Mei Nagano's reported two-timing could impact commercial endorsements
Nagano, 25, is currently one of Japan's most in-demand talents for commercial endorsements due to her perceived clean image. But evening tabloid Nikkan Gendai suggests that her revealed carnivorous ways will impede such prospects in the future.
In revealing her relationship with Tanaka, who is 15 years her senior and married with two children, a reporter for Bunshun found Nagano inviting an apparently drunk Tanaka into her apartment in Minato Ward late at night on April 19.
The pair met when they co-starred in the film 'And the Baton Was Passed' in 2021. Their roles were of father and daughter.
'Some people commented that they were like a real father and daughter, though they were not related by blood,' a film reporter tells Gendai . 'The depiction of a family bond that goes beyond blood ties brought tears to many audience members. Although it was known that they got along well [during the filming], she was caught crossing the line by becoming involved with the 'father.' So the difference is huge. Fans of the movie are expressing their dismay via comments on the internet.'
In fact, this was not the first time that she had invited Tanaka to her home. By October of last year, they had already become so close that she had given him a spare key.
That's not all. Nagano plays the heroine in the TBS drama series 'Caster' alongside 26-year-old Kim. Apparently, she spent the night with the Korean actor the day before inviting Tanaka to her home.
'If she was playing around with an older actor and cheating on [Kim], that's going to damage her clean image,' an ad agency source says. 'If this is her true nature, her sponsors will be shocked.'
Mei Nagano (X) 'We are checking the facts'
The big problem will be the huge compensation that might need to be paid as a result. Nagano has 11 commercial contracts. And they are all with big, well-known companies, like Suntory Holdings Limited, NTT Docomo, Inc., JCB Co., Ltd. and Kao Corporation.
'We are checking the facts,' a representative of Kao, which sponsors 'Caster,' told Gendai regarding the reports.
'At this point, no official announcement has been made by any company, but Nagano may be charged more than 100 million yen in penalty fees for each commercial,' the aforementioned ad agency source assures. 'Based on similar cases in the past, such as those involving Masahiro Higashide and Becky, the penalty fee for each commercial is often two to three times the contract fee.'
When contacted, Stardust Promotion, which represents Nagano, denied the allegations. 'Tanaka and Kim Mu-jun are senior performers and colleagues. There is no truth to the fact that they are dating,' the agency said. 'However, we have sternly told Nagano to be aware that her actions have led to misunderstandings. We also deeply apologize for the great concern and inconvenience caused by this report to all those involved, the clients and staff involved in advertising and productions, and the fans who support her.'
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(Image courtesy of Nagano on X) The Constant Danger of Being Eaten Kidnapping and casual consumption are very real threats in the Chiikawa world. In one chapter, Chiikawa and Hachiware walk inside a so-called three-star restaurant, only to be bathed and marinated in oil. As it turns out, the faceless ogre disguised as the chef was planning to pack them in a tortilla and eat them whole. The faceless villagers are snatched away by a bird-monster. (Image courtesy of Nagano on X) In the Pajama Parties arc, faceless background characters are plucked away by a giant bird-like monster, and in the next strip we see that only the pajamas the victims had been wearing were left behind. The surviving character watches in tears as the kidnapped creatures are never seen again — presumably devoured. The real Momonga finds themself back in their original body, only to snap awake and realize it was only a dream. (Image courtesy of Nagano on X) Soul Theft and Body-snatching Don't let his big eyes fool you: The flying squirrel Momonga — a secondary character in the series known for being cute and self-centered — is actually a monstrous horned beast with sharp teeth called Something Big. Or at least that's heavily implied. Something Big is a terrifying chimera, but unlike the rest of its species, it doesn't attack any of the Chiikawa critters — except for Momonga. Dialogue throughout the anime and manga has led many fans to speculate that a Freaky Friday -esque accident caused the pair to swap bodies, leaving the poor flying squirrel trapped in a grotesque, beastly form. In one of the early chapters , 'Something Big' chases 'Momonga' through the forest, wailing 'Give it back! Give it back!' A witch steals the skins of the trio and leaves their souls trapped in tiny figurines. (Image courtesy of Nagano on X) In another chapter, a witch steals the skins of Chiikawa, Hachiware and Usagi, trapping their souls in tiny figurines resembling Sylvanian Families (or Calico Critters, if you're American). Paralyzed in plastic, they can barely move — until Hachiware saves the day by tripping the witch and breaking the curse. Anoko reflects on their past life — and realises that being a monster may be easier than the struggle of being a villager. (Image courtesy of Nagano on X) Chimera Creatures (a.k.a. Your Friend is Now a Monster) In the Big Expedition arc, a towering horned creature known only as Anoko (literally 'That One') is revealed to be a former colleague of Chiikawa — a fellow day laborer transformed into a monstrous being with swirling eyes, razor-sharp claws and a reptilian tail. During a routine monster hunt, the villagers attempt to destroy Anoko, unaware of their true identity. Anoko doesn't fight back. Instead, they tried to reach Chiikawa, gently reminding them of their past friendship. But Chiikawa, terrified and confused, fails to recognize them. In another chapter, Anoko reminisces the life they had with their friends, showing us their memories remain intact — a cruel reminder that, even in their monstrous state, Anoko still remembers who they used to be. But no one else does… A villager mid-transition into a chimera slashes at Chiikawa.. (Image courtesy of Nagano on X) In another standalone chapter, a villager begins mutating into a chimera, sprouting wings and a reptilian tail. With tears in their eyes, they approach Chiikawa and weep, 'Look at what I've become,' before unsheathing long red claws and swiping. They miss, then fly off into the distance — never to return. Usagi and Hachiware begin transforming into grotesque monsters after using the cursed staff. (Image courtesy of Nagano on X) Dangerous Props and Body Horror Transformations Any Chiikawa fan would know that the characters often use weapons like a two-pronged stick when fighting monsters, but this universe is also home to other dangerous weapons disguised as tools. In the Magic Wand arc, Usagi purchases a mysterious skull-shaped staff from a second-hand shop. It grants wishes, but each use comes at a cost. Hachiware sprouts horns and a third eye; Usagi's eyes and body turn blood-red. They quickly begin to morph into gruesome creatures, and transformation is stopped only when Chiikawa breaks the wand in half. Hachiware removes a parasitic mushroom growing on Chiikawa's head. (Image courtesy of Nagano on X) Then there's the parasitic mushroom that sprouts from Chiikawa's head. Hachiware tries to remove it with a sharp rock — only to have it grow back larger. Hachiware eventually has to cut off at the base with a blade to stop it for good. (Oh, and they ate the mushroom in a stir-fry afterwards.) Paranormal activity in Chiikawa's house. (Image courtesy of Nagano on X) Paranormal Activity In one spooky chapter, the gang are sharing breadsticks in Chiikawa's house when the sky turns blood red. Black handprints begin covering up the window — culminating in a massive black palm that slams onto the window. The gang hides in fear, and never investigates what it was. We were never given an explanation of what happened. A strip detailing how an islander lured and murdered one of the mermaids in cold blood. (Image courtesy of Nagano on X) Mermaid Murder In Chiikawa 's most chilling storyline — the infamous Island Arc — our heroes visit a remote island with some friendly locals, but things quickly take a grim turn. On a trip out to sea, a giant creature called the Siren reveals that the islanders lured one of its mermaid companions with snacks, killed it and cooked it into a stew, believing a folktale that eating mermaid flesh grants eternal life. The Siren launches a violent revenge campaign, and Chiikawa and friends — innocent bystanders — are caught in the crossfire. The group ultimately stops the Siren with an absurdly spicy spoonful of curry, but the trauma lingers: On the boat ride home, Chiikawa finds a single mermaid scale, a haunting reminder that the horror wasn't just a bad dream. Despite the adorable feline antics (the hairballs) of Hachiware, they are not a cat. (Image courtesy of Nagano on X) Hachiware Isn't a Cat (and Usagi Isn't a Rabbit Either) Despite the toe beans, fluffy tail and the occasional hairball, Hachiware is not a cat. This surprising fact was confirmed by creator Nagano during the 2022–2023 Nagano Exhibition , and echoed again on the official English Chiikawa website — which clarifies that Hachiware simply ' is not necessarily a cat. ' (Apparently, that's why it's totally fine for him to eat onions and chocolate.) Meanwhile, Usagi, whose name literally means 'rabbit' in Japanese, might not be a rabbit either. Sure, the long ears and erratic energy do scream bunny, but the official description keeps it vague: ' Maybe a rabbit, maybe not. ' So what are they, exactly? We'll probably never know. Which is typical of the Chiikawa world, if you think about it — a fantasy realm where adorable facades hide brutal realities and nothing is what it seems at first. Discover Tokyo, Every Week Get the city's best stories, under-the-radar spots and exclusive invites delivered straight to your inbox. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy . 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