Mei Nagano’s Affair Rumors Cause Chaos Behind the Scenes of Kakukaku Shikajika

Mei Nagano made a live apology on All Night Nippon

The affair rumors between popular actress Mei Nagano (25) and actor Kei Tanaka (40) were reported in the April 24th issue of Shukan Bunshun.

The magazine published photos of them holding hands, as well as Halloween photos that seem to have been taken on October 31st last year. In addition, rumors of Nagano dating Korean actor Kim Moo-jun, with whom she co-stars in the ongoing Sunday drama Caster (TBS), have also been reported.

In response to the Bunshun report, Nagano’s agency clarified to some media outlets:

“Both Tanaka-san and Kim Moo-jun-san are seniors and colleagues in the acting industry, and there is no truth to the rumors of a relationship. However, we have sternly communicated to her that her actions were misguided and led to misunderstandings.”

Nagano also personally apologized on April 29th during her radio show All Night Nippon X (Nippon Broadcasting):

“I sincerely regret my careless actions, which caused misunderstandings.”

Tanaka’s agency also issued a similar statement:

“We recognize that there is no truth to the affair rumors.”

Nagano’s upcoming movie Kakukaku Shikajika is set to be released on May 16. According to people involved in the film, they received notice about an “issue” from Nagano’s side three days before Bunshun’s release, on April 21.

“They didn’t go into details, but they mentioned that a scandalous article would be published. When we later found out that Bunshun had written about the love affair, the production site became chaotic.”

The most concerned person in all of this is Akiko Higashimura, the original author.

The film is based on Higashimura’s real-life experiences, and it is a work she holds dear. She has turned down several offers for film adaptations in the past.

An interview with Mei Nagano and Yo Oizumi has also been recorded

The reason for giving the green light to this project was because Mei Nagano was cast as the heroine. On the movie’s official website, Akiko Higashimura, the original author, commented:

“When I was told that Mei Nagano would play Akiko, I had a strong conviction that it would be a wonderful work because of her incredible acting skills. With that belief, I thought I should fully commit to the production, and that’s why I agreed to be involved.”

This shows the immense trust she had in Nagano. However, the scandal just before the release has significantly impacted the movie’s image and the immersion of the audience. A movie industry insider shared:

“Currently, there are no changes to the release schedule, but I feel incredibly sorry for Akiko Higashimura, as she’s been dragged into a scandal right before the release. This is a work she holds dear, and there were many promotional events prepared for the release, but we’re struggling to keep up with the situation.”

Fuji TV is also involved in the production, and a scandal regarding former talent Masahiro Nakai had led to several clients halting their commercial placements, with the movie’s commercials airing in place. A Fuji TV insider stated:

“Interviews with Mei Nagano and Yo Oizumi have already been recorded. They were also scheduled to appear on variety shows as part of the promotional campaign. How will these be handled now? Fuji TV has become the strictest in terms of compliance, due to the series of problems. There may be difficult decisions ahead.”

While the film is not at fault, the timing could not have been worse. The concern is that the next issue of “Shukan Bunshun,” which will be released in early May, could cause more problems. The movie industry insider continued:

“We can only trust Nagano’s denial, but on set, there are more voices of caution, wondering if everything will truly be okay. The next issue of ‘Shukan Bunshun’ will be released just before the movie’s premiere on May 16. If nothing new comes up, it will be fine, but if any new evidence comes to light that contradicts Nagano and Tanaka’s statements, everything could fall apart.”

Nagano, still only 25, has caused significant trouble for all involved with her actions. This will surely serve as a lesson for her in the future.