On May 7, 2025, actress Mei Nagano's agency, Star Dust Promotion, firmly denied reports of an alleged affair with actor Atsushi Tanaka, stating that the two are simply colleagues. The denial follows a report from the "Shukan Bunshun" electronic edition, which suggested that Nagano, 25, and Tanaka, 40, were involved in an extramarital relationship.
The controversy ignited when "Shukan Bunshun" published details on April 23, claiming that the two actors were exchanging messages indicative of a romantic relationship. In response to the claims, Star Dust Promotion clarified that after confirming with Nagano, she stated, "There have been no such exchanges." They emphasized that Tanaka is merely a senior colleague and reiterated that there is no truth to the allegations of an affair.
In their statement, the agency also extended apologies for any distress caused to concerned parties, including clients, staff, and fans. They expressed regret for the confusion stemming from the reports, stating, "We sincerely apologize for the great concern and inconvenience this has caused to everyone involved, including fans and clients associated with our projects."
Furthermore, the agency addressed the publication's claims that Nagano is also romantically involved with Korean actor Kim Mu-jun, 26, who stars alongside her in the TBS drama "Caster." Star Dust Promotion reiterated that both Tanaka and Kim are colleagues and denied any rumors of romantic involvement.
Tanaka's agency, Tristone Entertainment, echoed this sentiment, stating that they understand Tanaka and Nagano to be good actor colleagues and confirmed that there is no affair. They also assured that all of Tanaka's work commitments would proceed as planned, despite the swirling rumors.
For context, Nagano and Tanaka previously co-starred in the 2021 film "And, the Baton Was Passed," where they played a parent-child duo. Tanaka has been married since 2011 and is a father of two children, which adds another layer to the sensitivity surrounding the affair allegations.
Following the initial report, the public's interest in the personal lives of these actors has surged, sparking discussions across social media platforms. Fans of both actors have expressed their support while also voicing skepticism about the sensational nature of the allegations.
As the situation unfolds, the actors involved have remained focused on their professional commitments. Nagano is currently starring in "Caster," which airs every Sunday night on TBS, while Tanaka continues to work on various projects, maintaining his reputation as a respected figure in the industry.
This incident highlights the challenges public figures face in managing their personal lives amid relentless media scrutiny. The agencies' swift responses reflect an effort to protect their clients' reputations and maintain transparency with fans and stakeholders.
In an age where celebrity gossip can spread like wildfire, the importance of accurate reporting and responsible journalism cannot be overstated. The agencies' denials serve as a reminder that allegations, especially those involving personal relationships, should be approached with caution and sensitivity.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how this situation will impact Nagano and Tanaka's careers and public images. For now, both actors are navigating the storm, committed to their craft and their fans.
