A major scandal is now sweeping through the Japanese entertainment industry, and anime is getting caught in the crossfire.As reported by the BBCand other sources, Fuji TV faced a crisis after former SMAP member Masahiro Nakai was accused of sexual assault in 2023 and allegedly settled with the victim. The network was criticized for attempting to cover up Nakai’s misconduct, prompting Fuji TV’s president and chairman to resign.
Major advertisers, including Toyota and Nissan, pulled commercials from the network, causing significant financial losses. Other advertisers have since withdrawn, leading to an unprecedented situation where two of Japan’s longest-running TV anime,Sazae-sanandChibi Maruko-chan, recently aired without commercials.With Fuji TV in freefall, fans are now wondering whether other anime on the network—especiallyDragon BallandOne Piece—could be affected.
Fuji TV’s Legacy as an Anime Powerhouse
The Uncertain Future ofDragon BallandOne Piece
Fuji TV has a long history of airing anime, dating back to the start in 1963 withMighty Atom(known asAstro Boyin the United States). The 1970s saw globally recognized hits likeMazinger ZandGatchaman. In the 1980s, Fuji TV became the home of the originalDragon Ballanime, which first aired in 1986, followed by its sequels. Then, in 1999,One Piecedebuted on the network, further cementing Fuji TV’s reputation as an anime powerhouse.
Dragon Ball DaimaandOne Pieceare both currently airing on Fuji TV, but the ongoing scandal could have serious consequences.If more advertisers withdraw and ad revenue dries up, these flagship series might no longer be financially viable for the network. That wouldn’t be the end ofDragon BallandOne Piece—both are too big to disappear—but they may need to shift to another network or an alternative form of distribution.
Could Anime Move Away from Fuji TV?
Can Fuji TV Recover?
IfDragon BallandOne Pieceleave Fuji TV, it would mark the end of an era for anime broadcasting in Japan. These series have long been tied to the network’s identity, but with streaming services like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Disney+ investing heavily in anime, there are more options than ever for major titles to find new homes. A move to another traditional TV network, such as TV Tokyo or Nippon TV, is also possible.
Amid Finale Rumors, Dragon Ball Daima May Not Be Ending as Soon as You Think
Dragon Ball Daima may or may not be ending in February, but the real question is whether or not it will get a sequel series.
If Fuji TV manages to weather the storm, it may still hold on to anime mainstays likeOne PieceandDragon Ball—but that depends on whether it can stabilize its finances and regain advertiser confidence. The next few months will be crucial in determining how anime is broadcast in Japan and how it reaches audiences worldwide.
