24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
News Anchor star Nagano Mei quits new J-drama amid rumoured relationship with co-actor, agency says ‘great trouble caused to relevant units'
Popular Japanese actor Nagano Mei, once called the 'new generation's first love', has reportedly decided to drop out of her upcoming NHK Taiga drama, Toyotomi Brothers, in light of recent controversies. Her agency, Stardust Promotion, issued a statement confirming the same. The backlash against Mei has intensified since a report published by the magazine, Shukan Bunshun, accused the actor of having an affair with actor Kei Tanaka, who is married. There were also rumours that she was in a relationship with Kim Moo Joon. But, the controversy allegedly impacted the viewership of her Netflix show Caster, also titled News Anchor. Kim Moo Joon and Kei Tanka have both said that they don't have a romantic relationship with Nagano Mei.
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On May 23, Mei's agency Stardust, in a statement, said, 'In view of the great trouble and concern caused to the relevant units by this series of reports, [Mei Nagano] has decided to withdraw from the show.' The agency apologised to the fans anticipating the show, which is now considering casting a new face after the lead star's exit. 'We deeply apologise to everyone who is looking forward to the broadcast, as well as the program-related personnel and co-stars.' The drama was scheduled to air in January 2026. Mei became a household name for shows like House of Ninjas on Netflix and the movie Daytime Shooting Star.
In the J-drama, Toyotomi Brothers, Mei was roped in to play the character of Nao, the childhood friend-turned-first love of Hidechou, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's brother. The historical series focuses on Hidechou's lesser-known role in unifying Japan. The filming was yet to begin.
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The Japanese magazine published photos of Mei with actor Kei Tanaka, showing them getting into the same car outside Nagano's apartment on April 19. The magazine also claimed Nagano was seeing another actor at the same time, her co-star from the drama Caster. So far, all three stars involved have denied these claims. However, the controversy took a hit on Mei's soaring career as multiple brands dropped her and reportedly around nine advertisers stopped using her ads.
On April 28, Mei broke her silence on a late-night radio program, addressing the controversy and apologising to fans for the 'misunderstanding'. 'Regarding the recent controversy, I understand many of my supporters must be concerned. I am truly sorry. However, this is all a misunderstanding. I've deeply reflected on how my carelessness has caused distress to many. From now on, I'll be more cautious in how I interact with male colleagues,' she said.
However, instead of putting an end to rumours, the statement fueled more backlash for lacking context. Korean star Kim Moo Joon, for his part, cleared that his visit to Nagano's home was with family and friends, nothing romantic. Meanwhile, Tanaka has maintained that his relationship with the actor is strictly platonic. Despite the controversy and the first official casting fallout, there are no plans for an acting hiatus for Mei as of now.
