Fuji TV Probes “Hyatt Drinking” But No Inquiry Into Masahiro Nakai

Some people were interviewed for more than an hour

In the Fuji TV scandal stemming from former entertainer Masahiro Nakai’s (52) female troubles, the commitment of the third-party committee is being questioned.

On January 23, Nakai retired from the entertainment industry, and his paid fan club site “Nakai Zura Ano Ko-tachi ni” was officially shut down at 11:59 PM on February 19. On the same day, a 1-minute 40-second final video was released to fans.

The video consisted of an animated part and a live-action part. The animated segment featured characters Nakai had previously played, such as “SMAP×SMAP”‘s Marbo and Keisan Mako-chan, “Sata☆Sma”‘s Otsukai Mar-kun (both Fuji TV productions), and Chokozai from the TBS drama “ATARU.” These characters eventually floated away in soap bubbles and disappeared. In the live-action segment, Nakai’s face was not shown, but he was seen waving toward the sun, clenching his fist once, then opening it again before the video ended.

Fans have been speculating on the meaning of this final message. Some interpret the scene of the characters vanishing in bubbles as a sign of a “complete retirement,” while others believe the fist gesture, resembling Nakai’s movements in the final episode of “SMAP×SMAP,” suggests a “see you again someday” message.

“Either way, the production was well thought out, which shows that Nakai carefully prepared it for his fans. A production company handled the video, but Nakai himself likely approved the final cut and requested detailed adjustments. Although he seemed disheartened by recent reports, he may have already moved past his lowest point. Many fans are expressing relief,” said a sports newspaper journalist.

Amidst the Fuji TV controversy, the third-party committee continues to interview station employees and external parties. Interview durations vary, with some lasting only a few minutes and others extending beyond an hour. Naturally, Nakai should be a key figure in the investigation.

 

Fuji TV’s governance is being questioned

“At this point, there is no information suggesting that Nakai has been questioned. If concerns about his health were a factor, the quality of his ‘final video’ should have eased those worries. Some even say Nakai was never a target of the investigation from the beginning,” said the same sports newspaper journalist.

It is true that there is a confidentiality agreement between Nakai and the victim, X. However, the core issue in question is Fuji TV’s governance, not Nakai’s personal troubles. The investigation is proceeding on a broader organizational level.

“Even so, not questioning Nakai is strange. I’ve heard that he is willing to cooperate. When the third-party committee releases its findings, this issue will undoubtedly be scrutinized,” said a Fuji TV insider.

Currently, the third-party committee is focusing on a “Hyatt drinking party” that took place in December 2021 in a suite at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. The event was allegedly hosted by A, a former Fuji TV programming executive with close ties to Nakai, along with subordinates of A.

Besides Nakai, other well-known entertainers were in attendance, and female announcers, who were allegedly gathered under A’s orders, were reportedly forced to act as “hospitality staff.”

“This gathering should not fall under any confidentiality agreement. Nakai attended as a guest of honor, so it is necessary to clarify how A’s side invited him. Some media outlets have reported that a well-known entertainer who attended attempted to lure a female announcer into a bedroom while completely naked. Given that only a limited number of people know the atmosphere of that night, Nakai’s testimony is crucial,” said the Fuji TV insider.

When Fuji TV was asked whether the third-party committee had questioned Nakai or planned to do so, the response was:

“As this pertains to the third-party committee, we are not in a position to answer.”

The committee is set to announce its findings at the end of March. Hopefully, the investigation will not turn out to be a mere façade.