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Indian Express
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. Also read: Hidden Love star Zhao Lusi admits 'memory loss' from medication on new show: 'I can't film dramas now' 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. Also read: Park Seo Joon had a blast with Son Heung Min after UEFA win amid footballer's extortion and abortion row with ex-girlfriend 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.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mei Nagano withdraws from "Toyotomi Brothers!" amid alleged affair scandal
23 May - It was reported that Mei Nagano has now withdrawn from the upcoming NHK Taiga drama, "Toyotomi Brothers!" The news was shared by her agency, Stardust Promotion, who stated, "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. We deeply apologise to everyone who is looking forward to the broadcast, as well as the program-related personnel and co-stars." It is noted that Mei has been losing sponsorships and projects since she was embroiled in an alleged affair with married actor Kei Tanaka. Reports claimed that nine advertisers have already taken down her ads since the scandal made headlines. "Toyotomi Brothers!" is a historical series that describes the life of Hidenaga Toyotomi, the younger brother of military commander and samurai Hideyoshi Toyotomi and their sibling relationship during the Warring States period. The drama stars Taiga Nakano and Sosuke Ikematsu. Mei was originally slated to play the role of Hidenaga's first love, Nao. (Photo Source: Mei Nagano IG, TokyoHive)


Tokyo Reported
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Reported
Report: Kei Tanaka and Mei Nagano in affair
TOKYO (TR) – Weekly tabloid Shukan Bunshun reports this week that actor Kei Tanaka and actress Mei Nagano are in an extra-marital affair. According to the tabloid, Tanaka, 40, met Nagano, 25, when they co-starred in the film 'And the Baton Was Passed' in 2021. The magazine reports that An 'acquaintance' said that they have been in a deep relationship since last year. Tanaka married another actress in 2011. They have two children. The agencies of both Nagano and Tanaka deny the content of the report. The article also says that Nagano is in a relationship with 26-year-old Korean actor Kim Mu-jun. Nagano's agency, Stardust Promotion, denied this allegation as well. '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.'
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former J-pop star Kamimura pleads not guilty to indecent assault
STORY: :: April 15, 2025 :: Former J-pop star Kamimura pleads not guilty to indecently assaulting a woman in a restaurant :: Hong Kong :: Dozens of his fans line up early in the morning to get courtroom passes Kamimura, 25, is a former member of the six-member boy group ONE N' ONLY but was fired by his management agency, Stardust Promotion in March over "the discovery of a serious compliance violation", according to the company statement. Dozens of his fans started queuing up outside the court early in the morning to get passes to enter the courtroom. Some said they had flown in from Japan and China to see the star, known for his role in the Japanese drama "Our Youth". According to the charge sheet seen by Reuters, he was charged with indecently assaulting a woman in a restaurant in the city's busy Mong Kok district on March 2 this year. The charge sheet did not provide further details. Kamimura was granted bail, with the next hearing scheduled for July 30 and expected to last 3 days. Under Hong Kong law, indecent assault carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
J-pop star Kenshin Kamimura pleads not guilty to indecent assault in Hong Kong
By Jessie Pang HONG KONG (Reuters) - J-pop star Kenshin Kamimura pleaded not guilty to a charge of indecent assault before a Hong Kong court on Tuesday, after he was accused of assaulting a woman at a Hong Kong restaurant in March. Kamimura, 25, is a former member of the six-member boy group ONE N' ONLY but was fired by his management agency, Stardust Promotion in March over "the discovery of a serious compliance violation", according to the company statement. Kamimura's hands were shaking before the hearing began, and he broke out in tears after loudly pleading "not guilty" at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court. When Magistrate Li Chi-ho asked if he needed a break, he said he could continue, adding "no problem" in Hong Kong's Cantonese language. Under Hong Kong law, indecent assault carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment. Reuters was unable to reach Kamimura's lawyers for comment. Dozens of his fans started queuing up outside the court early in the morning to get passes to enter the courtroom. Some said they had flown in from Japan and China to see the star, known for his role in the Japanese drama "Our Youth". A judiciary clerk said they have given away over 170 passes. Kamimura was granted bail, with the next hearing scheduled for July 31 and expected to last 3 days. According to the charge sheet seen by Reuters, he was charged with indecently assaulting a woman in a restaurant in the city's busy Mong Kok district on March 2 this year. The charge sheet did not provide further details.