TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A number of major Japanese companies said Monday they are following Toyota Motor Corp. and suspending commercials on Fuji Television Network Inc. as the Tokyo-based broadcaster faces scrutiny over its alleged involvement in a misconduct scandal linked to Masahiro Nakai, a male member of the now-defunct popular idol group SMAP.

Along with Japan's largest carmaker, Nissan Motor Co., cosmetics maker Kao Corp. and Seven & i Holdings Co. have distanced themselves from Fuji TV, which announced Friday that it is launching a probe amid allegations that an employee played a role in the incident between Nakai and a woman.

"We are currently replacing commercials to the extent possible. As for the future, we will decide by closely watching the situation," Nissan said, after switching its commercials on several programs, including "Sazae-san," Japan's longest-running animated TV series.

Kao said it has made the decision by taking into consideration its policy on human rights. Going forward, the firm said it "will make a comprehensive judgment" based on the results of Fuji TV's investigation and other announcements.

Seven & i said the suspended commercials include those for its 7-Eleven convenience stores, which were aired during Fuji TV programs such as the anime series "One Piece."

With the number of companies pulling their commercials increasing, Fuji TV said later in the day, "We apologize for the inconvenience caused to many advertisers and advertising agencies. We will refrain from disclosing details of our sales operations."

Tokyo Broadcasting System Television Inc. also said Monday it has decided to end a program featuring Nakai and replace him with another host in a different show, citing a "comprehensive assessment of the situation" after discussions with both parties involved.

The Tokyo-based broadcaster, known as TBS, added it has begun to carry out an internal investigation to determine whether similar suspected incidents have been committed by its employees, although it has "not been aware of any issues so far."

According to a weekly magazine in December, what was initially planned as a meal in June 2023 with Fuji TV employees ended up with only Nakai and the woman present, leading to nonconsensual sexual activity and a 90 million yen ($577,000) out-of-court settlement.

The TV broadcaster denied involvement in the incident, saying that one of the employees, who reports said set up the meal, neither arranged nor was aware of it.