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Jun 18, 20261
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Naniwa Danshi's Nagao Kentaro explains priority on soccer match over Arashi's final concert
Nagao Kentaro of Naniwa Danshi attended a Japan national soccer team World Cup warm-up match instead of his agency's senior group Arashi's final concert on May 31st while also meeting with former E-girls member Inagaki Rio. Colleagues explained his decision was motivated by his well-documented passion for soccer, which he has prioritized even over company events and work commitments.


Quick Facts
Who
Nagao Kentaro (Naniwa Danshi)
What
Nagao attended Japan vs Iceland World Cup warm-up match
When
May 31, 2026
Where
Central Tokyo (Inagaki's luxury apartment)
- Nagao attended Japan vs Iceland World Cup warm-up match
- Nagao met with Inagaki Rio on same day as Arashi's final concert
- Nagao and Inagaki visited restaurants and bars together
- Nagao posted apology on paid blog
- Dating relationship between Nagao and Inagaki disclosed
Nagao Kentaro of Naniwa Danshi (23) faced criticism after being spotted with former E-girls member Inagaki Rio (27) on May 31st, the same day as Arashi's final live concert. According to reports from Bunshun Online, Nagao traveled from Inagaki's luxury apartment in central Tokyo to MUFC Stadium (National Stadium) to watch the Japan national soccer team's World Cup warm-up match against Iceland. After the match, Nagao left in his agency vehicle while Inagaki and fellow E-girls member Hagio Misato departed together before reuniting at Inagaki's apartment to visit restaurants and bars.
The timing drew questions from some fans, as Nagao's agency, STARTO Entertainment, has Arashi as senior talent who were holding their final concert at Tokyo Dome that same evening. However, colleagues have expressed understanding of Nagao's decision, attributing it to his passionate devotion to soccer. Nagao has increasingly taken on soccer-related work opportunities and has appeared on DAZN-related programming during the ongoing North American World Cup. In a December YouTube appearance on the channel "Hougokago Gaming Life," Nagao revealed the extent of his soccer enthusiasm, describing how he apologized and asked to watch Japan's historic victory over Brazil during a company dinner, stating "everyone got excited about it."
Nagao's dedication to soccer is well-documented. In March, during a Naniwa album release event, he reportedly woke up early to watch Real Madrid's Champions League Round of 16 match against Manchester City before attending his other work commitments. Real Madrid is confirmed to be his favorite European club. The 23-year-old has been dating Inagaki since around winter of last year, and on June 17th updated his paid blog with an apology, emphasizing that he values his fans, soccer, and his relationship equally.
Why This Matters
This incident reveals the tension between personal passions and idol industry obligations in Japan, where agency seniority and concert attendance are traditionally paramount. It also underscores how soccer fandom can override even the most significant entertainment events, potentially influencing how agencies manage talent schedules and public expectations.
Timeline & Sources
Oct 1, 2025
WireJapan defeats Brazil in friendly match; Nagao enthusiastically watches during company dinner
Dec 1, 2025
WireNagao discusses Brazil match on Hougokago Gaming Life YouTube channel
Mar 1, 2026
WireNaniwa album release event; Nagao wakes early to watch Real Madrid vs Manchester City Champions League match
May 31, 2026
WireNagao travels from Inagaki's apartment to National Stadium for Japan vs Iceland World Cup warm-up match; Arashi holds final concert at Tokyo Dome same evening; Nagao and Inagaki reunite after match and visit restaurants/bars
Jun 7, 2026
WireBunshun Online reports on Nagao and Inagaki's meeting
Jun 12, 2026
WireSecond Bunshun Online report confirming details
Jun 17, 2026
WireNagao posts apology message on paid blog
Jun 18, 2026
WireYahoo News publishes article synthesizing reports and background context