Masahiro Nakai’s New Show “Dareka to Nakai” Halted Sparks Concerns About Junichi Okada and Fuji TV’s Accountability

Nakai MC’s programs are being replaced one after another.

The issue surrounding Masahiro Nakai’s 9 million yen dispute with a woman named X has put television networks in a tough position, with several adjusting their schedules.

In June of the previous year, Nakai reportedly reached a settlement of 9 million yen with the woman through his agent after a serious conflict. With the news becoming public, Nakai’s regular shows have been replaced one after another.

The TBS program Nakai Masahiro no Kin’yōbi no Smile-tachi e Shinsun SP, originally scheduled for January 10, was replaced by the film A Bouquet Like a Flowering Love. Similarly, TV Asahi’s Nakai Masahiro no Doyōbi na Kai, set to air on January 11, was swapped for a different program. Additionally, TBS’s THE MC 3 has also delayed its first broadcast of the new year.

Amidst this, an unusual situation arose at Fuji TV, the epicenter of the Nakai news. On January 12, the scheduled broadcast of Dareka to Nakai was replaced by another program.

The show began in April 2023 with the previous format, Matsumoto to Nakai. After Matsumoto’s temporary halt from entertainment activities, the MC role shifted through various hosts, eventually landing on Muro Tsuyoshi.

 

The first broadcast was already recorded.

In the December 15 episode, it was announced that Junichi Okada, a former junior from his Johnny & Associates days, would be the new third MC.

However, just three days earlier on the 12th, several media outlets reported that Dareka to Nakai would be ending in March. This decision left TV station officials stunned.

“Hiring a new MC for a show that’s already decided to end makes no sense. Okada’s involvement was likely decided before the show’s cancellation. After the abrupt end was announced, Okada’s side could have rightfully requested his departure. However, given the respect they have for Nakai, that didn’t happen. The fact that it didn’t happen speaks volumes,” said one media insider.

The first episode featuring Nakai and Okada was already recorded, featuring a star singer as a guest. However, this plan appears to be nullified by the recent turmoil.

“Nakai has unintentionally caused trouble for his juniors and seniors. After years at the top of the TV industry, he must be feeling a strong sense of responsibility. This situation could seriously impact his mental state. I’ve heard that Nakai’s decision to halt the shows aligns with the network’s intentions,” said a reporter from a sports newspaper.

Fuji TV, in particular, stands out from other networks in its decision to halt broadcasts.

Weekly Bunshun reported that Mr. A, who oversaw X, arranged a dinner with Nakai. However, only X and Nakai attended, with other guests pulling out at the last minute. Whether this was a coincidence or planned remains unclear, but online speculation links Fuji and Nakai as a pair.

Fuji TV responded by denying the claims on their website, stating, 

“The employee in question had no involvement in setting up the dinner, and they did not attend or miss the event.”

The aforementioned entertainment reporter emphasized, 

“Fuji TV has a responsibility to explain the sudden cancellation of Dareka to Nakai and its March termination. They can’t simply rely on their usual line, ‘We do not comment on programming matters.’ Something extraordinary is happening. There’s also intense scrutiny from sponsors on Fuji’s response.”

X had informed Fuji early on about the incident. However, Nakai’s involvement continued, and with this latest trouble surfacing, Fuji decided to align with other networks in halting the show. Given their close knowledge of the situation, they should have taken the initiative to address it thoroughly.

Fuji TV should hold a press conference immediately to disclose the truth widely.