Photo/Illutration The headquarters of Fuji Television Network Inc. in Tokyo (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Sponsors are pulling ads from Fuji Television Network Inc. programs over a sexual misconduct scandal involving TV host Masahiro Nakai, best known as a member of the now-defunct pop group SMAP, and a woman.

According to sources, Toyota Motor Corp. and Nippon Life Insurance Co. decided to replace their commercials on the programs they sponsor with those of the Advertising Council Japan (AC Japan), which distributes public service announcements.

Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co. announced it will suspend ads on Fuji Television for the time being after “comprehensively taking into account media reports about Fuji Television and other information.”

Aflac Life Insurance Japan Ltd. will also halt ads on the broadcaster.

Multiple publications accused Nakai, 52, of sexual misconduct toward a woman.

According to the Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine, a planned dinner with a senior Fuji Television employee, among others, ended up with only Nakai and the woman present.

Nakai reportedly paid money to resolve the matter.

Koichi Minato, president of Fuji Television, said Jan. 17 the company will set up an investigation committee with lawyers to examine the scandal and determine whether the employee was involved.

At a news conference, Minato apologized for causing trouble to viewers and stakeholders.

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