Veteran Japanese TV Host Masahiro Nakai Faces Programming Shakeup
Veteran Japanese television personality Masahiro Nakai (52) is facing a notable shift in his broadcasting schedule, with several of his shows removed from upcoming lineups. Teh changes come on the heels of a reported late-2024 controversy involving a considerable settlement with a woman, though the connection remains unconfirmed.
While Nakai’s Saturday radio show, “Masahiro Nakai ON&ON AIR,” on Nippon Broadcasting System, celebrated its 2025 debut on January 4th without incident, his television presence is noticeably diminished. Several high-profile programs have undergone significant alterations.
TBS originally scheduled “Masahiro Nakai’s Friday Smile tachi e new Year Special” for January 10th. However, as of January 4th, the station’s official website replaced the program with the 2021 film “Love Like a Bouquet.”
Similarly, TV Asahi’s “Masahiro Nakai’s Saturday Party,” slated for January 11th, has been replaced with an “undecided program” according to the station’s program guide.The time slot following the midday news is now filled with a “super rare masterpiece selection.”
When questioned by Sponichi Newspaper about the programming changes,TBS offered a terse response: “We do not answer questions about the programming.”
The situation mirrors recent events in the U.S. entertainment industry, where high-profile figures have faced career repercussions following public controversies. While the exact nature of the connection between Nakai’s reported settlement and the programming changes remains unclear, the timing is undeniably striking.
One upcoming appearance remains unaffected, for now. Nakai is still scheduled to host Nippon Television’s “The! World Shocking News New Year 4 Hour Special” on January 7th. As of January 4th, the program schedule shows no changes.
The situation continues to unfold, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The impact of these programming changes on Nakai’s long-term career remains to be seen.
