The Longest-Running Anime in History in Danger: “Sazae-san” and “Chibi Maruko-chan” Could Disappear After the Fuji TV Scandal

Fuji TV in Crisis: The End of the Longest-Running Anime in History?

One of the pillars of Japanese television is on the brink of collapse. Fuji TV, the historic network that has been home to some of the most beloved anime franchises, is facing its worst crisis after the sexual assault scandal involving former SMAP member Masahiro Nakai. The controversy has triggered a mass exodus of sponsors, leaving iconic titles like “Sazae-san” and “Chibi Maruko-chan” at risk of cancellation due to lack of funding.

Since its premiere in 1969, Sazae-san has held the Guinness World Record as the longest-running anime in history, while Chibi Maruko-chan has been a television classic since 1990. However, with the departure of top executives Shuji Kano and Koichi Minato, and the withdrawal of key brands such as Nissan, Toyota, and Nintendo, the future of these series hangs by a thread.

What Sparked This Crisis at Fuji TV?

The scandal came to light in 2020, when Masahiro Nakai was accused of assaulting a woman at a dinner organized by Fuji TV staff. Although the presenter denied the accusations and settled the case with a multimillion-dollar agreement, Japanese public opinion has not forgiven the network for its connection to the controversy. Since then, the network's reputation has plummeted, while social media has filled with criticism and memes against it.

The situation has worsened with the withdrawal of major sponsors, who fear becoming entangled in the controversy. So far, only Nishimatsuya, a company specializing in children's products, continues to back “Sazae-san”, casting doubt on the economic viability of the longest-running anime on television.

Can “Sazae-san” and “Chibi Maruko-chan” Survive?

With more than 50 years on the air, Sazae-san is a cultural symbol in Japan, as is Chibi Maruko-chan. However, the Fuji TV crisis has filled Japanese forums with speculation about their future. While some suggest that the production companies behind these anime could seek new networks to continue their broadcasts, others believe that Fuji TV's decline is irreversible.

Moreover, the arrival of Kenji Shimizu as the new president of Fuji TV has failed to calm the situation. His promise to "start over" has not convinced the public or investors, which only fuels rumors that the network could temporarily withdraw from anime production.

The “Nakai Shock” and Its Impact on the Anime Industry

Japanese media have already dubbed this crisis the "Nakai Shock", referring to the devastating impact the scandal has had on the entertainment industry. Fuji TV has been one of the most influential networks in anime history, and its potential fall would affect not only Sazae-san and Chibi Maruko-chan, but also many other projects in which the network participates as part of production committees.

If Fuji TV decides to reduce its investment in anime, other popular franchises could be affected, creating a domino effect across the industry. Although there are still no official announcements about the cancellation of these anime, uncertainty is total, and many fans fear that this crisis will mark the end of an era in Japanese television.

Are We Witnessing the End of a Legacy?

The coming months will be key in determining whether Sazae-san and Chibi Maruko-chan can stay on the air or whether they will fall victim to the Fuji TV crisis. With an increasingly skeptical audience and sponsors fleeing en masse, the network faces the greatest challenge in its history.

For now, fans can only wait and see whether these series manage to find a new home or whether the anime industry is about to lose two of its longest-running titles.