Fuji TV Expected to Avoid Fallout as Masahiro Nakai Denies Third-Party Involvement and Stock Price Rises

Regular programs and commercials have been suspended or canceled.

Fuji TV has come under suspicion regarding Masahiro Nakai’s female trouble.

In June two years ago, Nakai reportedly had a serious dispute with entertainment industry insider X, ultimately paying around 90 million yen as a settlement. When this became public, six of his regular TV and radio programs, along with commercials from two companies, were either postponed or suspended.

On the night of January 9, Nakai issued a statement titled “Apology” on his official website.

“It is also a fact that a settlement was reached through both parties’ legal representatives and that the matter has been resolved.”

“Regarding this issue, there was absolutely no physical violence, as some reports suggest. Since a settlement has been reached, there will be no obstacles to continuing my entertainment activities.”

A major turning point was the January 7 broadcast of Nippon TV’s The! Sekai Gyoten News 4-Hour Special, where all of Nakai’s scenes were cut.

“This essentially means that Nakai is now considered someone who ‘should not appear on TV.’ He must be deeply shocked,” said a TV industry insider.

Alongside Nakai, Fuji TV is also facing criticism, as reports have suggested that a senior executive from the network’s programming department, identified as A, was the one who arranged the drinking party between Nakai and the woman.

 

 

At the time, X had assumed she was attending a group drinking party, but upon arriving at Nakai’s apartment, she found herself the only participant. In that instant, she reportedly sensed she had been “set up,” but it was too late. She later claimed to have experienced a sexual incident.

This situation has led to an outcry online, questioning Fuji TV’s alleged tribute system. However, Fuji TV has completely denied the claims on its official website, stating:

“The article contains inaccuracies, and regarding the mentioned dinner gathering, the employee in question had no involvement in organizing the meeting in any way. The employee was not even aware of the gathering’s existence and did not cancel attendance on the day.”

Nakai completely denies this.

 

Nakai’s side emphasizes that no third party was involved.

“If the so-called ‘tribute system’ rumored on the internet were true, it is expected that clients would withdraw all at once, making it unsustainable. Fuji is working to put out the fire and has strongly protested against media outlets that definitively reported Mr. A’s involvement,” said a sports newspaper entertainment reporter.

Adding to the suspicion, the company’s stock price began to plummet from December 26. It started at 1,838 yen that day, closing at 1,767.5 yen, down 91.5 yen (-4.9%) from the previous day. The downward trend continued into the new year, reaching a low of 1,573.5 yen on January 9. However, just before the long weekend on January 10, the stock price rebounded sharply. Despite the Nikkei Stock Average closing 414.69 points lower than the previous day, Fuji’s stock rose 2.47% to end at 1,638.5 yen. A market insider commented:

“Of course, stock prices are influenced by multiple factors. However, the statement released by Nakai on the night of the 9th, which explicitly stated, ‘There is no involvement of any third party in this trouble,’ is believed to have helped improve investor sentiment.”

Nakai had already maintained that there is no third-party involvement with Mr. A in mind.

A TV station insider added:

“As long as Nakai’s side clearly states that there is no third-party involvement, Fuji will stick to a strong stance, no matter how suspicious it may seem. There are even voices of relief within the station.”

Questions have also been raised about Fuji TV’s initial response after receiving X’s report of the incident. However, Fuji TV is expected to continue stating:

“The company has taken appropriate measures.”

“When asked for specific details, they won’t disclose much, citing privacy concerns. The nature of the trouble also makes it difficult for the media to probe further. As long as the premise that ‘there is no third-party involvement’ is maintained, the issue can be handled as a private dispute. The only remaining question might be whether Nakai was immediately questioned about the matter after the trouble arose,” said the sports newspaper reporter.

While movements to hold Fuji TV accountable are accelerating online, unless new witnesses emerge, the likelihood of them getting away with it remains high.