Mei Nagano captured hearts early on, earning the affectionate title of “new generation’s first love” in Japan. With a career that began in elementary school, she blossomed from a child model into one of her generation’s most acclaimed and sought-after actresses.
Known for her luminous presence and versatile performances in both heartwarming dramas and complex character studies, Nagano has built an impressive portfolio and garnered significant industry recognition. However, her journey hasn’t been without turbulence, as recent controversies have cast a shadow, prompting questions about navigating fame’s intense glare.
Biography
- Name: Mei Nagano (永野芽郁)
- Birth Name: Mei Nagano
- Birthday: September 24, 1999
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Height: 163 cm (5 ft 4 in)
- Instagram: @mei_nagano0924official
- Twitter: @mei_nagano0924
Fun Facts
Liking
- She loves salt-based ramen so much that she eats it at least once a week.
- Her favorite ingredient is egg, and her least favorite is tomato. In recent years, she’s become obsessed with spicy food and eats it daily, saying she enjoys the “maximum level of spiciness that still feels good.”
- Interested in fashion, she prefers casual styles and has said she sometimes envies men who can wear stylish tailored outfits.
- Nagano enjoys driving and hopes to acquire all types of driving licenses.
- She enjoys listening to music and often attends concerts. As a hobby, she plays both guitar and drums.
- She enjoys listening to music with wired earphones and has said she prefers them over wireless ones.
- Her favorite artists include aiko, Namie Amuro, and DREAMS COME TRUE.
- She’s a fan of comedian Nakayama Kinnikun. A friend once showed her one of his funny videos, and she became a fan. She watches his videos whenever filming gets tough. She even did a collaboration with him on a TV show promoting her drama.
- She once confessed on a show that she liked actor Sato Takeru, even calling him “Take-chan.”
Social Circle
- She is close with fellow celebrities such as Asami Himeka, Kanon, Nao, Otomo Karen, Yokota Mayu, Hirose Suzu, Imada Mio, and Kawaei Rina. Among them, she’s closest with Asami Himeka, whom she met when she first joined her agency. They’ve stayed at each other’s houses, gone on family trips together, and attended the same middle and high schools. She often mimics Hirose Suzu’s tone and speech patterns.
- She quickly bonded with Yokota Mayu and Otomo Karen after shooting a Seventeen magazine cover in May 2017. They formed a trio called “KarenMayuMei,” a nickname combining their names.
- She is friends with TWICE’s Sana, who is three years older. They first met at Prada’s 2023 Spring/Summer fashion show in September 2022. Mei later attended TWICE’s READY TO BE concert in Tokyo and met Sana again afterward, staying in touch via Instagram.
Others
- When Nagano Mei was first scouted, her mother initially declined the offer. However, Mei herself persuaded her mother by saying that if she became a celebrity, she might get the chance to appear on her favorite show, Shabekuri 007.
- She ranked first on a list of celebrities who surprised people by still being in their teens.
- She has an older brother who is three years older, and a cat named Satsuki.
- She used to run track and field in school and is known to be a fast runner.
- People often say she resembles SUPER EIGHT’s Murakami Shingo, and she’s joked that she looks like what Murakami would if he dressed as a woman.
- She’s been said to resemble actresses Aoi Yu, Ayase Haruka, and Non.
- On November 23, 2023, she became the first Japanese actress to hold a fan meeting at Budokan.
Career
Early Steps and Modeling Roots
Mei Nagano’s entry into the entertainment world reads like a storybook discovery. She was scouted on the streets of Kichijōji, Tokyo, while still in her third year of elementary school. This chance encounter set the stage for a career that would begin just a few years later.
Before fully immersing herself in acting, Nagano established a presence in the fashion world. She became a regular model for popular Japanese teen fashion magazines, gracing the pages of Nico☆Petite (exclusive model from 2010 to 2013) and nicola (exclusive model from 2013 to 2016). Her modeling work continued to evolve, and in August 2016, she secured a coveted position as an exclusive model for the influential magazine Seventeen.
Acting Debut and Rising Profile
Nagano made her acting debut in 2009, taking on a minor role in the action-adventure film “Hard Revenge Milly: Bloody Battle.” While a small part, it marked her first step onto the silver screen. She continued with supporting roles, including appearances in “Zebraman 2: Attack on Zebra City” (2010) and the acclaimed historical film “Rurouni Kenshin” (2012), where she played Sanjō Tsubame.
Her breakthrough began to gain momentum in 2015 when she landed the heroine role of Rinko Yamato in the live-action adaptation of the popular romantic comedy manga “My Love Story!” (Ore Monogatari!!). This role significantly raised her visibility. The following year, she secured her first lead role in the television drama “Koe Koi” (2016), portraying Yuiko Yoshioka, a high school student intrigued by a mysterious classmate who always wears a paper bag over his head.
Leading Roles and Critical Acclaim
Nagano solidified her status as a leading actress with a string of prominent roles. In 2017, she starred as the protagonist Suzume Yosano in the romance film “Daytime Shooting Star” (Hirunaka no Ryuusei), another popular manga adaptation. That same year, she appeared in several other films, including “Parks,” “Teiichi: Battle of Supreme High,” “Peach Girl,” and “Mixed Doubles,” showcasing her versatility across genres.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2018 when she was cast as the lead, Suzume Nireno, in NHK’s “98th Asadora” (morning drama series), “Hanbun, Aoi” (Half Blue Sky). Asadora dramas are a cultural institution in Japan, known for their long runs and high viewership, often catapulting their leads to national fame. Nagano’s portrayal of a young woman who loses hearing in one ear but pursues her dreams resonated deeply with audiences. Her performance earned her the Best Actress award at the 98th Japan Television Drama Academy Awards.
Building on this success, she starred alongside Masaki Suda in the intense high school drama Mr. Hiiragi’s “Homeroom” (3 Nen A Kumi: Ima kara Mina-san wa, Hitojichi Desu) in 2019. Her role as Sakura Kayano, one of the students held hostage by their teacher, garnered further critical acclaim, winning her Best Supporting Actress at the 100th Japan Television Drama Academy Awards.
Nagano continued to take on challenging lead roles in films like “And So the Baton Is Passed” (2021), “Hell’s Garden” (Jigoku no Hanazono: Office Royale) (2021), “My Broken Mariko” (2022), and “Motherhood” (Bosei) (2022). Her work in “And So the Baton Is Passed” was particularly lauded, earning her Best Actress wins at the 64th Blue Ribbon Awards and the 46th Hochi Film Awards, as well as a nomination for Best Actress at the prestigious 45th Japan Academy Film Prize. She also led the popular police procedural drama “Police in a Pod” (Hakozume: Tatakau! Koban Joshi) in 2021 and the Netflix mystery series “Burn the House Down” in 2023.
Personal Life
Early Life and Family
Born and raised in Nishitokyo, a city within the Tokyo Metropolis, Nagano grew up in a family consisting of her mother, father, and an elder brother three years her senior.
She was scouted in Kichijoji when she was in the third grade of elementary school and made her debut as a child actress in the 2009 film “Hard Revenge, Milly: Bloody Battle.”
Relationships and Recent Controversy
In April 2025, The Shūkan Bunshun report alleged that Nagano was involved in an extramarital affair with married actor Kei Tanaka.
Tanaka, a well-known actor and father of two, has been married since 2011. The report was accompanied by photographs allegedly showing the pair in intimate moments, including a mirror selfie holding hands reportedly from October 2024, and another from a Halloween celebration at Nagano’s home showing them close together. The magazine detailed an instance where Tanaka was allegedly seen staying overnight at Nagano’s apartment after a night out on April 19, 2025. When confronted by reporters the next morning, Tanaka reportedly denied the affair, stating he had passed out from drinking and Nagano had taken care of him, acknowledging his wife was unaware he stayed there. Tanaka and Nagano previously co-starred in the 2021 film “And So the Baton Is Passed,” playing stepfather and daughter.
The Shūkan Bunshun report further complicated matters by alleging Nagano might be “two-timing,” suggesting a concurrent romantic involvement with South Korean actor Kim Mu-jun, her co-star in the then-airing TBS drama “Caster.” The magazine claimed Kim Mu-jun had been seen visiting Nagano’s residence.
Following the report, Kim Mu-jun’s agency, 9ato Entertainment, swiftly denied the dating rumors, stating firmly that he and Nagano are “just close colleagues”. Nagano’s agency, Stardust Promotion, also issued a statement denying any romantic involvement with either Tanaka or Kim, asserting they are simply colleagues. However, her agency acknowledged that her actions “could easily lead to misunderstandings” and that they had spoken to her sternly about it. Tanaka’s agency expressed belief that there was no affair but urged him to exercise restraint and apologized for the situation.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Mei Nagano’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $1 million USD. This figure reflects her earnings from a successful career in acting and modeling, including roles in films like My Love Story! and Daytime Shooting Star, as well as television dramas such as Hanbun, Aoi. In addition to her acting career, Nagano has secured endorsement deals and commercial appearances, contributing to her income. Her monthly earnings are reported to be in the range of $12,000 to $13,000 USD, and she owns a BMW vehicle.
Filmography
Film Appearances
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2009 | Hard Revenge Milly: Bloody Battle | (Minor role) | Acting Debut |
| 2010 | Zebraman 2: Attack on Zebra City | Sumire | |
| 2010 | Watashi no Yasashiku nai Senpai | Young Yamako Iriomote | |
| 2012 | Rurouni Kenshin | Sanjō Tsubame | |
| 2012 | Gachipan: Ultra Max | Seira | |
| 2015 | A Stitch of Life | Mari | |
| 2015 | My Love Story! (Ore Monogatari!!) | Rinko Yamato | Heroine Role |
| 2017 | Daytime Shooting Star (Hirunaka no Ryuusei) | Suzume Yosano | Lead role |
| 2017 | Parks | Haru | |
| 2017 | Teiichi: Battle of Supreme High (Teiichi no Kuni) | Mimiko Shiratori | |
| 2017 | Peach Girl | Sae Kashiwagi | |
| 2017 | Mixed Doubles (Mikkusu) | Airi Ogasawara | |
| 2019 | You Shine in the Moonlit Night (Kimi wa Tsukiyo ni…) | Mamizu Watarase | Lead role |
| 2019 | NiNoKuni | Kotona / Asha | Voice role |
| 2020 | Masked Ward (Kamen Byoto) | Hitomi Kawasaki | |
| 2021 | It’s a Flickering Life (Kinema no Kamisama) | Young Yoshiko | |
| 2021 | Hell’s Garden (Jigoku no Hanazono: Office Royale) | Naoko Tanaka | Lead role |
| 2021 | And So the Baton Is Passed (Soshite, Baton wa…) | Yūko Morimiya | Lead role; Award-winning performance |
| 2022 | My Broken Mariko | Tomoyo Shiino | Lead role |
| 2022 | Motherhood (Bosei) | Sayaka | Lead role |
| 2023 | Mom, Is That You?! (Konnichiha, Kasan) | Mai Kanzaki | |
| 2024 | Teasing Master Takagi-san Movie (Karakai Jouzu…) | Takagi | Lead role; Sequel to TV drama |
| 2024 | Cells at Work! (Hataraku Saibou) | Erythrocyte / Red Blood Cell (AE3803) | Lead role; Live-action adaptation |
| 2025 | Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey (Kakukaku Shikajika) | Akiko Hayashi | Lead role; Based on autobiographical manga |
Television Appearances
| Year | Title | Role | Network/Platform | Notes |
| 2010 | Hagane no Onna | Young Ineko Haga | TV Asahi | Episode 6 |
| 2011 | Tokidoki Mayomayo | Tamako | NHK E | Ep 36: “Onee-chan to Yobanaide” |
| 2011 | ABU Asia Kodomo Drama Series | Mizuki Mishima | NHK E | Season 7, Ep 2: “Ensoku” |
| 2011 | True Horror Stories: Summer 2011 | The patient | Fuji TV | Short drama |
| 2012 | Stand Up! Vanguard | Sumire Mizuhara | TV Tokyo | Television film |
| 2013 | Yae’s Sakura | Young Yamakawa Tokiwa | NHK | Taiga drama |
| 2014 | Platonic | Sari Mochizuki | NHK BS Premium | |
| 2014 | The Man of the Tokyo Olympics | Teen Grace Miyako Wada | Fuji TV | Television film |
| 2015 | Suiyo Mystery 9: Hoshin | Chinatsu Miyashita | TV Tokyo | Television film |
| 2015 | Teddy Go! | Anzu Amano | Fuji TV | |
| 2016 | Love That Makes You Cry (Itsuka Kono Koi wo…) | Remi Funakawa | Fuji TV | |
| 2016 | Koe Koi | Yuiko Yoshioka | TV Tokyo | Lead role |
| 2017 | Fugitive Boys (Boku-tachi ga Yarimashita) | Renko Aokawa | Fuji TV / KTV | |
| 2017 | Super Salaryman Mr. Saenai | Momoko Sasahara | NTV | Episode 8 |
| 2018 | Half Blue Sky (Hanbun, Aoi) | Suzume Nireno | NHK | Lead role; Asadora; Award-winning performance |
| 2019 | Mr. Hiiragi’s Homeroom (3 Nen A Kumi…) | Sakura Kayano | NTV | Lead role; Award-winning performance |
| 2020 | Daddy is My Classmate (Oyabaka Seishun Hakusyo) | Sakura Obika | NTV | |
| 2021 | Ichikei’s Crow: The Criminal Court Judges | Defendant | Fuji TV | Episode 4 |
| 2021 | Police in a Pod (Hakozume: Tatakau! Koban Joshi) | Mai Kawai | NTV | Lead role |
| 2021 | Creator’s File: Gold | (Herself/Character) | Netflix | Episode appearance |
| 2022 | Riding a Unicorn (Unicorn ni Notte) | Sana Narukawa | TBS | Lead role |
| 2023 | Burn the House Down (Mitarai ke, Enjou Suru) | Anzu Murata | Netflix | Lead role; Mini Series |
| 2024 | The Gift of Your Heart (Kimi ga Kokoro wo Kureta kara) | Ame Aihara | Fuji TV | Lead role |
| 2025 | Brighter Days | Saho Takahashi | (Unknown) | Lead role; TV Film |
| 2025 | Caster / News Anchor | Hana Sakikubo | TBS | Lead role |
| 2026 | Toyotomi Brothers! | Nao | NHK | Taiga drama |
