Photo/Illutration Masahiro Nakai in 2020 (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

TV personality Masahiro Nakai, stung by a reported sexual misconduct scandal and feeling pressure from corporate sponsors and broadcasters, announced his retirement from the entertainment industry on Jan. 23.

“I, Masahiro Nakai, will retire from entertainment activities as of today,” he said at the start of a statement posted on a website for his fan club.

Nakai, 52, said he waited to make the announcement until after he completed all meetings with TV broadcasters, radio stations and sponsors regarding contract termination and cancellation.

He said he will close his management company at the conclusion of remaining procedures and operations.

Weekly magazines in December reported that a sex-related incident occurred after Nakai and a woman found themselves the lone participants in a dinner party in June 2023.

Nakai admitted that “trouble” had occurred but denied reports that an executive of Fuji Television Network Inc. may have been involved.

In his retirement statement, he said: “I do not believe that I have fulfilled all of my responsibilities. I will continue to face various issues sincerely and deal with them in good faith.

“The entire responsibility lies with me personally. I am very sorry that I have caused so much trouble and loss to so many people.”

Alluding to the woman at the dinner party, he continued, “Once again, I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to the other party as well.”

He also apologized to his fans “for this goodbye.”

Nakai was born in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, and belonged to the Johnny and Associates Inc. talent agency.

He became a leader of super-popular idol group SMAP, which was formed in 1988.

After SMAP broke up in December 2016, Nakai became independent in April 2020. He continued to work mainly as a variety show host.

After the trouble with the woman was reported, Nakai on Jan. 9 said in a statement that a settlement had been reached with her, and that the matter had been resolved.

It remains unclear what exactly happened at the dinner party.

“The details of the trouble are protected between the parties involved,” a lawyer representing Nakai said in a statement.

Dissatisfied by the handling of the scandal, sponsors are pulling advertising from Fuji TV, while other broadcasters have deleted scenes featuring Nakai from their programs.

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