Former SMAP leader Masahiro Nakai is embroiled in a major sex scandal, causing numerous variety shows and radio programs he hosts to halt production and broadcasting. The scandal has also dragged Fuji TV into the spotlight, with allegations of the network secretly arranging "sexual tributes" from female announcers. This explosive situation has led over fifty companies to pull their advertisements from Fuji TV.
But Fuji TV isn't just any network; it's home to massive hits like "Chiikawa," "One Piece," and "Chibi Maruko-chan." This has fans worried sick that their beloved anime might be affected, or even worse, face cancellation.
According to Japanese netizens' tallies, as of January 20th, over 50 companies have already pulled their ad campaigns from Fuji TV, with many more currently reviewing their contracts. Reportedly, over half of Fuji TV's remaining ad slots are now filled by public service announcements from the Advertising Council Japan (AC Japan), a stark sign of dwindling corporate interest.
Take the "Chiikawa" anime, for instance, which airs during Fuji TV's "Mezamashi TV" morning show. Viewers have already noticed a significant shift, with nearly all commercial breaks now featuring AC Japan ads – a clear indicator of the mass exodus of advertisers.
This has sparked major concern among fans, with many pleading for "Chiikawa" to be protected and moved to a different network should Fuji TV face collapse or other drastic consequences.
Fuji TV produces and broadcasts a slew of iconic anime and cartoons, including the long-running "Chibi Maruko-chan" and "One Piece," which is set to air new content after episode 1123 in April. With sponsors fleeing, countless anime fans and netizens are demanding a network change, fearing their beloved shows will be tainted by Fuji TV's scandal.
While Fuji TV has repeatedly announced the formation of an investigative committee to get to the bottom of things, the deep-seated resentment among the Japanese public towards the network isn't likely to dissipate anytime soon.