Mei Nagano (born in 1999), often referred to as “Japan’s most beloved tearful actress,” rose to fame through films such as Peach Girl, Daytime Shooting Star, and Rurouni Kenshin. Kei Tanaka (born in 1984) is an established actor, married with children, and well-regarded for his roles in television dramas. Both are Japanese actors who had maintained a clean public image prior to this incident.
Until April 2025, neither Nagano nor Tanaka had been involved in major controversies. That changed when Shukan Bunshun—often dubbed “Japan’s Dispatch”—published a series of photographs suggesting a relationship that went beyond friendship.
Tanaka has been married since 2011 and is the father of two. According to the reports, signs of closeness between Tanaka and Nagano were first observed during Halloween 2024, when they were seen together. By December 2024, the two were again photographed spending time at an amusement park, further fueling speculation.
The situation escalated on April 7, 2025, when paparazzi captured Tanaka picking up Nagano after her work schedule and later spending the night at her Tokyo apartment. These images quickly spread across Japanese media, sparking widespread discussion.
Following the release of the photos, both Nagano and Tanaka, along with their management agencies, denied any romantic involvement, insisting they were simply colleagues. Nagano explained that she had once helped Tanaka when he was intoxicated, while Tanaka refrained from making detailed comments.
On the evening of April 28, Nagano addressed the issue on a radio broadcast, apologizing for her “lack of caution” that had caused concern among fans, while emphasizing that the situation was a misunderstanding. However, Japanese outlets reported that Tanaka’s wife was angered by the incident and had demanded accountability from Nagano. Public opinion remained skeptical, with many considering the photographic evidence from Bunshun difficult to dismiss.
The controversy soon had tangible consequences for Nagano’s career. Several brands, including Eye City and Kikkoman, suspended or removed her advertisements. Promotional events for films featuring her were also postponed or canceled. Tanaka’s reputation, while less severely impacted, still suffered, particularly among family-oriented audiences.
