On April 28, 2025, actress Mei Nagano addressed the public regarding her alleged affair with fellow actor Atsushi Tanaka during a live broadcast of her radio show, "Mei Nagano's All Night Nippon X" on Nippon Broadcasting. This appearance marked her first public response following the scandal that erupted after a report from Weekly Bunshun surfaced on April 24, revealing details of the alleged relationship.
At the start of the program, Nagano, 25, opened with a heartfelt apology, stating, "Good evening. This is Mei Nagano. Before starting the program, I have something I would like to tell you." She continued, expressing her remorse for the distress caused by the reports, saying, "I have caused a lot of concern and confusion to all the listeners who always support me, all the fans, and all the people involved in my work. I am truly sorry."
In her apology, Nagano reflected on her actions, stating, "I deeply regret acting in a frivolous manner that could lead to misunderstandings. From now on, I will act with moderation so that this kind of thing does not happen again. I am very sorry. I will do my best to regain everyone's trust." Her sincerity resonated with listeners, as she vowed to rectify the situation.
The initial report from Weekly Bunshun claimed that Nagano was involved in an affair with Tanaka, 40, who she co-starred with in the 2021 film "And the Baton Was Passed." Additionally, the report suggested that she was also in a relationship with Korean actor Kim Mu-jun, 26, with whom she is currently appearing in the TBS Sunday drama "Caster." This led to allegations of a "two-timing" affair.
In response to the allegations, both Nagano's and Tanaka's agencies issued statements denying any romantic involvement. Tristone Entertainment, Tanaka's agency, emphasized that the two are merely good friends and recognized that their behavior had raised concerns. They stated, "We recognize that they are good actor friends, and we do not recognize any affair. Because such actions are immediately problematic, we strongly urge the person to self-discipline and self-respect."
Nagano's agency, Stardust Promotion, echoed these sentiments, affirming that there was no truth to the claims of a relationship with either Tanaka or Kim. They noted, "Tanaka and Kim are seniors and friends as actors, and there is no truth to the relationships." They also expressed regret over the misunderstandings caused by Nagano's actions and apologized for any distress caused to fans and associates.
The timing of Nagano's apology was particularly poignant, as it came just days after the scandal broke. On April 21, she had appeared on her show discussing personal topics, including anecdotes about her mother, seemingly unaware of the storm that was about to unfold. Following the scandal, many fans were curious about how she would address the situation during her live broadcast.
In the aftermath of the Bunshun report, social media buzzed with speculation about Nagano's response. Many listeners tuned in to see if she would directly address the allegations and how she would navigate the fallout. Her previous handling of a different controversy, involving comedian Eto, where she maintained a positive demeanor despite the chaos, added to the anticipation surrounding her latest broadcast.
During the broadcast, Nagano's tone was serious yet earnest, as she took full responsibility for her actions. She made it clear that she understood the gravity of the situation and was committed to changing her behavior moving forward. The sincerity of her apology seemed to resonate with many listeners, who took to social media to express their support.
As the radio show continued after her apology, Nagano returned to her usual format, engaging with listeners and playing music. The mix of her heartfelt apology and the subsequent return to normalcy showcased her ability to navigate the complexities of public life as a celebrity.
While the scandal has undoubtedly cast a shadow over her career, Nagano's proactive approach in addressing the issue head-on may help her regain the trust of her fans. The incident serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny public figures face and the impact of their actions on their personal and professional lives.
As of now, there have been no announcements regarding any changes to Nagano's upcoming projects, and she is expected to continue with her scheduled activities. The fallout from this incident will likely be closely monitored by both fans and media alike.
In the world of entertainment, where public perception can shift rapidly, Nagano's ability to handle this situation with grace may define her career moving forward. Whether she can fully recover from this scandal remains to be seen, but her commitment to accountability is a promising sign for her future endeavors.
