Former boy band member Masahiro Nakai is at the center of a sex scandal that has put Japan’s entertainment industry under scrutiny. Observers say his downfall echoes decades of abuse by music mogul Johnny Kitagawa.
Nakai, his agency, and broadcaster have faced criticism for their dismissive response to the allegations. Analysts believe foreign influence played a role in bringing the issue to light.
“We tried very hard to keep this quiet, but they failed,” said Makoto Watanabe, professor of communications at Hokkaido Bunkyo University. “The Japanese public is now seeing the lax governance within the entertainment industry and how those in power can protect themselves.”
Watanabe believes the alleged victim was “sacrificed” to maintain the status quo. Nakai’s response to the allegations has only added fuel to the fire, with his statement claiming the issue had been resolved and that he did nothing wrong.
“This arrogance has triggered the Japanese public,” Watanabe said. “He has effectively committed ‘professional suicide’ by making such a statement.”
Source: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3295305/masahiro-nakai-sex-scandal-puts-japans-entertainment-industry-crosshairs