In a scandal that has rocked the Japanese entertainment industry, actress Mei Nagano, 25, and actor Atsushi Tanaka, 40, are facing allegations of an affair that has sent shockwaves through their respective fanbases and the media. The controversy began with a report from Weekly Bunshun, which claimed that the two had been involved in a romantic relationship while also suggesting that Nagano was simultaneously seeing a Korean actor.
The initial report, released on April 24, 2025, detailed the pair’s on-screen relationship as they played a parent and child in the film And Then, the Baton Was Passed (2021). Following the news, both actors' agencies swiftly denied the allegations, insisting there was no truth to the claims of infidelity. "There is no affair or relationship," Nagano's agency stated, emphasizing that Tanaka is merely a senior colleague.
However, the situation escalated on May 7, when Weekly Bunshun published a follow-up article featuring what it described as explicit LINE messages between Nagano and Tanaka. The messages allegedly included intimate exchanges, with phrases like "Tanaka's angel is only me" and "I want to be with Mei forever," which suggested a deeper connection than what was publicly acknowledged. In response, both actors' agencies denied the existence of these messages, calling them fabricated evidence.
Despite the denials, the fallout from the scandal has been significant. Nagano, who is currently starring in the TBS drama Caster, has seen her involvement in promotional activities come under scrutiny. The drama's staff are reportedly handling her with caution, concerned about the potential impact of the scandal on the show's reception. By the end of April 2025, eight of the ten episodes had been filmed, and it seems unlikely that her role will be cut, given the advanced stage of production.
However, the ripple effects of the allegations extend beyond just Nagano's drama. The contact lens company Aishiteiru, which features Nagano in its commercials, has suspended her advertisements following the scandal. Some companies are reportedly considering taking action if further damaging reports emerge. The situation is equally precarious for Tanaka, whose agency has been rumored to be seeking a replacement for him in commercial appearances.
Adding another layer to the drama, Tanaka's wife, a former actress, is said to be particularly upset about the affair allegations. Reports indicate that she may take legal action against both Tanaka and Nagano, as she has expressed that this time, she cannot forgive her husband. A source close to the situation revealed, "This issue has reached a boiling point, and the wife is contemplating her options regarding both parties involved. She knows the entertainment industry well and is considering how to address this from all angles."
As the scandal continues to unfold, industry insiders are bracing for potential further revelations. Veteran entertainment reporters have noted that while both actors maintain their innocence, the responses from their agencies have been less than definitive. One reporter remarked, "Their statements seem more like wishful thinking than a solid denial of the allegations. It’s clear that they are in a gray area, trying to protect their reputations while the situation remains unresolved."
On April 28, during a broadcast of All Night Nippon X, Nagano publicly apologized for her “careless behavior that could cause misunderstandings,” yet she continued to assert her innocence. Fans and critics alike have pointed out inconsistencies in the statements made by both actors, raising questions about the authenticity of their denials.
Former Weekly Bunshun journalist Shinichiro Akashi weighed in on the situation during a live broadcast on their YouTube channel. He expressed concern that the ongoing denials could lead to a deeper quagmire for both actors, stating, "When a report is denied, reporters feel compelled to prove their claims, which can lead to a cycle of accusations and defenses that only escalates the situation." He also highlighted how social media has transformed the landscape of celebrity scandals, suggesting that online exchanges can serve as undeniable evidence in the court of public opinion.
As the May 16 release date for Nagano's upcoming film Kakukaku Shikajika approaches, the film's promotional events are in jeopardy. Staff members are reportedly anxious about the potential impact of the scandal on the film's success, with some events already being canceled as concerns about public perception grow. A Fuji Television employee involved in the film's production noted, "The scandal has made it difficult for us to plan promotional appearances for Nagano, which is crucial for the film's launch. The negative online reviews have already started to pour in, and we are concerned about the box office performance as a result of this situation."
With the entertainment world watching closely, the future of both Nagano and Tanaka hangs in the balance. Their careers, once soaring, now face scrutiny as the implications of their alleged actions continue to unfold. The question remains: will the storm of controversy pass, or will it leave lasting damage in its wake?
