On March 29, 2025, the popular actress Nagano Mei shared some personal news during a press event for her upcoming television projects. Known for her engaging personality, she lightheartedly questioned, "Is it bad to be alone?! (laughs)" This remark came as she revealed that she recently enjoyed cherry blossom viewing by herself, a unique experience that she found delightful.
Nagano is set to star in the Sunday Theater drama "Caster," which premieres on April 13, 2025, at 9:00 PM. The show features a compelling original storyline centered around the fictional news program "News Gate." The plot follows Shindo Soichi, a man dedicated to uncovering the truth and fighting against the darkness that obscures it. This socially conscious entertainment piece aims to resonate with viewers as it tackles themes of truth and justice.
During the press conference, when asked about her recent activities, Nagano excitedly shared her experience of viewing the cherry blossoms alone, saying, "I went to see the cherry blossoms yesterday!" When prompted by the host about her company for the outing, she candidly admitted, "Oh, I went alone!" This elicited a surprised reaction, prompting her to add with a smile, "Is it bad to have gone alone? (laughs)" She further elaborated on her experience, mentioning that she enjoyed eating takoyaki while taking in the beautiful sights of the cherry blossoms.
In addition to her solo cherry blossom outing, Nagano is also involved in a special drama titled "Haretara Iine," which will be broadcast on TV Tokyo as part of their 60th Anniversary Special. This drama, airing on March 30, 2025, at 9:00 PM, is based on a novel by Yoko Fujiwara, who brings her experience as a nurse into the narrative. The story is set in the Philippines during 1945 and follows Takabashi Shino, played by Nagano, who time slips back to a war-torn era filled with challenges and hardships.
Nagano expressed her thoughts about participating in a drama that depicts the war era for the first time, stating, "I feel that this work has captured the strength of people who live proactively, even while constantly facing death. It has been a powerful experience for me." She also credited the theme song from DREAMS COME TRUE, titled "Haretara Iine," for providing inspiration during the filming process, saying it served as a source of hope for the cast.
Her co-star, Yoshine Kyoko, also shared her admiration for Nagano, noting, "It was a great learning experience to see Nagano as the lead. She possesses a strength that makes you want to follow her, yet there’s a delicate side that makes you want to reach out to her. I felt a strong sense of camaraderie while filming, especially during the more challenging scenes." Yoshine emphasized the joy of bonding with fellow cast members during the shoot, which felt like a camp experience, as they shared meals and moments of relaxation together.
As the excitement builds for Nagano's upcoming roles, her candidness about her personal life, including her solo cherry blossom viewing, adds a relatable touch to her public persona. Fans are eager to see her portray characters that resonate with the struggles and triumphs of life, particularly in the context of historical narratives.
With her engaging performances and genuine personality, Nagano Mei continues to capture the hearts of audiences both on and off the screen. As she embarks on these new projects, her journey reflects the balance of personal enjoyment and professional dedication, showcasing her growth as an actress and an individual.
