Japanese actor Sakaguchi Kentaro is at the center of a major entertainment scandal involving a complicated love triangle with hairstylist “A” and actress Nagano Mei. The controversy led to the cancellation of his press conference at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) for his new film Final Piece, where he was scheduled to appear with co-star Ken Watanabe. The situation has drawn significant attention from fans and media outlets, impacting promotional plans for the upcoming movie.
The Canceled BIFF Press Conference
On September 15, 2025, the Busan International Film Festival announced the sudden cancellation of the press conference for Final Piece, citing “the guest’s circumstances” as the reason. The event was intended to feature Sakaguchi and Watanabe discussing the film, which is set to premiere at BIFF on September 18, 2025, and release in Japanese theaters on October 31, 2025. The festival organizers expressed regret over the change and requested understanding from the public. This cancellation is seen as a direct result of the allegations against Sakaguchi, which have overshadowed the film’s promotional activities.
Details of the Love Triangle Allegations
The scandal began when Japanese magazine Shukan Bunshun reported that Sakaguchi had been living with a hairstylist, identified only as “A,” for several years. At the same time, he was allegedly involved in a relationship with actress Nagano Mei, creating what sources describe as a love triangle. According to reports, Sakaguchi confessed the situation to A earlier this spring, which led to direct contact between her and Nagano Mei. A reportedly told Mei to stay away from Sakaguchi, adding tension to the situation.
Further complicating matters, Nagano Mei was also linked to married actor Tanaka Kei, who is under the same agency as Sakaguchi. Tanaka allegedly learned about Mei’s connection to Sakaguchi after overhearing mention of his nickname during a social event. These revelations have placed Sakaguchi at the center of media scrutiny, with public interest focusing on the ethical implications of these relationships.
Timeline of Key Events
The relationships involved in this controversy span several years. Tanaka Kei married in 2011, while Sakaguchi Kentaro began dating actress Takahata Mitsuki in 2017. The couple broke up in 2020, amid rumors linking Sakaguchi to Nagano Mei. In 2021, Sakaguchi reportedly started a relationship with hairstylist A. The following year, in 2022, Sakaguchi and Nagano Mei were seen together at events as PRADA ambassadors, reigniting speculation about their connection.
By the fall of 2024, Nagano Mei was allegedly involved with Tanaka Kei, who is married. In spring 2025, Sakaguchi admitted his relationship with Mei to A, leading to their separation mid-2025 after A pushed for marriage and Sakaguchi chose to focus on his career. The scandal became public in September 2025 when Shukan Bunshun published a detailed report, followed by the cancellation of the BIFF press conference.
Career Background of Involved Actors
Sakaguchi Kentaro, 34, started as a model before transitioning to acting in 2014. He gained recognition for films like 100th Love with You, Tonight, at the Romance Theater, and 10 Years to Live. He also became familiar to South Korean audiences through his role in What Comes After Love with actress Lee Se-young. Nagano Mei, one of Japan’s most popular young actresses, has starred in projects like Half, Blue, Daytime Shooting Star, and And the Baton Was Passed. Tanaka Kei, 40, has been married since 2011 and is also a well-known figure in the Japanese entertainment industry.
Public and Media Reaction
The scandal has sparked widespread discussion on social media and entertainment news outlets. Fans have expressed disappointment and concern for the individuals involved, with many noting the potential impact on Sakaguchi’s career and the promotion of Final Piece. The film, which had generated significant interest due to its cast and premise, now faces challenges in gaining positive attention ahead of its release. The production team has not commented on the allegations, focusing instead on the upcoming premiere.
Future Implications
While the personal lives of those involved remain under scrutiny, Final Piece is still scheduled for its BIFF premiere and subsequent theatrical release. The film’s success may depend on how the public perceives Sakaguchi Kentaro in the wake of these allegations. Industry observers note that such scandals can affect an actor’s marketability and relationships within the entertainment industry. For now, fans and media are watching closely for any further developments or statements from the parties involved.
Credits: The Chosun Daily, Shukan Bunshun
