One of the biggest TV networks in Japan, Fuji TV, has stopped airing Nintendo's ads. The cause was a sexual scandal involving Masahiro Nakai, a TV host and former leader of the SMAP boy band.

The scandal began in December 2024 when Josei Seven magazine reported that a high-ranking Fuji TV employee organized a dinner for colleagues. According to another magazine, Weekly Bunshun, only Nakai and one woman attended the dinner. Nakai was subsequently accused of sexual assault. The case was reportedly settled out of court for a sum of 90 million yen (about $578,000).

Fuji TV has hired independent lawyers to investigate the situation, as suspicions have arisen about the company's unspoken practice of using female presenters to entertain celebrities.

Nintendo joins the ranks of 50 companies, including Toyota and Kao Corporation, that have previously refused to cooperate with Fuji TV. The company's ads will now be replaced by social spots provided by the Advertising Council Japan (AC Japan), a non-profit organization.

Nintendo's decision was met with a positive reaction from the Japanese public. Many users of the X platform expressed their support and hope that the companies will continue to uphold ethical business principles.

Main image: reddit.com

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