News On Japan

Japanese firms pull commercials from scandal-hit Fuji Television

TOKYO, Jan 20 (NHK) - Fallout continues from a scandal involving a woman and popular TV personality Nakai Masahiro, who is best known as a former member of the disbanded pop idol group, SMAP.

A weekly magazine has reported that an employee of Japan's Fuji Television played a role in the alleged incident.

And now, advertisers are starting to distance themselves from the broadcaster. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance said it will suspend its commercials on Fuji TV.

The firm explained that the decision was made in light of a series of media reports.

Nippon Life Insurance said that on Sunday it will replace its advertisements with public service announcements for two of the Fuji TV programs it sponsors.

Toyota Motor and NTT East have taken the same measure.

Fuji Television President Minato Koichi held a news conference on Friday for the first time since the scandal surfaced. He said his company will set up a panel comprised mainly of independent lawyers to look into the matter.

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held his first meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington on the morning of the 7th (early on the 8th Japan time). During the talks, Trump pressed for a resolution to the US trade deficit with Japan, warning that tariffs could become an option if trade imbalances persist.

Boat travel from Kyoto to the Expo 2025 site in Yumeshima will become possible next month as a council promoting Yodogawa river transport announced the opening of a new route from Fushimi.

The Japanese government is set to raise the cap on high-cost medical expenses starting in August, a decision that has ignited intense debate among politicians, healthcare experts, and the general public.

Osaka-Kansai Expo will offer visitors a glimpse into the "future of food," with companies unveiling innovative dining experiences set to be featured at the event.

Panasonic Holdings has announced plans to dissolve its core subsidiary, Panasonic Corporation, and split it into three separate companies as part of its business restructuring efforts.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Business NEWS

A senior executive of Taiwan’s electronics manufacturing giant, Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn), reportedly visited Japan last month and met with Nissan officials, according to Taiwanese media reports.

Takanawa Gateway City, one of Tokyo’s largest redevelopment projects, is set to open on March 27. While still under construction, many of the barriers have been removed, revealing glimpses of the city’s future landmark.

As new condominium prices continue to rise in Japan, homeownership is becoming increasingly challenging for many buyers. As a result, many potential buyers are turning to the used condominium market in search of more affordable options.

Nissan’s CEO has informed Honda’s president of the company’s decision to terminate merger discussions. Why did the planned alliance between Japan’s second- and third-largest automakers break down?

Nagoya’s Sakae district, one of Aichi Prefecture’s major commercial areas, is undergoing extensive redevelopment to create a more vibrant urban space and replace aging buildings.

Panasonic Holdings has announced plans to dissolve its core subsidiary, Panasonic Corporation, and split it into three separate companies as part of its business restructuring efforts.

Japan’s real wages declined for the third consecutive year in 2024, failing to keep pace with rising prices, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

A recent Cabinet Office survey on gender equality revealed that 43.3% of respondents who changed their surname after marriage wanted to continue using their maiden name in the workplace. This marks a 4.2-point increase from the previous survey conducted two years ago.