Is the downfall of a Japanese star a turning point for women's rights?

In Japan, a significant event has unfolded in the entertainment industry, leading to discussions about women's rights and the treatment of sexual assault victims. Masahiro Nakai, a prominent television personality and former member of the popular boy band SMAP, announced his retirement in January after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a dinner party in 2023. This revelation, which first appeared in the tabloid magazine Josei Seven and was later reported by Shukan Bunshun, has sent shockwaves through the industry and raised questions about how sexual assault cases are handled in Japan. Traditionally, victims of such crimes have faced societal pressure to remain silent, often fearing shame and disbelief. Nakai, who was a leading presenter for Fuji TV, one of Japan's largest broadcasters, did not admit guilt but expressed regret for causing trouble and reportedly settled the matter for over half a million dollars. As public outrage grew, he was compelled to step away from his career in entertainment. The fallout from this scandal has been severe for Fuji TV, which has seen its reputation tarnished and its revenue threatened. Major companies, including Nissan and Toyota, have pulled their advertisements from the network, further exacerbating the situation. The broadcaster has acknowledged that it allowed Nakai to continue his work even after being informed of the allegations against him. Keiko Kojima, a former TV presenter with 15 years of experience in the media industry, remarked that if this incident had occurred a decade ago, there would not have been such a strong public response. She highlighted that sexual violence against women is a pervasive issue in Japan, with a 2020 survey indicating that over 70% of sexual assaults go unreported. A study published in the International Journal of Asian Studies in 2024 revealed that only 10 to 20 out of every 1,000 rapes result in a criminal conviction, and fewer than half of those convicted serve time in prison. This culture of silence is perpetuated by societal attitudes that encourage women to remain quiet about their experiences. Machiko Osawa, a professor emeritus at Japan Women's University, emphasized that women often feel they lack the proper mechanisms to report incidents of sexual violence, leading to a culture where they are seldom believed. Kojima further explained that the media industry has long fostered an environment of impunity, where young women feel pressured to tolerate harassment to maintain their jobs. She recounted experiences of being subjected to inappropriate comments and expectations to respond with humor rather than anger. The Nakai case has also prompted discussions about the prevalence of dinners and drinking parties involving celebrities and young women, with Kojima noting that it is common for women to be used as 'tools for entertaining' in Japanese corporate culture. This scandal has galvanized women's rights activists, with Minori Kitahara, a founder of the Flower Demo movement, expressing surprise at the swift reactions from sponsors. She believes this moment could signify a turning point for the MeToo movement in Japan. Nearly 50 companies have severed ties with Fuji TV, and the government has withdrawn its advertisements, calling for the broadcaster to regain public trust. However, Fuji TV has struggled to address the crisis effectively, leading to further public anger. The president of Fuji TV, Koichi Minato, admitted that the company was aware of the allegations shortly after the incident but chose not to disclose them, prioritizing the woman's recovery and privacy. After a disastrous press conference, the company held a second one that lasted 10 hours to express remorse. Both the chairman and president resigned, but many view this as a superficial response rather than a genuine effort for change. Professor Osawa believes that high-profile cases like this can set important precedents for future change. The Nakai scandal is part of a broader conversation about women's rights in Japan, following other notable cases, such as that of journalist Shiori Ito, who became a symbol of the MeToo movement after publicly accusing a well-known TV journalist of rape. Kojima noted that people are beginning to understand that it is acceptable to speak out against sexual harassment. However, both Kojima and Kitahara feel that progress is too slow. They argue that the current generation of media leaders must step down to create a new corporate culture that addresses exploitation and violence against women. Kitahara expressed her hope that one day she will no longer have to attend Flower Demo protests. Osawa echoed this sentiment, stating that Japan still has a long way to go due to the persistent power imbalances in society. While women have been part of the workforce for many years, they are still often viewed as caretakers, while men are seen as breadwinners. This moment is crucial, but it remains uncertain how much attitudes will shift in the future. Kitahara shared her frustration, stating that sexual violence continues to be a pressing issue, as she meets new survivors at protests each month. She hopes for a day when these demonstrations will no longer be necessary.