In the most recent crisis to shake Japan’s entertainment industry, Masahiro Nakai, one of the country’s top pop artists and most well-known TV broadcasters, announced his retirement on Thursday due to sexual misconduct charges, according to sources.
Nakai’s statement follows the 2023 admission by the now-defunct boy band empire Johnny & Associates that its late founder, Johnny Kitagawa, had sexually abused teenage boys and young men for decades.
During the band’s nearly three decades of success, Nakai was a member of the now-disbanded SMAP, which was a part of Johnny & Associates’ profitable stable and swept the charts in Japan and throughout Asia.
Last month, it was reported that 52-year-old Nakai, who has achieved fame as a television personality since SMAP’s dissolution, had given an unidentified woman a lump sum payment of 90 million yen ($570,000).
According to prominent tabloid magazine Shukan Bunshun, the accusations relate to a 2023 contact with the woman that included a “sexual act against her will” and a private environment.
Nakai’s weekly show was suspended by Fuji Television this month, and the presenter was also fired by other major networks.
Local media on Thursday cited a statement Nakai sent to his paid fan club announcing his complete retirement from show business.
Nakai said he had “completed all discussions with TV stations, radio broadcasters and sponsors regarding my termination, cancellation, removal and contract annulment,” the Mainichi newspaper said.
“I will continue to face up to all problems sincerely and respond in a wholehearted manner. I alone am responsible for everything,” Nakai reportedly said.
AFP was not immediately able to confirm the announcement with Nakai’s agency, and the star’s website was overwhelmed with visitors.
