Masahiro Nakai Pushes Back on Third-Party Committee’s Verdict — TV Industry Voices Mixed Reactions Beyond Fan Backing

Is the Third-Party Committee’s certification a mistake?

Nearly four months have passed since Masahiro Nakai’s (52) sudden retirement announcement on January 23, but it is said that he continues to avoid going out as much as possible and lives away from public view.

Amid this, Nakai’s legal representative announced a rebuttal on May 12 against the certification made by the third-party committee. According to the statement, regarding the case the committee labeled as sexual violence, Nakai’s side insists that no violent or forced sexual acts were confirmed. They have requested disclosure of evidence by May 26. Furthermore, the report claims Nakai refused to agree to confidentiality disclosure with the woman involved in the trouble, but his side also denies this assertion.

Regarding Nakai’s counterattack, the magazine Josei Seven (May 8-15, 2025 issue) reported:

“Is he preparing a counterattack behind the scenes?”

“Strong resistance to being labeled a sexual offender in the third-party committee’s report, and plans to reveal the truth personally.”

The magazine also interviewed Nakai’s older brother, who commented, “I don’t know anything, but as a brother, I find it hard to believe it really happened,” and “I think he will talk when the time is right.”

Why has this report surfaced now? A television industry insider said,

“It’s true that Nakai has support from within the TV industry.”

On the topic of the third-party committee’s investigation report, lawyer Toru Hashimoto (55) also commented on the April 1 broadcast of Jouhou Live Miyaneya (Yomiuri TV / NTV):

“The most important point, I think, is how the term sexual violence is used. I think it’s very crude and sloppy.”

Even now, people involved in various TV stations are feeling unsettled.

Sociologist Noritoshi Furuichi (40), who has co-starred with Nakai on shows like “Nakai Masahiro no Doyoubi na Kai” (TV Asahi), also stated from the beginning that “the story I’ve heard is different.” On April 6, during “Mr. Sunday” (Fuji TV), he mentioned:

“Is it possible for Nakai-san personally, or through the company, to set up a third-party committee? (Omitted) I think there are several things not written in the third-party committee’s report.”

He also referred to the blank three days.

“In the end, the exact details of what happened between Nakai-san and the woman remain unknown, and it’s true that even now, people involved in various TV stations—including Fuji TV—are unsettled. Among those who interviewed Nakai-san last year, quite a few staff members heard directly from him that this is not sexual misconduct,” said a variety show staff member.

Furthermore, on the late-night “TOKYO SPEAKEASY” (TOKYO FM) broadcast on April 23, former TV writer Osamu Suzuki (53), who worked on shows like “SMAP×SMAP” (Fuji TV), and Furuichi both commented that:

“Nakai-san’s side’s opinions are barely reflected.”

“However, this is understandable because Nakai-san has not held a press conference or publicly refuted the claims. Among experts skeptical of the sexual misconduct accusations, there were comments when Nakai announced his retirement, saying ‘He could have chosen to take a break from activities,’” said the aforementioned staff member.

Proof that he wants to return to the entertainment industry

“After all, many TV station staff and talents who have worked with Nakai-san harbored doubts about the somewhat one-sided report from the third-party committee. Those feelings have not faded and have continued to smolder,” said a staff member.

Regarding Nakai’s recent situation, on March 6th, Shofukutei Tsurube (73) spoke at his regular talk event “TSURUBE BANASHI 2025,” saying,

“‘That person’ often calls me. He seems lonely, but he’s doing well, apologizing and all.”

Though the talk show was off-the-record, Tsurube, who had only attended a barbecue party at Nakai’s home and had his own commercial suspended, was likely cautious with his words. Still, by sharing this update to please Nakai’s fans, it suggests Tsurube also hopes to appear on TV with Nakai again someday, even if it takes time, according to a TV magazine writer.

On his paid fan club website, Nakai stated,

“I do not believe that I have fulfilled all responsibilities at this point. Moving forward, I will sincerely face various issues and respond with utmost sincerity. All responsibility lies with me personally.”

Entertainment journalist Hiroyuki Sasaki analyzed,

“It’s true that there are fans and industry insiders skeptical about the third-party committee’s allegations of sexual misconduct. These people probably want Nakai to return. However, unless Nakai’s rebuttal is recognized as legitimate, it will be very difficult. On the other hand, this rebuttal could be seen as proof that he wants to come back to show business.”

For now, we await the evidence disclosure scheduled for May 26.