Japanese pop star and TV host Masahiro Nakai announced his retirement on Thursday, following allegations of sexual misconduct. Nakai, 52, was a member of the popular boy band SMAP and had a successful TV hosting career.

The allegations against Nakai emerged last month, with reports claiming he paid a woman 90 million yen ($570,000) after a "sexual act against her will" in 2023. Nakai denied some of the allegations, but apologized for his actions.

Nakai's retirement has stunned Japan, with fans and fellow celebrities expressing shock and disappointment. The incident has also sparked a wider conversation about the treatment of women in Japan's entertainment industry.

The case has drawn comparisons to the scandal surrounding Johnny Kitagawa, the late founder of Nakai's talent agency, who was accused of sexually assaulting teenage boys and young men. The agency acknowledged the allegations in 2023.

Nakai's retirement is the latest in a series of scandals to rock Japan's entertainment industry, including allegations of sexual assault against comedian Hitoshi Matsumoto.

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