Japanese TV host Masahiro Nakai, who was a member of the former pop group SMAP, said Thursday he has retired from show business follo

Masahiro Nakai, one of Japan's top TV hosts and a former pop star, says he is retiring to take responsibility over sexual assault allegations.

The allegations concern a 2023 encounter with a woman that involved a closed-door setting and a “sexual act against her will”. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Nakai’s decision came following reports that he engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with a woman that led to a settlement with the victim.

Japanese TV host Masahiro Nakai, one of the country's most recognisable faces on television, has announced that he is retiring after a sexual assault allegation that has rocked the country's entertainment industry. Nakai, who presented for Fuji Television, was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a 2023 dinner party held by staff.

Japan’s Fuji Television said it will open an investigation into a high-profile sex scandal linked to one of the country’s top celebrities

Masahiro Nakai, one of Japan's biggest boy band stars and a celebrity television host, announced his retirement on Thursday after being accused of sexual misconduct, Japanese media reported.

Former star of J-pop band SMAP Masahiro Nakai resigned after several damning reports and suspicions that broadcasting giant Fuji TV covered up the assault case. The scandal is part of a wave of sexual assault cases hitting the Japanese entertainment industry.

Masahiro Nakai, a former J-pop star turned TV host, said he was retiring following sexual harassment allegations and broadcaster Fuji TV announced a fresh probe into the matter, which has spooked advertisers.