Nagano and Tanaka’s Scandal Hits Agency Junior — A Surprising Talent’s Role in a Hit Work Put on Hold

The scandal has also spread to other talents in the agency

It has been one month since Shūkan Bunshun twice reported allegations of an affair between Mei Nagano (25) and Kei Tanaka (40).

In addition to the initial report of the affair suspicion, the follow-up included close-up photos of Tanaka and Nagano together, as well as LINE messages suggesting an illicit relationship. This caused sponsors, who had initially taken a wait-and-see approach, to abruptly change their stance. Nagano, who had appeared in numerous commercials, saw her CM appearances rapidly canceled one after another. Except for her role in the Sunday drama Caster (TBS), opportunities to see her have nearly disappeared.

“As Prada, the luxury brand for which Nagano served as ambassador, declared it will have ‘no future projects’ involving her, her commercials have practically vanished. Furthermore, in late May, it was announced that she would be stepping down from next year’s NHK Taiga drama Toyotomi Kyodai! as well as from her position as a radio personality. Her career is now facing a red light,” said a representative from an advertising agency.

Meanwhile, Tanaka still has the lead role in the stage play Yōki na Yūrei running through mid-June. On June 29, WOWOW will broadcast Oi, Dazai, scripted and directed by Koki Mitani. Outwardly, the affair reports seem to have had little impact. However, his planned appearance on the variety show Chidori Kamaitachi Golden Hour (Nippon TV) was canceled, signaling behind-the-scenes hesitance about his casting.

Moreover, the fallout has begun to affect others besides the two stars. A person involved with a TV production company revealed, “In fact, the controversy is spilling over onto other actors from Tanaka’s agency.”

“That actor is Kentaro Ito (27). Since his hit-and-run accident in 2020, Ito has devoted himself to his craft to regain trust by producing results. In November 2024, he transferred to a major agency run by Shun Oguri (42), where Tanaka also belongs. Supported by the agency, Ito has been steadily making a comeback, including a role in the NHK Taiga drama Hikaru Kimi e. However, now that Tanaka’s affair scandal has put the agency under pressure, Ito’s opportunities are drying up. People say Ito is having a streak of bad luck.”

Nagano’s agency is furious with Tanaka

Actually, Nippon TV was quietly advancing plans to make a movie sequel of “Kyou Kara Ore wa!!” according to a production company insider.

“Nippon TV was exploring the path for a sequel movie. ‘Kyou Kara Ore wa!!’ remains a popular title on the streaming service Hulu. Ito made his terrestrial TV comeback last spring with the Nippon TV drama ‘Machinami Terasu Yatsura.’ Starting this April, he also stars in the Yomiuri TV late-night drama ‘Kanojo ga Sore mo Ai to Yobunara.’ These are seen as stepping stones toward a sequel of ‘Kyou Kara Ore wa!!’ After these ‘test balloons,’ Nippon TV was planning to announce production within the year.

Then came this recent scandal. Nagano’s agency is furious at Tanaka, claiming he ruined their flagship actress. Nippon TV understands the tough stance of Nagano’s agency. Currently, production plans are undecided. Of course, Ito’s agency cannot push forward aggressively. While Ito is unrelated to Tanaka’s troubles, things are at a standstill.”

When asked if there were actually plans to announce the sequel’s production, and whether the scandal involving Tanaka, who is a senior in the agency, caused a delay, Nippon TV responded by the deadline:

“There are no plans for sequel production. As stated above, no such facts exist.”

Although Nippon TV denied it, the production company insider insisted, “While the project was not officially approved by the station, the movie adaptation of ‘Kyou Kara Ore wa!!’ was definitely in motion.” He added, “I think other talents besides Ito have also been affected.”

“Since the hit-and-run case was dismissed, companies can still sponsor dramas. There’s no concern regarding Ito. But the fact that a talent of Ito’s caliber is affected means others are likely facing similar issues. From a TV producer’s viewpoint, there is now a need to be careful about casting beyond the two embroiled stars. It’s quite a nuisance.” he said.

The ripple effects of the ongoing affair scandal continue to spread.