Actress Mei Nagano, 25, has recently found herself at the center of a media storm following allegations of infidelity with actor Atsushi Tanaka, 40. The controversy has led to significant repercussions for Nagano, particularly in her role as a brand ambassador for two prominent companies. On May 8, 2025, it was reported that all commercial videos and images featuring Nagano were removed from the official websites of both JCB Debit and Sunstar Ora2, where she had been prominently featured.
This decision came in the wake of a report published by Shukan Bunshun on April 24, 2025, which detailed alleged romantic exchanges between Nagano and Tanaka. Although both actors' agencies have denied the claims of an affair, the fallout from the revelations has been swift. By May 8, the Shukan Bunshun electronic edition had published further details, including intimate LINE messages exchanged between the two actors, escalating the situation.
According to advertising industry insiders, the contracts with Nagano remain active; however, the removal of her promotional materials appears to be a precautionary measure taken after evaluating consumer feedback and the overall situation. An unnamed source from the advertising sector explained, "It seems they made a comprehensive judgment considering consumer opinions and various circumstances." This sentiment was echoed by Sunstar's public relations department, which stated, "We have determined that it is difficult to convey the brand's original value in light of the current situation."
Sunstar confirmed that the decision to withdraw Nagano's advertisements was directly influenced by the ongoing media coverage. This marks the first instance where a company has openly acknowledged the impact of the scandal on its advertising strategy. The company commented, "We are proceeding with a review based on the overall situation and various influences."
Following the initial report on April 24, the fallout extended beyond just JCB and Sunstar. The ad campaign featuring Nagano for contact lens retailer Eyecity was also abruptly halted before the scheduled end date of April 30, 2025. Kikkoman, another brand associated with Tanaka, has similarly removed all content featuring him from their official site.
The implications of this scandal have raised questions about the future of Nagano's career. Prior to this controversy, she was involved in over ten advertising contracts, while Tanaka had more than three. With both agencies firmly denying any wrongdoing, the industry is now watching closely to see how other clients will respond amidst the ongoing scrutiny.
The situation has not only affected Nagano's advertising roles but has also begun to influence her current projects. Reports indicate that her upcoming film, Kakukaku Shikajika, is set to premiere on May 16, 2025, but a promotional event scheduled for May 8 was canceled due to the scandal. Additionally, her role in the TBS Sunday drama Caster, where she plays the lead, is reportedly being affected, with indications that her lines are being re-shot to mitigate the impact of the controversy.
Industry insiders have noted that Nagano's social media presence has significantly decreased since the scandal broke, with fewer promotional posts appearing on her official accounts. This has led to speculation that the production team is taking extra precautions to distance the show from the ongoing allegations.
Meanwhile, Tanaka's involvement in various television programs has also come under scrutiny. A recent episode of the variety show Kaji Yarou!!! featured an unusual editing choice that left him out of promotional footage, further fueling rumors about the potential fallout from the scandal.
As the situation continues to unfold, social media reactions have been mixed, with many users expressing concern over the implications of the scandal for both actors. Comments such as "Mei Nagano is dropping out of commercials one after another…" have surfaced, highlighting the public's awareness of the impact this controversy is having on her career.
In a statement addressing the allegations, Nagano's agency reiterated their denial of any affair, asserting that after confirming with Nagano, she stated that she had not engaged in any such exchanges. They clarified that Tanaka is merely a senior colleague in the acting industry and denied any romantic involvement.
As the media scrutiny intensifies, both Nagano and Tanaka's agencies are under pressure to manage the narrative surrounding their clients. The question remains: how will this scandal shape their careers moving forward? With brands reconsidering their partnerships and the public's perception shifting, the future for both actors seems uncertain.
The unfolding drama serves as a reminder of the fragility of public personas in the entertainment industry, where a single report can lead to swift and significant consequences. As more details emerge, industry watchers and fans alike will be eager to see how this saga develops and what it means for the careers of these two prominent figures.
