Japanese actress Mei Nagano, once one of the country’s most promising and sought-after stars, is facing a significant career downturn following a high-profile dating controversy that surfaced in late April 2025.
According to multiple media outlets, Mei Nagano has allegedly been involved in a two-timing scandal with her Caster co-star Kim Moo-jun and former co-star Tanaka Kei, who is currently married and has two children. The situation escalated after suggestive text messages, allegedly exchanged between Nagano and Tanaka, were leaked online.
Despite all parties denying the allegations, the fallout has been swift and damaging. Reports indicate that Nagano has lost numerous endorsements and acting roles, including her confirmed appearance in the upcoming NHK Taiga drama series, Toyotomi Kyodai!.
Her agency, Stardust Promotion, confirmed her withdrawal from the show, issuing a formal apology:
“In view of the great trouble and concern caused to the relevant parties by this series of reports, [Mei Nagano] has decided to withdraw from the show. We deeply apologize to everyone looking forward to the broadcast, as well as the production team and fellow cast members.”
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Beyond losing roles, Mei Nagano has reportedly been dropped from advertising campaigns and suspended from her position as a radio host on Mei Nagano’s All Night Nippon X. Japanese media suggest that her previously full calendar is now entirely empty for the next three years, with discussions circulating around the massive financial penalties potentially tied to her breached contracts.
While Mei Nagano is not officially on hiatus, industry insiders speculate that a shift to streaming platforms may be her most viable path forward. With traditional broadcasters and major sponsors distancing themselves from the controversy, OTT platforms may offer a less restrictive space for her to rebuild her image and fanbase.
“Big-name sponsors won’t touch her for now, but a platform like Netflix or Amazon might take a calculated risk especially given her strong name recognition and the buzz surrounding her,” said one network insider.
Mei Nagano’s situation adds to a growing list of public figures in the Japanese and Korean entertainment industries whose careers have been severely impacted by personal controversies. As public expectations for celebrities continue to intensify, the road to recovery may depend on both strategic rebranding and the forgiving nature of time—and audiences.
