Japanese Actors Kei Tanaka and Mei Nagano in Alleged Affair, Also Linked to Korean Actor, All Denied
According to a report by Shukan Bunshun, actors Kei Tanaka and Mei Nagano are allegedly involved in an extramarital affair, despite Kei Tanaka being married and a father of two.
The pair previously co-starred in the 2021 film Soshite, Baton wa Watasareta, and reportedly grew closer during and after filming. Bunshun claims that Kei Tanaka has been seen visiting Mei Nagano‘s apartment and staying overnight on multiple occasions. Additionally, the two were allegedly spotted entering hotels together.
As of now, neither Kei Tanaka’s nor Mei Nagano’s management agencies have issued any official statements regarding the report.
The tabloid published photos showing Tanaka entering Nagano’s residence on April 19. Additional photos, believed to be from last Halloween, depict the two closely embracing and holding hands images. The alleged affair has caused a stir on Japanese social media, with many fans expressing shock, disappointment, and concern over the personal and professional repercussions for both actors.
Kei Tanaka, known for his family-man image, and Mei Nagano, one of Japan’s leading young actresses, have both maintained relatively clean reputations until now.
Adding another twist, Bunshun also claimed Nagano may be involved in a second romantic entanglement with a younger Korean actor, Kim Moo-joon (26), who is currently starring alongside her in the TBS drama Caster. The report alleged that Nagano had invited Kim to her home on multiple occasions.
In response to these rumors, 9ato Entertainment, representing Kim Moo-joon, denied any romantic involvement.
“They are just close colleagues,” a representative told Xports News, putting an end to speculation of a romantic relationship.
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Both Nagano and Tanaka have also publicly denied the affair, with Nagano’s reps stating:
They are just senior-junior colleagues and friends. There is no romantic relationship.
Tanaka’s side echoed a similar sentiment, affirming: “Just friends.”
Nagano, born in 1999, began her acting career as a child and is widely considered one of Japan’s most talented young actresses, winning three consecutive Japan Academy Awards. Tanaka, born in 1984, debuted in the cult film Suicide Club and has previously faced cheating rumors in 2015 involving a gravure idol. He is married to actress Sakura and shares two daughters with her.
This incident is the latest in a long string of celebrity exposés by Shukan Bunshun, a tabloid renowned and often criticized for its deep-dive reporting into the private lives of public figures.
The public awaits further clarification or response, but for now, the silence from both parties has only fueled speculation.
