleven announced they were pulling ads from Fuji TV over the scandal.