News of actress Megumi Okina's retirement spread throughout the Japanese media last week, but it appears that the reports may have jumped the gun. While her contract with Parfit did end, she recently denied that she is retiring. She also said that certain comments attributed to her were false.

One entertainment critic conjectures that her agency may be trying to release Okina, as she might be viewed as a troublemaker due to her scandals and lack of work. According to the office, however, it was Okina who chose to not renew the contract because she said she was considering retirement.

Others in the industry believe she may have received an offer from another talent agency, and her announced retirement simply provided cover for negotiations to take place. Indeed, many find it unusual that she would retire just after filming ended for the horror movie "Shutter," which will serve as Okina's Hollywood debut next spring.

Based on Okina's comments, it seems she intends to continue with her career, at least for now.