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.