Masahiro Nakai (left), who announced his retirement from show business in January, and Taichi Kokubun, whom Nippon TV announced for a compliance violation Masahiro Nakai has not appeared in public The year is almost over, and New Year’s Day is approaching, but looking back, many entertainment news stories stirred public attention. In particular, it seemed that many long-established stars or big names in the entertainment industry had their reputations toppled almost effortlessly by a single scandal or accusation. With that in mind, FRIDAY Digital, which delivers news daily, compiled a ranking of the entertainment articles that were most read over the past year, divided into the first and second halves of the year. [First Half of the Year] 10th place: “The Real Face Only FRIDAY Captured: Masahiro Nakai, the Man Who Ended SMAP’s Reunion – 30-Year History” (Feb 1) The sexual harassment issue involving Masahiro Nakai (53) and a female announcer, reported in December ’24, caused a stir. Attention focused on Nakai’s private life and his true character up to that point. 9th place: “New Allegations Against Nagano Mei Amid Infidelity Rumors Hinting at a Handsome Actor Sparks Online Buzz” (May 2) Nagano Mei (26), who was reported to have an affair with Tanaka Kei (41), became a hot topic on social media when past posts hinting at another actor were dug up. 8th place: “Why TV Wide Shows Skipped the Nagano Mei & Tanaka Kei Infidelity Rumor Reports” (April 27) Although the affair scandal made headlines in magazines, sports newspapers, and online media, television remained silent for a while. Reporting revealed the industry-specific reasons behind this. 7th place: [Exclusive] “‘Everything I Shared Is True’ – Marie Speaks About the Nakai Issue and Her Current Thoughts”(Feb 5) Marie (38), who previously spoke out about sexual abuse in the entertainment industry, was interviewed again after Nakai’s problem became public. She said: “At first glance, it may seem like this is happening somewhere unrelated to me. But everything is connected.” Her remarks highlighted the ongoing shadow of sexual misconduct in the entertainment world. 6th place: “Bold Kiss on the Station Platform” Kei Nishikori’s Reported Affair and Passionate Dates with Ai Fukuhara and Ako Mizuki” (June 19) Kei Nishikori (35), a world-renowned tennis player, was reported to have an affair with a model he worked with in commercials. Past private outings with former table tennis champion Ai Fukuhara (37) and his wife Ako Mizuki (34) also drew attention. 5th place: “Kyoko Sasaki Highlights ‘The Disease in Fuji TV’ Active Employees Point Out the ‘Absolute Power’ of Superserving Executives” (Jan 21) Nakai’s issue shocked Fuji TV internally. About 80 companies suspended CM placements, creating a situation that threatened the very foundation of management. 4th place: “Hiroshi Ikushima: Executives Suddenly Came to the Studio and Said ‘Don’t Touch Your Phone’ The Moment of His Sudden Resignation and the Comedic Chaos” (Feb 10) Hiroshi Ikushima (75), a freelance announcer, was immediately removed from two regular radio programs for a compliance violation. The resignation announcement came suddenly after a live broadcast. The tense moment was reported in detail. 3rd place: [Scoop!] Ryo Katsuji, Four Years After Shock Divorce from Atsuko Maeda “Date at Toba Aquarium with a Popular Actress 11 Years Younger” (Jan 31) Ryo Katsuji (39) was reported on a date at an aquarium with actress Kana Kita (28). Their confident public relationship left a positive impression on many. 2nd place: “Husband’s Company Struggled with Finances” – The Shadow Creeping Into the ‘Happy-Looking Home’ of Ruriko Kojima After Her Husband’s Sudden Death” (Feb 4) Ruriko Kojima (32), who gave birth to her first child in ’24, experienced sudden loss. The shock impacted not only the entertainment world but the public as well. She announced a return to entertainment in October and made her terrestrial TV comeback on December 19 in Zenryoku! Datsuryoku Times (Fuji TV). 1st place: “Masahiro Nakai Is Reclusing at Home Pushed Fuji TV to the Brink of Collapse, Heading for ‘Entertainment Industry Exile’” (Jan 23) The most read and attention-grabbing story in the first half of ’25 involved Nakai and Fuji TV. Just hours after this article was published, Nakai announced his retirement, drawing public attention. He still has not appeared publicly, and everyone is watching closely to see what he will do in ’26. On YouTube, FRIDAY Digital’s “Entertainment Reporter Channel” also announces the second-half rankings. Active entertainment reporters provide detailed commentary on “The 10 Most-Read Entertainment News Stories of 2025.”