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Actress Nao Matsushita graduated from college today with a degree in music. Her talent is in playing the piano, which is pretty rare thing to find among the ranks of celebrity. Completing the degree proved to be a challenge as she had to juggle the exhausting demands of a budding career with her coursework.
Fresh out of high school and one of the most high sought after faces on the entertainment scene, Akina Minami wowed the media in this super sexy investigator outfit to promote the upcoming release of season 4 DVD of the Sci-Fi channel cult classic “The 4400.”
What do you get when you put these three super babes together? 2000 fans crammed into the Tokyo location to get a glimpse of these ladies. Those three girls are probably the most well known of the bunch, but what all these beauties share in common is they all got their start as models for Read the rest of this entry »
Racers and fans of the car scene all know PIAA for the outstanding quality of their products. From lighting, wheels, and accessories, PIAA products are known for their technology and race-proven durability. Car products aside, another feature that gets just as much attention in the scene are the booth girls that come with it. Read the rest of this entry »
As one of the most well known celebrity couples in Japan, Takashi Sorimachi and Matsushima Nanako are now the proud parents of their second child, a girl. Both Matsushima and the baby girl are reported to be in very good condition after the joyous event. The weight and name of the child is still undisclosed, but the couple issued a statement saying they are really excited about it. Both have appeared in internationally acclaimed films and are some of the top names in Japanese entertainment.
When word first got out about a blind guitarist that had skills that killed, most people had to see for themselves just what it was all about. All it takes is a few YouTube clips to see just how killer Tagawa’s skills are. As a blind guitar player, you will be surprised to see just how well he can play, as well as his unique upside down guitar style. If you’re a fan of his shred, you can rejoice because he’s coming out with his own debut now. Rock on!
In a long line of ‘chosen ones’, the 16th Triumph girl Yuko Ishida here shows off her chops. Chopsticks that is. But I’m sure you’d agree that she has a nice pair, up AND down. And check out that funky bra! Isn’t that the coolest bra you’re ever seen? Maybe not the sexiest but how about getting your attention? It’s like they knew where we’d all be looking anyway. Makes me hungry! LOL
One of the reasons I suspect car shows are so popular is because they mix several aspects of the car culture together in one big flashy package. In an industry that arguably possesses more of a ‘macho’ image, it brings together gears, engines, and girls. What else does a guy really need? Here we bring you a few photos of these beauties. Read the rest of this entry »
Rejoice J-pop fans, Japanese singing sensation Ai Otsuka will be launching into her 18 city nation-wide tour later this month. As shown here, she plans to put on a thrilling performance featuring cutting edge effects in sound and visual productions. Read the rest of this entry »
TV star Marie (マリエ) shows up in a high school girl uniform to plug the release of Disney’s “High School Musical” DVD in Japan. Her unique looks can be traced back to her French-Canadian and Japanese heritage. Read the rest of this entry »
She’s certainly got the means to do so methinks. Just take a gander (or two, or three) at what she’s got in store for her eager fans. This little picture above here should give you a good idea what makes her so popular among the idol boys. Read the rest of this entry »
We all know diamonds are usually a girl’s most wanted item, and for Japanese film star Misaki Ito, it’s no different, except the fact that she could probably buy herself any one she wanted. But why do that when there’s legions of guys that would do that for her anyhow? Read the rest of this entry »
The season opener for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks started today with a bang as pop star Aya Ueto was on hand to toss the opening pitch. The atmosphere was electric with roaring fans as Ueto stepped out looking cute as could be in her pitcher’s outfit. Read the rest of this entry »
The popular actress put on a dancing clinic today for eager spectators in downtown Tokyo’s Bunkamura establishment. Appearing in a skimpy outfit and moving to the music, she really got the place heating up. Just look at her shake her thing in those high heels. They could be doing the macarena in that outfit and make that look good.
Suzuki Nao comes complete with measurements of B78-W53-H78 is coming out with a new DVD titled “Forever Eye” that all serious gravure collectors will want to get their hands on. Check her out above with those big brown eyes and don’t it just make your day.
One of Japan’s leading ladies, former beauty queen, actress, and model, Fujiwara Norika was spotted in a Miami airport with husband-to-be comedian Tomomori Jinnai. Their engagement was announced last year and they couple became a sensation with the media.
For Daisuke Matsuzaka, his upcoming debut in the world capital of baseball, the American Major Leagues is probably one of the most anticipated events of the new year. The star pitcher of the Seibu Lions took some time today to play baseball with his old alma mater, Kanazawa Ku high.
The fearless leader of Morning Musume, Yoshizawa Hitomi, announced her upcoming graduation from the popular girl group today during a stop on their New Year tour at Tokyo’s Nakano plaza. As one of the longest remaining members, Yoshizawa started out with a tomboy image Read the rest of this entry »
Check out this picture of misono, standing next to herself. What a difference wouldn’t you say? She’s definitely been working out and eating right because she’s looking a lot trimmer than before. Look at the old misono on the left, all pale and showing off some flabbage and the new and improved version in the black and pink.
Previously having missed several media events and taping sessions for her numerous entertainment programs due to burnout and overcommitments, popular TV star and personality Wakatsuki Chinatsu is now fully rested and back in action. Who could ask for a better Christmas than that?
Mirror, mirror, who’s the top selling artist of them all? At the 39th Oricon Annual Rankings for 2006, Japanese siren Koda Kumi was named as the top selling artist of the year at a commemoration event today at the Chibashimihamaku hotel.
Question: When will the wailing and gnashing of teeth stop? Answer: when Jpop singers finally learn how to hit a high note without making us cringe in pain and writhe in agony. But 3000 Koda Kumi fans can’t be wrong, Read the rest of this entry »
The answer to that question folks, is “Yes Please.” Who wouldn’t? The Japanese actress is one of the most highly sought after in the industry and has appeared in several films and dramas, with legions of fans who admire her beauty and acting talent.
Entertainment sensation Aragaki Yui was in a downtow Ginza bookstore for a commemoration event for her new pictorial signing. About 1300 fans lined up to see the actress, who first gained popularity after winning an audition for nicola magazine, and she’s not looked back since.
It’s official and Japanese pitching sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka is now a member of the Boston Red Sox. Known for his amazing strength and ball speed, Matsuzaka will now be competing against some of the greatest ball players in the world.
NANA 2 is almost here, and it looks like it’s going to be just as heart-warming and captivating as the first one, which became a huge hit in Japan. Based on a manga series of the same name, it’s the story of two girls both named Nana and their friendship as they journey through life’s obstacles.
Christmas trees are pretty. Model Ebihara Yuri is pretty. The popular model was present at the Samantha Thavasa luxury store in Aoyama, Tokyo today where she had the honor of lighting up a Christmas tree that she impressively decorated in glittering gold and sparkling silver, making it one lavish tree.
Hey it’s winter and what’s better than suiting up in your badass winter gear and hitting the slopes? Skiing and snowboarding are some huge events in Japan and Japanese winters usually offer some of the best snow you can find on earth. Lately it’s becoming more of an international destination for some of the top names in the sport because the quality of the powder there is unsurpassed.
Disgraced newscaster Yamamoto Yama is back in the news again, and this time it’s not for having an affair with a married politician, but the puzzled expression on her face in her latest attempt to make a comeback on the entertainment scene.
Since most of the world is snowed in right now, now might be a good time to imagine to think about warmer climates, surf, sand and sun. Meet Oshima Mizuki, a new face on the modeling scene who at 18 years old attends high school and has recently released her new DVD “challenge”.
Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe got to take a break from the stiff stuffy political image typical of most politicians and spend some time hanging out with U2 frontman Bono. The two met briefly to discuss the plight of the poor and famished in Africa, which is really something that needs to be worked on by everyone.
Part of our job here at DailyNihon is to showcase the newest faces on the scene, and as a result, we present to you rising Japanese actress Makiko Moro who is putting it all out there for you to see in her new DVD “Grande Soeur”.
Need a new cell phone? Want a slick one that will make you popular and cool among all your technologically inferior friends? Then you might want to check out the Softbank 811T. For starters, it looks pretty badass and as far as phones go, it probably kicks the crap out of what you can get in other markets such as North America. The Far East always seems to be ahead as far as design, and it’s pure shame that models like these never make it out of Japan.
Ah the cold refreshing taste of beer. Japan makes some fine brew if I do say so, and one of the most popular brands is Sapporo, and there’s nothign quite like one after a long hard day or maybe if you’re just feeling a little thirsty. But let us raise your glasses to Sapporo beer’s new beer gal for 2007, Ayu, a 20 year old gal who hails from the lovely region of Osaka. She’s on her way to becoming an actress and what better way by becoming the girl every dude in Japan will think of when they pop a cold one? What do you all think? Does she make a worthy beer babe?
That’s gay as in happy people. Is this the end of an era or perhaps the beginning of one? Japanese entertainer Razor Ramon, known more ubiquitously as “HG” for “Hard Gay” has finally tied the knot with actress Suzuki Anna as previously mentioned on DailyNihon. And no, for the wedding ceremony, HG did not don his usual homo-erotic attire of leather, studs, and high shorts but showed up in a decent white tuxedo and Suzuki certainly looked the part of beautiful bride in her white dress.
From an early age, Ishihara Satomi gained fame first with a series of commercials leading up into bigger and bigger roles, and now she’s a certified actress with some solid acting work. Her beauty and talent has earned a large diehard fanbase that is very supportive of her and follows her every move.
Sanspo.com
Former founding member of the Japanese pop trio “Do As Infinity” Tomiko Van (or Ban as some spell it) was in downtown Tokyo today at the Tokyo West Ikebukuro art theater for the announcement of the upcoming musical “Brooklyn” which will be Tomiko’s first foray into the live musical performing arts scene. It’s the first Japanese version of the popular musical, which has been performed across America more than 300 times.
Photos courtesy of Sanspo.com: For those of you who’ve been Akiyama’s fan since her childhood days, she’s come a long way. Starting out as a child model, the former Pichi Lemon model gained popularity through several commercials and acting roles that captured the public’s attention with her demure beauty. Read the rest of this entry »
Photos courtesy of Sanspo.com: Ever wanted to know who was the most beautiful girl in Japan? Well it’s been decided, at least of this year. The winner is 17 year old Hayashi Tantan, who was chosen as the new 2006 “National Beautiful Girl” contest winner. In looking at the other contestants, if I was a judge, I would have voted the same. Winning a contest like this doesn’t come without it’s perks naturally.
Burnout. It’s what happens to some people when they push themselves too hard and too fast. Hey, it even happens to celebrities. Popular actress and TV personality Wakatsuki Chinatsu called off some of her numerous media activites a few weeks ago in order to rest and recuperate from an apparent work overload.
Japanese candy is some good stuff. Colorful cool and overpackaged, somehow it manages to taste better than the heavily medicated taste of other popular candies of the West. So as if you needed any further persuasion to try Japanese candy, snack maker powerhouse Lotte is shooting a new commerical starring Eikura Nana in the above sexy purple cat costume. Even if it was candy for cats, I’m sure you’d try it anyways right?
Once a rising star in the Japanese entertainment industry, there was some commotion a few years ago concerning her out of wedlock pregnancy with then boyfriend Okazawa Takahiro. Since then, they’ve wed and had once child together while her career has languished in the doldrums.
The wait is over. Game god Sony’s next generation powerhouse was unleashed just a few days ago in Japan and diehard gamers were literally queueing up all night, desperate to get their hands on one. The North American release is coming up and already I’ve heard stories about how lines 200 people long have formed well in advance, with people calling in sick, taking vacation, or even camping out in front of their favorite electronics stores.
The Japan Swimsuit Association (JSA)–yes there is such a organization–has a new face to go with the new year as 18 year old Anna Sonoda was crowned the new 2007 campaign cover girl. A high school graduate from Saitama prefecture, she’s already loving the limelight, remarking that the “feeling of the camera was good.” She’s pictured here letting it all hang out at her first swimwear fashion show in Yokohama. 2007 is lookin’ good.
In her first interview since news broke about her engagement to SHANZA frontman Izam, actress and gravure model Miho Yoshioka talked about her future plans and how she’s looking forward to being married. Presently 3 months pregnant, she revealed that she enjoys a bite of green curry when she’s tired and praised Izam for being super kind and nice to her, a perfect gentleman. Although she plans on continuing in the entertainment industry, she announced she won’t be doing anymore sexy gravure photoshoots either.
In Tokyo today, actress Aibu Saki commenced the Japan Tennis Association (JTA) Nikke All Japan Tennis Championships with a exhibition match against top woman’s seed Nakamura Aiko. Nakamura has been playing in some big tournaments around the world, and has had some encounters with top name players such as former world number one Justine Henin-Hardenne.
We recognize that you might not all be familiar with some of the people we feature, but that’s one of the reasons you love this place right? Bikini model Kosaka Yuka showed her appreciation to fans by holding a commemoration event at a downtown Tokyo bookstore in Shinjuku earlier today. She recently released a new photobook ためらい (”Hesitation”) that features her B88W58H84 measurements in outfits ranging from a sailor suit to a nurse. She also took the opportunity express her desire to be an actress and plug her new film “URAHARA” to be released next summer.
Widely regarded as one of the premier Japanese babes, popular TV star and sexy racequeen model Yoshioka Miho is to wed rock group SHAZNA frontman IZAM (Izamu). It was discovered the two had holy matrimony in mind when they filed their marriage registration paperwork earlier today. In addition, Yoshioka is reportedly 3 months pregnant as well. So sorry fellas, she’s off the market–for now. Given that celebrity marriages don’t last much longer than a jelly doughnut at the police station, this might be old news by the time you read this. But all the best to them. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.
Everytime you need publicity, find a cover girl. That seems to be the rule of thumb when introducing new concepts or products in Japan. Not that we complain of course. The latest is university student Suzuki Rin, who was chosen as the image girl for Sankei newspaper group’s new Iza website. Someone at Sankei must of thought long and hard about a way to find a girl who’s more than just a bikini banner. So what they did was get a pool of 103 “cute girls” and have them all write blogs chronicling their daily lives. Genius. From among them all, Suzuki was the one who got the nod for her captivating writing and girl next door looks. Gentlemen of Sankei, I concur. If you don’t, then maybe this will change your mind.
If we’re going to have a contest for the best leather outfit, then why not have one for formal wear? Things are heating up here in downtown Tokyo as the best formal wear contest is underway. Japanese actress Yonekura Ryoko along with her Italian dude counterpart have advanced to the competition semifinals today held in downtown Tokyo at the historic Japanese Garden Restaurant, Chinzan-so. The award is given to the celebrity pair that best complements each other in formal wear attire. Yonekura impressed judges with her specially tailored open-back dress and probably had them seeing stars from the glare of about 10,000,000 Yen worth of jewels shimmering on her. Even the subject of kabuki actor ex-boyfriend Ichikawa Ebizou’s recent sighting with Sato Eriko didn’t faze her as Yonekura insisted she was was doing just fine without him.
Rather than turning the heat up, bikini model Iwasa Mayuko is putting the heat out–literally. As a part of the fire prevention campaign this fall, Iwasa became the chief of the Fire and Disaster Management agency in Tokyo for a day in an effort to draw attention to the cause. Under Iwasa’s command, a fire drill training exercise took place simulating the event where an earthquake causes a fire to break out on the third floor of a building. With 100 evacuations and 170 active fire fighting members, the scale of the drill was quite large. But the need of staging these drills to keep a fire fighting force in top shape were echoed by Isawa as she emphasized the importance of everyday practice training.
Life’s not all fun and games when you’re a well-known and sought after celebrity. TV star and actress Chinatsu Wakatsuki recently checked into a hospital for reportedly being stretched thin and overworked. In addition to her numerous other show business comittments, which includes 6 TV programs and 2 radio shows, she hosts Fuji TV’s popular horse-racing show “Umacchi!” However, she was unable to make it to the latest recording session and had to excuse herself as a victim of her stress and physical wear-down. The good news is that she was able to check out of the hospital after an examination revealed no serious issues and she’s now recuperating at home. It’s especially rough this time of the year as media are generally preparing to tape those nostalgic end of the year recaps and optimistic forecasts of the new year.
Fresh out of high school comes 19 year old Mika Hoshino, who’s turning heads with her slender figure as the latest idol to hit the gravure scene. She’ll be releasing her first DVD photobook on the 24th which promises plenty of revealing photography of the high school grad in some snazzy outfits and poses that showcase her B84 W58 H80 measurements. How does she feel about her new after-school job? “The work of gravure idoling is difficult,” she said, “and it’s [something I will study].” I’m sure she’ll give us plenty more of her to study as well.
I’m not sure exactly what “Bomb Card Hyper Trading Cards” are, but if you’re a fan of Yuko Ogura, these cards just might be what you’re looking for to complete that idol shrine tucked away in your closet. For those of you who own all her DVDs and photobooks and still can’t get enough of her, take your obsession to the next level with these Yuko Ogura trading cards. The cards feature Yuko in a variety of different poses and costumes that should please any hardcore fanboy.
Remember the girl with the glasses that nobody wanted to ask to the prom? Well you just might want to reconsider in the case of Tokito Ami. Known and instantly recognizable for her famous frames, she got her big break from being a Miss Magazine girl, and has appeared in several commercials since. Now she’s setting her sights on a singing career as she debuted with her new single “I’m a Lady” today in the Akihabra district of Tokyo. Appearing in a mini-skirt and wearing her trademark glasses, she turned on the cute charms and put on quite a performance for the 1000 fans who showed up.
Directed by Otani Kentaro, the sequel to last year’s hit movie NANA, has finished filming and is set for release on December 9th of this year. Starring pop stars Nakashima Mika and actress Ichikawa Yui in her first turn as Nana, the movie is being highly anticipated by fans across the world. Nakashima and Ichikawa were putting the finishing touch on a scene in the movie where despite bad weather conditions, both persevered to complete the scene. As Otani called “cut” for the last time and both stars were given bouquets to celebrate the close of the movie’s filming. Over the course of filming, both stars have become friends and it’ll be great to see them pick off where the first movie left off.
Say it ain’t so. Someone please tell me it’s not true. It was announced today that Murakami Megumi, at 14 years of age, is retiring from show biz, at least for now. She’s one of the more popular members of the all girl groups C-ute and Hello! Project Kids, which have enchanted fans of all ages with their catchy pop tunes and magnetising cuteness. Earlier this year, Murakami decided it was time to devote herself completely to her studies and education instead, due to the rising conflict between her entertainment and educational commitments. Although she’ll still “active” in the group, she won’t be participating in the commemoration performance event of C-ute’s new CD release in Tokyo on November 3rd. Tough call, but maybe the right choice; unless you don’t mind watching zombies sing and dance (like the Rolling Stones?) you can’t sing and dance forever. Someday the music’s gonna stop and then what?
It got a little steamy in Tokyo today as all the 2005 and 2006 girls for Miss Magazine got together for the recruiting event of the year. Miss Magazine is a popular gravure idol magazine in Japan that was recently revived by Kodansha publishing, which also happens to be behind many of the infamous widely read “weeklies.” And obviously, you won’t be buying this magazine for the articles. After flipping through the pages of each revealing issue, readers of Miss Magazine decide just who the hottest of them all. Aren’t you glad we told you?
In addition to wowing racing fans with her stunning smile and curves, popular model and racequeen Erissa Nakayama is smokin’ in her new role showing off the latest underwear lineup for Japanese underwear maker Triumph. To help her be even more effective in enticing potential customers, she’s receiving the same training as the sales reps for Triumph. “I’m excited to apply what I’m learning,” she gushed, “and hope to use it effectively.” Like she needs anything else to get grab our attention besides what she’s wearing. She could be reading the phone book in that get-up and it’d be music to our ears.
19 year old actress Kashii Yuu was filming on location today in Kawasaki city today for her role in the upcoming film “Yume Juya” which debuts next spring. “Yume Juya” or “Ten Nights of Dreams” is based on a book of the same name by famed Japanese novelist Natsume Soseki. The blockbuster project will have 10 directors directing adaptations of the 10 stories for the big screen. Some big names are involved in the project, including Takashi Shimizu of “The Grudge” fame. Kashii Yuu had just finished up the filming for her drowning suicide scene yesterday, which was diirected by Shimizu, and her reward for that was a great big bouquet of flowers to use as a quality prop for our silly photographer instincts.
Popular bikini babe Yuuko Ogura showed up at Sega headquaters at Tokyo and Haneda today to lend her celluloid charms to the recording of a TV program about the rather simple subject of planetary motion. Thankfully for her, the program is geared towards children’s television, so maybe she can still pull it off. Ogura thought it was just another day in the life of a actress until the kids pulled a quick one on her. Out of nowhere, a cake fell out of the sky and bam, the kids spring into a charming rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Ogura’s birthday is actually on November 1st, but hey close enough right?
Now back by popular demand! If our previous post wasn’t enough to satisfy you fans, then get a load of some more Rina pics here. No need to thank us, we know how grateful you are.
One of the most iconoclastic things about Japan is the fabled race queen. Standing by the race tracks and giving spectators something other than fast cars, thundering motors and fuel fumes to experience, they are perhaps one of the main reasons these events are so popular. So, I thought I’d share these pictures of a lovely race queen by the name of Naomi Watanabe. It gives you an idea how race queens dress and just why they’re so important to any car race..yes, really. Photos courtesy of Takanori Yazawa.
The 2006 World Volleyball Championships are taking place in Japan this year and what better way to pump up team spirit than having Jpop duo WaT and all of the ladies from hello! Project behind you? The Jpop stars got close and personal with the men’s and women’s All-Japan team by even sharing lodging with them during training and as a result, everyone became good friends with each other. “Living together I learned a lot about being human,” WaT member Uentsu Eiji said. “[Team Japan] please try your best and aim for the top!”
Japanese cosmetics maker Kanebo has elected actress Mizukawa Asami to be their new image girl. As you can see from the abundant garden of sunlight and flowers radiating behind her, Mizukawa will be bringing her fresh, pretty, clean image to hype Kanebo’s latest offerings in a brand new commercial airing in December.
If anyone’s seen wrestling as a sport before, to the untrained eye, it looks like nothing more than two guys (usually) squirming on top of each other. Which makes it a little uncomfortable for those of us who have ideas of wrestling as full of blown up buffed up shouting buffoons performing ludicrous acts of scripted pain. Well Japan has its own version of this, the Hustle “Fighting Opera” which is a perfect name for a “sport” that doesn’t make sense. One of the more famous wrestlers from this background is none other than Razor Ramon “Haado Gei” (Hard Gay). Love him or hate him, it looks like he’s here to stay. Don’t miss his return to his wrestling roots for the Hustle “Fighting Opera” 2006 competition starting on November 23rd.
Check out this picture of Eriko Sato’s leather duds. I can’t say if wearing that much leather in those places would feel good or not. Apparently she was partly inspired by the cowhide clothing of the hip-thrusting, human homosexual parody, Razor Ramon HG (Hard Gay) in choosing her get-up. However, her tastes paid off as she was awarded the best leather get-up at the 6th leather clothing competition, namely for her boots, which “emphasizes her leg line beauty.” I have no idea why this competition even exists. What do all the ladies think of this leather outfit?
The beseiged founder of the popular Japanese website livedoor, Takafumi Horie, is reportedly back together with his old girlfriend, television star Ari Oota after she broke up with the guy when he went under investigation for securities fraud and money laundering. Horie became a superstar for his unconventional business methods and it’s suspected his current legal quagmire might be retaliation from the busines establishment while Ota is an exclusive model for “JJ” and has done commercials for Shiseido. No possible idea why this could have happened other than the fact that even though he’s lost tons of money after the investigation started, the dude is still worth a couple hundred million. That’s a lot of reasons to get back together, don’t you think?
18 year old junior figure skating champ Rina Sawayama was elected the new face of Toray Industries campaign girl today. Known for her ice skating abilities, Sawayama traded her pair of skates and funky skate clothes for a bikini lineup for the 2007 season. The new lineup draws inspiration from a 1970’s style looks with solid colors and a new material that tries to keep the sand off. Not surprisingly, she has future plans on becoming an actress after her figure skating days are over. Last I heard Tara Lipinski had the same idea and who knows where she is now.
Can you believe it’s almost 2007 already? Where has the time gone? 2006 is coming to an end, and pretty soon it’s going to be time to make New Years resolutions you just might end up breaking. With the start of a new year comes a fresh start, a second chance to make things right and do something with your life. And 15 year old Yurie Midori can help. The popular model is releasing a year 2007 calendar today and it will definitely have you paying attention to the date as she dons the sailor school uniform, school swimsuit, and a bunch of other costumes that bring to mind a 3rd year junior high student. You know, if you’re into that sort of thing. What? Don’t look at me like that.
In another bit of the Japanese Charlotte’s Web news, television star Hiromi and husband Matsumoto Iyo will be appearing together for the first time in the major motion film, which opens on December 23. Something must be seriously wrong here though because unlike typical celebrity marraiges, they’ve been together for 13 years this November. But love goes on and the two were even a little nervous about their first press conference together
“As for the two of us coming out together since our marriage,” she said, “we were a little nervous last night.”
Tthe best-selling novel “Charlotte’s Web” by famed “Stuart Little” author E.B. White will soon be coming to the big screen in Hollywood. However, the endearing story will also be coming out in a Japanese version with Japanese actors. The basic plot line is about Wilbur the pig and his fear that one day he’ll end up either cooked, cured, or fried and his plot with a talking spider named Charlotte to make sure this never happens. It’s really a cool story with some charm. Starring Tsuruta Mayu as Charlotte and Fukuda Mayuko as the farm girl, it’ll be interesting in seeing how the Japanese version will be different than the mainstream. But in either version I promise the piggy will be just as cute.
Teenage actress Erika Toda of “Death Note - the Last Name” fame (the second part to be released on November 3rd) will be on starring in a new role, but not on the silver screen as the public might know it. Instead, she’s taking her first plunge into the world of video game character voice acting. For those of us who play games, voice acting can either make a game great, or just painful to listen to. As Japanese games and animation are usually well acted out, we can expect more of the same from this talented girl. For you gamers out there, Toda will be doing voice work for a new PlayStation 3 game, “GENJI - Days of the Last Blade” so be sure to check it out.
Attention beer lovers, one of the most beloved Japanese beers has a new beer on the block. Everyone knows Japanese beers are some of the best in the world, and Asahi might just be the king of this nectar of the gods. In a dramatic attempt to increase market share, Asahi unveiled a new beer called “Asahi Gokuuma” and it makes me THIRSTY just looking at it. And to make sure you know how refreshing it is, Asahi’s got Aikawa Shou and Katsumata Kunikazu in their new beer commercial. Just look at Aikawa’s massive hairdo and you just know it’s got to be good.
21 year old bikini babe Jun Kojima donned a red bikini and several different outfits as 150 fans gathered at her downtown event promoting her new DVD release, titled “I DOLL.” A subtle play on words there, pretty clever eh? Get it? Get it? Kojima sports B85 W58 H82 measurements and wowed the crowd by changing into a kimono get-up and the stereotypical fantasy high school girl uniform while “laughing and shyly promising more.” Besides revealing skin, she also revealed that she has some acting ambitions as well, and dreams of playing the role of “heroine of tragedy.” Can’t get enough of her? Then check out these pics of her and take a cold shower.
Popular American racequeen Leah Dizon was at a downtown Tokyo bookstore today to promote her upcoming photobook debut in Japan, titled “Petite Amie.” The French-Filipino beauty first gained attention with her modeling work in the import car scene and has only been gaining in popularity ever since. Dizon aims to improve her Japanese while setting her sights on starting a singing career as well. With her eye-catching looks and sexy figure, she’s sure to turn some heads. But does she sing as well as she wears a bikini? Usually they don’t but we’ll just have to wait and see won’t we?
At the J-POP CAFE in Shibuya today, superstar Aya Ueto treated a limited number of her official fan club members to a special cooking event featuring her own natto(fermented soybean) and egg curry recipe. The dish will be offered at the cafe for a limited time, costing about 3000 Yen. Naturally it has to taste great, and although it may be an unusual combination, natto lovers should find themselves enjoying the curry as natto curry is steadily being added to curry house menus everywhere. This is Ueto’s first fan even in over a year, and so for 400 lucky fans, it was a great opportunity to meet and shake the hand of the super idol.
Popular Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizou, and bikini babe Satou Eriko reportedly had a secret date in downtown Tokyo at an old fashioned tea house after the launch of “Women’s 7″ magazine. Ebizou was questioned about the romantic links after his performance during a early October kabuki festival, but the guy wouldn’t spill the beans. Satou was asked about it as well on that very same day while attending a metropolitan media event, but she too insisted they were only friends. But to those in the know, all signs and sightings indicate that Ebizou and Satou are probably doing more than having tea on their secret dates. What makes girls dig these kabuki guys?
Actress Horitaka Maki turns 18! Check out some more pics of this cutie’s celebration here.
As far as life in big cities go, it doesn’t get much bigger than Manhattan, New York. A new drama series starring Katou Ai (age 23), Kuroki Meisa (18) and Junna Risa (35), titled “Manhattan Diary” chronicles the lives of three girls who meet by chance in Manhattan and through shared experiences in a foreign city, develop friendship while discovering more about themselves. The entire series was actually shot on location in Manhattan, USA which may have been a little overwhelming for the girls at first. Kurogi mentioned that staying so long in a foreign country was a little “uneasy, but as soon as the shooting began, it felt normal.” Slated for release next January, “Manhattan Diary” sounds like a worthwhile new series and it will be provided free of charge via computer broadcast by ＧｙａＯ.
Back in September a previously unknown Japanese man by the name of Ochi “Dainoji” Yosuke became an overnight superstar by becoming the first Japanese to win the Air Guitar Championship. In addition to his awesome air skills, he’s also gained fame with his trademark tiger sweater, which is the same one he wore when he won the championship. With the Japan Series baseball tournament underway, Dainoji is hoping some of the good karma from his sweater will help out his favorite Osaka and Kobe teams too. Hey, it worked for him right?
At a press event today sponsored by MTV and Sony Ericsson, gravure queen Yuuko Ogura again refused to answer any personal questions the Japanese media inquired of her. Ogura has been dead silent on rumors that she’s dating some comedian guy but that was put to rest as the man in question, Hamaguchi Masaru, insisted that they were “friends”. Reporters who tried to dig a little deeper and take some shots at Ogura were answered with her silent stare. Honestly I don’t see what the big deal is here..but at least she didn’t cancel the whole damn conference like last time some wise guy brought it up.
Kouki Kameda, the current World Boxing Association (WBA) light-flyweight champion reportedly sustained an injury during training that could cause a delay in his eagerly anticipated title defense. With 8 stiches on the left side of his face, his trainers are worried that it will affect his fight weight, and potentially make it easier for the opponent to open a cut. Kameda is an absolute sensation in Japan, where almost the entire country tuned in for his last fight. But Kameda disappointed his fans by being utterly smacked around and yet getting the hometown decision. In a sport with so many problems, gift decisions like the one Kameda got are ruining the sport. In fact, the Japanese disgust is the main reason Kameda agreed to give a rematch in the first place. If you really are the champ Kouki, prove it!
Probably one of the hottest nerds on the planet, and the self-proclaimed “Queen of Blogs” ( check out her blog here) Nakagawa Shouko is coming out with a new DVD 「しょこファンタジー」and it’s sure to please. With her slender B83 W58 H82 body, Nakagawa let’s it all hang out in bikinis, the beloved Neko costume, and gets back to her favorite genre, namely sexy otaku and costume play outfits. A self confessed girl gamer and animation junkie, Nakagawa used to be a mainstream pinup girl, but her love of animation and video games inspired her go the cosplay route, where she’s found great success. She might not be the hottest gravure chick out there, but she’s cute and she’s confident doing what she likes. Isn’t that enough?