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Mei Nagano’s Perfect Image Shattered? Inside the Affair Scandal Rocking Japan’s TV Industry!

This week, Japan’s entertainment world was rocked by scandal as Mei Nagano (25), one of the nation’s most beloved actresses, became embroiled in viral rumours of a love triangle involving her Caster co-star Kim Mu‑jun (26) and married actor Kei Tanaka (40). The whispers, originating from tabloid outlets and stoked across Instagram, X, TikTok, and […]

This week, Japan’s entertainment world was rocked by scandal as Mei Nagano (25), one of the nation’s most beloved actresses, became embroiled in viral rumours of a love triangle involving her Caster co-star Kim Mu‑jun (26) and married actor Kei Tanaka (40). The whispers, originating from tabloid outlets and stoked across Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube, have triggered a wave of professional consequences—endorsement withdrawals, drama cancellations, and social media storm. Here’s the full story.

Timeline: From Tabloid Allegations to Public Apology

DateEvent
Apr 23, 2025Shukan Bunshun reports Nagano involved with Tanaka and Kim Mu‑jun; photos and alleged LINE messages surface.
Apr 25Both stars strongly deny the affair; Nagano’s agency reportedly urges caution in her interactions.
Apr 29Nagano issues on-air apology, expressing regret for “misunderstandings” caused.
May 5She withdraws from the 2026 NHK Taiga drama “Toyotomi Brothers!”, citing the scandal.
May 14–15Nine major sponsors (including Prada, SK‑II, Suntory) remove ads and suspend campaigns featuring Nagano.
Mid‑JuneSources report Nagano’s schedule is completely cleared for the next three years.
July 3The controversy continues to trend on social media, with no new official statement from Nagano.

What the Tabloids Say

Shukan Bunshun alleged that Nagano invited a drunk Tanaka into her Minato apartment multiple nights. It published photos—Halloween selfies of the pair and Tanaka leaving her home late on April 19. Reports also claimed private LINE messages, some explicit, spanning several months. (tokyoreporter)

Tanaka, married since 2011 with two children, acted alongside Nagano in 2021’s And So the Baton Is Passed. Kim Mu‑jun, her co-lead in Caster, also appeared in the tabloid allegations. (tokyoreporter)

Denials and Damage Control

Both actors and their agencies issued denials:

  • Nagano’s agency stated: “Kei Tanaka is a senior colleague. There is no truth to any romantic involvement.”
    She also reportedly apologized on-air for causing misunderstandings. (tokyohive)
  • Tanaka’s agency echoed: “No affair occurred. He is merely a respected colleague.” (kbizoom)

TBS, the broadcaster behind Caster, confirmed the series will air as scheduled, with no edits or schedule changes.

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Endorsements: Deals Collapsed

Nagano’s once-spotless brand image has tumbled:

Major sponsors across multiple sectors—including Prada, SK‑II, Suntory, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Mos Food—swiftly pulled advertisements and imagery featuring her.

The combined estimated losses range in the tens of millions of yen. Analysts say these marketers acted quickly to protect brand integrity.

Career Fallout: Three-Year Void

Nagano withdrew from Toyotomi Brothers!, the prestigious 2026 NHK historical drama.

She reportedly lost a radio slot on All Night Nippon X and saw her professional bookings evaporate. Industry insiders claim her once full calendar now reads “blank until 2028”.

Despite the losses, insiders suggest she may resurface via streaming platforms, where controversy can sometimes be a short-lived price of entry.

The Mei Nagano affair saga has become a full-scale reckoning in Japan’s entertainment industry. Amid allegations, denials, brand withdrawals, project cancellations, and a wipeout of her public schedule, the scandal spotlights how quickly fame can unravel—even without legal proof.

Nagano’s future will depend on resilience: securing new platforms, reclaiming public trust, or pivoting creatively. As the dust settles, the question remains: can she rise again from this very public fall?

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