M!LK’s Daichi Shiozaki Hit by Romance Report—Then Mei Nagano’s Hostess Drama Announcement Drops the Next Day

A golden egg bringing in profits

The relationship between Daichi Shiozaki (25), a member of the hugely popular five-member dance and vocal group “M!LK,” and actress Rina Koyama (23) was reported by Bunshun Online on August 16. Koyama was caught making frequent visits to Shiozaki’s apartment. This is the first romantic scandal involving a member of “M!LK,” sending shockwaves through the group’s fans.

Formed in 2014, M!LK debuted in March 2015 with “I Can’t Drink Coffee.” Although the group struggled to gain traction for some time, the song “Iijan,” released digitally in February last year, went viral mainly on social media, catapulting them to stardom.

The single containing “Sukisugite Metsu!”, released digitally last October, became a smash hit, selling approximately 615,000 copies in its first week. A music industry insider says:

“They’re one of the groups with the most momentum right now. Their strength is their flexibility, including their ability to handle variety shows, and Shiozaki in particular has a bright personality and serves as something of a mood-maker.”

Koyama, his romantic partner, is a former member of the female idol group “Magical Punchline” and currently works as an actress. What will happen between the two going forward?

“M!LK” belongs to the major entertainment agency “Stardust Promotion.” Its roster includes Takako Tokiwa (54), Keiko Kitagawa (39), Takayuki Yamada (42), and Yuya Yagira (36), giving the agency a strong reputation within the industry as an actor’s agency. An entertainment industry source told this site:

“Apparently, even the agency didn’t anticipate ‘M!LK’s’ huge breakthrough. Among idol groups from Stardust, there’s the success story of Momoiro Clover Z, but that wasn’t something they were deliberately aiming for from the beginning either. Stardust occasionally has these groups that just seem to have it—they can suddenly become unbelievably successful (laughs).”

“M!LK” is now a golden egg generating enormous profits for the agency. With Shiozaki’s romantic relationship being reported just as the group reaches this level of success, attention naturally turns to how the agency will respond. However, Stardust has traditionally been known for respecting the individuality of its actors and talents.

“Unlike AKB groups or the former Johnny & Associates, it’s hard to imagine them imposing disciplinary measures such as firing or suspension simply because a romantic relationship has been reported. Even Erika Sawajiri (40) remained with the agency for a long time. You could say they place importance on autonomy. Rather than having adults step in to resolve things, their stance is probably to tell the group members to discuss it among themselves.” (Same entertainment industry source)

Suggestive posts that idol fans hate

What is causing concern following the recent report of their romantic relationship is that the two had apparently been making suggestive posts on social media for some time. According to longtime M!LK fans, some have reacted by saying:

“I knew it.”

The day after the scandal involving Shiozaki came to light, on August 17, it was announced that actress Mei Nagano (26), who is also signed with Stardust, would star in the “DMM TV” original drama “Himachi no Jo-o,” (exclusively streaming from this winter) and would serve as a producer for the first time.

The series is based on the manga of the same name by Ceres Chihara. Set in Asahimachi, Tottori Prefecture, a nightlife district commonly known as “Himachi,” the story follows Ayane Ichijo, a former number-one hostess in Kabukicho played by Nagano, as she works as a club attendant and aims to create the best cabaret club in Japan. Nagano was reportedly involved not only as the lead actress but also as a producer, taking part in script meetings, casting, filming schedules, and other aspects of production.

Nagano, of course, was reported by Shukan Bunshun last spring to be allegedly involved in an affair with actor Kei Tanaka (42). Her wholesome image was shattered, and all of her commercial appearances came to an end. Her future had been a subject of keen interest among entertainment media. A sports newspaper entertainment reporter points out:

“Given the timing, there was a rumor going around that ‘Nagano’s production news was released to dilute the M!LK Shiozaki scandal, wasn’t it?’ In fact, the issue of their suggestive posts, which fans dislike, didn’t generate all that much attention either. Instead, the fact that Nagano herself chose a production set in the world of cabaret clubs has generated a huge reaction on social media, with comments such as, ‘This could really be good,’ ‘It’s a perfect fit for her image,’ and ‘Her mental strength is incredible.’”

In any case, Nagano’s production news became a major talking point, while the exposure surrounding Shiozaki’s scandal decreased. Since it ultimately died down with minimal backlash, all that can be said is that the outcome worked out for the best—or at least, it was a favorable result.