Japanese Stars Who Played Father and Daughter in Film Face Affair Rumors... Both Deny, Say "Just Close Friends"

Suspicions of a Love Triangle with Kim Mujun Raised by Some
Kim Mujun Dismisses Rumors, Saying "We Are Just Friends"

Japanese actors Mei Nagano and Kei Tanaka have become embroiled in an affair scandal. On April 23, the Japanese weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun reported that Mei Nagano and Kei Tanaka are involved in an extramarital relationship. Shukan Bunshun claimed, "The two became acquainted while filming a movie in 2021, and their relationship developed into a romantic one last year." The magazine also released photos of the two with their faces close together and holding hands.

Japanese actors Mei Nagano and Kei Tanaka have been caught up in an affair scandal. The Japanese weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun reported that Mei Nagano and Kei Tanaka are involved in an extramarital relationship. Instagram

Because both are highly popular stars in Japan, this affair scandal has caused a major shock in the country. Tanaka married a former actress in 2011 and has two daughters. In addition, the outlet raised suspicions of a love triangle, alleging that Nagano had invited Korean actor Kim Mujun, her co-star in a recent drama, to her home several times. In response, Kim Mujun's side denied the rumors, stating, "They are just close colleagues."

Both Nagano and Tanaka have denied the affair allegations. Nagano's side stated, "Both Tanaka and Kim Mujun are just senior colleagues and friends, and there has been no romantic relationship." They added, "However, she recognizes that her actions may have caused misunderstandings this time and has spoken to herself strictly about it." They also said, "We sincerely apologize to the fans for causing concern and trouble."

The two worked together as a father and daughter in the 2024 film And Then the Baton Was Passed. Still cut from the film And Then the Baton Was Passed

Tanaka's side also stated, "Mei Nagano and I are just friends." They further announced that, since the affair allegations are not true, "all scheduled performances and advertising activities planned for May will proceed as planned." In particular, Tanaka directly denied the affair in an interview with Shukan Bunshun, saying, "There is no possibility of a romantic relationship with Nagano." When asked if he had a key, he replied, "I returned it a long time ago," and when asked if they were together during Halloween, he explained, "We were not alone together."

Previously, the two worked together as a father and daughter in the 2024 film And Then the Baton Was Passed. Tanaka played the third father, Morimiya, while Nagano played his stepdaughter, Yuko. Meanwhile, Mei Nagano was born in 1999 and made her debut in the 2009 film Hard Revenge, Milly: Bloody Battle. Since then, she has appeared in a variety of works, including Daytime Shooting Star, My Love Story!!, Half Blue, Daughter-Loving Youth White Paper, 3rd Grade Class A, Ride on the Unicorn, The Mitarai Family Burns, and If I Recall This Love Someday, I Will Surely Cry.