Ai Otsuka Dating Rapper

Japanese tabloid magazine Josei Seven reported last week that mega J-pop star AI OTSUKA is dating SU, member of the popular Japanese hip-hop group Rip Slyme.  According to the report, SU was seen entering the AVEX recording artist’s Tokyo luxury apartment at night with his own key in the middle of last month.  He remained inside and didn’t leave the following morning until after the 27 year old singer/songwriter has left for work.  It appears the couple has been seeing each other since the beginning of this year.

The cute and talented Ai Otsuka (大塚愛) was already a big fan of Rip Slyme before she met her man last year while working on her best of album Love is Best.  The Osaka native collaborated with SU on a new track titled “aisu x time”. (it’s a play off both of their names)  SU, age 36, made headlines back in 2007 when it was found out that he was dating Japanese singer Kaera Kimura.  They broke up last year.

When Ai’s management agency was contacted it neither confirmed nor denied the rumor of the two dating.  Only the reply “We leave all private matters up to her” was given.

To look up more of Ai Otsuka: JAPANESE SINGER ACTRESS AI OTSUKA ON SLEEPYJOHN.COM

Kii Kitano Makes Successful Singing Debut

The debut single of Japanese teen gravure idol and actress KII KITANO has made it to the Top 10 according to Oricon Ranking.  The cute and innocent looking 18 year old officially made her debut as a singer last Wednesday with the release of her first single “Sakura Saku” (サクラサク) and has already recorded 16,000 in sales by the end of last weekend, which is good for a No.7 spot in the ranking.

In an interview Kii Kitano (北乃きい) told Oricon that she has always wanted to give singing a try since she was little, even before she became a model for the Japanese teen fashion magazine Hana*Chu–>.  Kii appeared live for the first time and sang 3 songs last Wednesday at a shopping mall in Kawasaki, a suburb of Tokyo, in front of 7000 fans.  The debut single Sakura Saku is also being used in the Kit Kat commercial currently airing on Japanese TV.

See more of Kii Kitano’s cuteness here: JAPANESE TEEN GRAVURE IDOL ACTRESS KII KITANO ON SLEEPYJOHN.COM

Erika Umeda Quits Hello!Project

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but here’s yet another blow to all Hello!Project fans.

Japanese idol singer C-ute member Erika Umeda (梅田えりか) will “graduate” from the idol factory this fall, it was announced on the website of her agency Up Front Agency yesterday.  The 18 year old Kanagawa Prefecture native is the oldest member in the  J-pop idol group and is often considered a fashionista.  Her last performance as a C-ute member will be on October 25th at NHK Osaka Hall, the last day of Hello!Project’s Fall Concert Tour.

J-pop idol unit C-ute member Erika Umeda doing some promotional work for the Japan Postal Service

“UmeEri”, as she is affectionately called by both her fans and friends has decided to pursue a career as a fashion model after she leaves the successful 6 member idol unit.  I think this is a good move since appearance wise she has always looked more flashy and glamorous rather than the typical pure and innocent idol look.  She has also been spotted on numerous occasions prawling around fashionable districts in Tokyo like Shibuya.  I believe it is only a matter time before she breaks one of the strict rules set by her handler and get herself into some scandalous situation.  We all know Hello!Project & Up Front Agency cannot afford to have anymore scandals.

I look forward to seeing the sexy Japanese teen in a Japanese fashion magazine in the near future.  I’ve always thought Erika Umeda has that onee-kei (お姉系), or hot “older sister” look.  I’ve got confidence she’ll make a fine fashion model!

C-ute Member Erika Umeda To Ditch Idol Status

Tadanobu Asano and Chara Divorced

Japanese actor model Tadanobu Asano (浅野忠信) of Ichi the Killer fame and Japanese indie singer & actress CHARA ended their marriage in splitsville, it was announced on his website last Saturday.  The odd couple have 1 daughter age 14 and 1 son age 9.  Tadanobu met CHARA who is 6 years his senior on the movie set of PiCNiC back in ‘94 when he was only 22 years old and proceeded to knock her up.  They promptly got married in March of the following year and their first child was born in July.

Tadanobu Asano (L) and CHARA (R) are no more

CHARA began her singing career in ‘91 and shot to fame with the No. 1 single Swallowtail Butterfly~Ai no Uta~ (Ｓｗａｌｌｏｗｔａｉｌ　Ｂｕｔｔｅｒｆｌｙ～あいのうた～) in 1996.  I actually remember that song well…damn I’m old!

On his website, the quarter native American explained that after having a deep discussion, he and his eccentric spouse decided to divorce in order keep the respect they have for each other.  In the official statement it was revealed that the bearded actor whom many Japanese women consider manly spends almost 70% of his time away from home while CHARA is also often busy with her music.  This led to the meltdown of their marriage.

I’m sure there could be several reasons that led to their divorce but here’s a clear one: Tadanobu Asano got tied down way too young when he was just a budding star.  He could’ve enjoyed his life and had plenty of other girls that was taken away from him.  He  simply got tired after 14 years of the same vagina that most likely gave him plenty of attitude.

While his ex-wife will retain custody of their children Tadanobu won’t have to pay any alimony and has unlimited visitation right.  I want to give a high five to the dude.

Tadanobu Asano and CHARA Call It Quits

MAX Releases First Single in 7 Years

Let’s bring back the glorious J-pop 90s heyday and its techno pop sound!  For those of you who could remember, the 4 girl unit MAX, formerly J-pop diva Namie Amuro’s back up dancer Super Monkeys was at the height of their success in the late 90s and you couldn’t turn on the TV without hearing their music.

MAX (from L to R): Lina, Mina, Reina and Nana

All these years later MAX is still alive and making a comeback.  The group had seen member changes, been on hiatus and faced uncertainty, but now with Mina rejoining the group MAX is once again with all of its original members.  It is interesting to point out that now every member has reached 30 years of age.  On Friday the all girl AVEX unit appeared at Lalaport shopping mall in Funabashi right outside of Tokyo to announced the release of their new single “Rough Cut Diamond” (ラフカットダイアモンド).  It’s the first single single since Mina left the group back in 2002 due to pregnancy.

Nana, the eldest at 33 said, “This new single feels like a song we had when we first debuted.”  Personally I’m a fan of MAX but we’ll need to wait and see if they can once again capture their fan base.

After their on stage performance Mina, a mother of 2 commented, “A woman’s life starts from 30 and I’m in love.”  Upon hearing that Lina said she wanted to work hard toward love too.  Reina shared that she always welcomes love while Nana added she’s preparing to be a bride.

MAX Reaches 30 But Not Out

Japanese Singer Idol Kanna Arihara Quits

Another sad news for all the Hello!Project fans.  It was announced last Saturday that popular Japanese J-pop idol unit C-ute member Kanna Arihara (有原栞菜) has officially left the group.  The Kanagawa Prefecture native cutie has been on temporary leave of absence since the end of February this year due to complication with her feet.  Her painful conditions were most likely caused by prolonged wearing of high heel shoes.

According to Kanna’s agency, after she recovers from her ailment she’d like to return to life as a normal young girl.  It’s unfortunate that the hectic schedule and demanding conditions have taken a toll on this pretty and talented teen who’s just turned 16 last month.  It’s anyone’s guess if she’ll have a change of heart in the future and return to showbiz.

Japanese Singer Idol Kanna Arihara Quits Showbiz

An Engaged Mikitty Is Happy

Haha this should be categorized as a “prequel”.  But since we’re on the hot news trail of marriage announcement from the sexy and talented Miki Fujimoto (藤本美貴), I thought I’d write up this piece too.

Former Hello!Project and Morning Musume Japanese super idol Miki Fujimoto appeared alongside with ex-colleague Mai Satoda (里田まい) at the end of May at a publicity event put on by McDonald’s Japan and Coca Cola Japan.  It was the Hokkaido Prefecture native’s first appearance since the announcement of her engagement to Japanese comedian Tomoharu Shoji of Shinagawa Shoji duo.

Still super kawaii and sexy, Miki Fujimoto pitching for the new Coke glass

At the promotional event Mikitty frankly told the reporters that she’s happy she met her man and he’s the perfect partner.  Upon hearing such candid words, Mai said, “I’m so envious.  I also want to say I’m getting married.  I’d like to have a partner”

At the campaign for Coke glass the two girls also played a mini futsal match with ex Japanese national team players.  Playing off the soccer theme, after the exhibition match Mikitty was peppered with questions such as “When’s the kick-off for your marriage” and “What do you consider as a red card in a relationship”.  To which the 24 year old former Morning Musume replied, “I’d like to have a decision about the wedding by July.  To me cheating constitutes as a red card.”

Mikitty Is Happy After Engagement

Mai Satoda (L) and Miki Fujimoto (R)

Japanese Singer Idol Miki Fujimoto Married

The day countless Mikitty fanboys around the world fear the most has come.  Former leader of the Japanese super idol group Morning Musume Miki Fujimoto (藤本美貴) announced on Sunday Japan time that she and fiance Tomoharu Shoji (庄司智春) have tied the knot.

Wedding photos taken in Hawaii released to the public

Miki caused quite an uproar back in 2007 when she was caught dating the second rate monkey-looking Japanese comedian as the leader of the most popular J-pop idol group.  The couple was dubbed “Beauty and the Beast” by the Japanese media.  Nobody thought they’d last but this past March their engagement was announced to the public.

At the press conference the 24 year old Hokkaido Prefecture native appeared in an elegant white dress with black dots looking as cute as ever.  The 6th generation Morning Musume member and former Hello!Project artist told the media that she and Tomoharu, one half of Japanese comedy duo Shinagawa Shoji have already held a wedding ceremony in Hawaii on the 3rd.  To quell Miki’s fanboys any last shred of hope, Mr. Shoji announced that they officially registered their marriage the day before.

Former Morning Musume Super Idol Miki Fujimoto Got Hitched

It was revealed that Tomoharu actually first proposed to Miki last summer.  However Miki did not accept it because it didn’t include include a ring and wasn’t up to her expectation so she made the Yoshimoto Kogyo comedian try again.  Affectionately known to her fans as “Mikitty” (because of her love for Sanrio character Hello Kitty), she commented that she was moved when she realized that she has changed her last name.

When the subject came to children, Mikitty said, “We don’t have any plans to have kids right now.  But I want us to enjoy each other’s company first then have kids.”  The porcelain skinned songstress added that she’ll start moving her stuff over to her new hubby’s place.

While I’m not too thrilled to hear the news (yes, I too, am a Mikitty fan), I had a feeling this day would come.  Such is the harsh reality of life!  Fellas, we’ve lost another pretty young one.

Japanese Fashion Model Rina Fujii Dating Singer

Popular Japanese fashion and lingerie model Rina Fujii (藤井リナ) held a press event last month in Tokyo for her self produced wedding dress brand L et Lena.  The quarter American hottie who just turned 25 last Thursday showed up in a gorgeous red wedding gown and appeared very happy.

Tokyo born Rina has been the talk of town because last month Japanese gossip magazine Josei Seven (女性セブン) reported that she was exchanging passionate kisses on the street with Japanese hip hop group DA PUMP vocal ISSA, real name Issa Hentona (辺土名 一茶).  The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for the reporters to ask Rina, who’s been saying she’d like to get married since she was a teenager, about her love life and wedding plans.  When a reporter inquired whether the sexy ViVi and Peach John model was wearing the wedding dress while in love, the reply was, “Yes, everyday.”

Rina Fujii (L) and ISSA, lead vocal of DA PUMP (R)

ISSA is no small time player.  As leader of DA PUMP, the 30 year old Okinawan has made sure his group continues to see success since its debut back in 1997.  He has dated big name entertainers such as Japanese actress Ko Sibasaki (柴咲コウ) and gravure idol / talent Yu Abiru (あびる優).

Rina Fujii Dating DA PUMP’s ISSA

The press wanted confirmation and asked, “Is your boyfriend the same as the person reported in the article?”  Rina Fujii could barely hold back her smile and responded with a simple “yes”.  When asked how she’d spend her birthday, Rina said, “I plan on spending it with my family, so I’ll hold off going on a date with my boyfriend.  But it’d be nice if there’s a surprise.”  She turned red and replied, “His kindness” when reporters asked what does she like most about her beau.

According to Rina Fujii, who went by the name “Lena” when she first started modeling, the couple hasn’t discussed marriage yet.  But she does hope to get married so she’d like to make it happen someday.  When approached for comment, ISSA’s agency Vision Factory (ヴィジョンファクトリー) responded, “He is an adult so we leave all private matters to him.”

I wonder if she’d say yes if she was presented with a fat ring on her birthday…

T.M.Revolution Frontman Breaks Up with Girlfriend

Japanese musician / singer Takanori Nishikawa (西川貴教) and Japanese actress / idol Chihiro Otsuka (大塚ちひろ) are no more.

Most famous for being the lead vocal of the J-pop / techno unit T.M.Revolution, 38 year old Takanori appeared at an official event in Tokyo last Saturday without his girlfriend.  When asked about his love relationship he replied, “I’ve only got my dog right now.”  The boyish looking Shiga Prefecture native further commented that he’s moved on and is leading a peaceful life.  To stress that he is currently single, the T.M.Revolution frontman added that he’s looking for a girlfriend.

T.M.Revolution Frontman and Chihiro Otsuka No Longer An Item

By the way, T.M.Revolution stands for “Takanori Makes Revolution”.  I’m not making this up!  Hey, when you’re so sure of yourself, why not pimp yourself?

Takanori and Chihiro’s romantic involvement came to light about a year ago and Japanese weeklies reported them having an intimate dinner date last September.  I personally want to give a high five to Takanori simply for the fact that he dated a girl 15 years younger than him.  I’d love to ask him just how yummy a girl barely out of her teens was!

T.M.Revolution’s Takanori Nishikawa (L) and Chihiro Otsuka (R)

Japanese Singer Hitomi Releases Nude Photobook

I’m really not sure what to make of this.  Is it a desperate attempt at cashing in some dough, an exercise in narcissism plus stupidity or simply a celebration of womanhood?

Former J-pop star and Komuro Family princess Hitomi is determined not to let her newly attained “mommy status” get in the way and is trying to make a come back.  Apparently the 33 year old Kanagawa Prefecture native was scheming even after she got knocked up due to unplanned pregnancy last year.  This Wednesday Hitomi’s new album and fully nude photobook, shot while 7 month pregnant titled “Love Life 2″ went on sale.

Hitomi appears on her new album cover nude and pregnant

Hitomi, taken at 9 month pregnant

Taken only 3 months after giving birth to her daughter, Hitomi did a great job slimming down while retaining a nice set of boobs

J-pop Singer Hitomi Nude & Pregnant Photobook On Sale

After divorcing her first husband back in 2007, the AVEX artist suddenly announced the following summer that she’s marrying Japanese actor Masayoshi Haneda (羽田昌義) and was 4 month pregnant.  In September of last year she flew to Los Angeles and proceeded to strip completely naked, baring bush and her stomach for the camera.  Hmm…hasn’t this card been played out already?

Hitomi Furuya (古谷仁美) aka Hitomi fans will recall that in 2000 she also released a semi-nude photobook and an album both titled “Love Life” at the same time.  You’ve gotta admit she’s good at marketing herself.  I guess Hitomi refuses to go down like the majority of Japanese women once they give birth.

Perfume’s Nocchi In Love Too

Not to be outdone, Japanese techno pop unit Perfume member Nocchi (のっち) is also rumored to be in a relationship.  Japanese tabloid authority FRIDAY (フライデー), the same magazine that first reported on Kashiyuka’s love interest got the scoop that the Fukuyama dialect speaking cutie possibly spent the night at her boyfriend’s.

Nocchi says, “If this room’s rocking, don’t come knocking!”

Perfume’s Nocchi Caught Spending the Night

The 20 year old Ayano Omoto (大本彩乃) aka Nocchi has been hanging out with the lead vocal of Japanese rock band “Straightener” (ストレイテナー) Atsushi Horie (ホリエアツシ), who is 10 years her senior.  Nocchi was recently spotted going back to Atsushi’s apartment alone after having dinner.  When Nocchi / Perfume’s management agency Amuse Inc. (アミューズ) was contacted for comment the handler replied, “We’re only aware that he is one of Nocchi’s good friends in the music circle.”  What a typical response…I couldn’t have expected anything else!

I guess now we’ll have to wait and see if FRIDAY also have some dirt on A~chan (あ～ちゃん), the last member who’s still scandal free.

From L to R: Kashiyuka, A~chan and Nocchi

Perfume’s Kashiyuka Dating

This past Friday Japanese entertainment & gossip magazine FRIDAY (フライデー) revealed that Japanese techno pop unit Perfume member Kashiyuka (かしゆか) has been spotted with a love interest.

Has Perfume’s Kashiyuka found true love?

Perfume’s Kashiyuka Caught Dating

The 3 girl unit, produced by Japanese musical genius Yasutaka Nakata (中田ヤスタカ) originated from Hiroshima.  With its unique “picopop” techno sound, Perfume hit it big in 2008 and received the top honor of performing at NHK’s year end “Kohaku Utagassen” extravaganza.

Perfume performing live on NHK’s annual Kohaku Utagassen music show on December 31, 2008

From L to R: A~chan, Nocchi and Kashiyuka

According to Friday, 20 year old Yuka Kashino (樫野有香) aka Kashiyuka was spotted having a private rendezvous at night with photographer Yoshiharu Ota (太田好治), also age 20 at a trendy cafe in the Sangenjaya district of Tokyo in the middle of May.  The couple went their separate ways afterward but just a week before there was a sighting of Kashiyuka entering the handsome young photographer’s apartment.

Unlike j-pop units such as Morning Musume or AKB48, Perfume is not exactly an idol group.  Thus I don’t foresee any problems or conflicts work wise for the lovely young cutie who loves to devour carbs.  You never know, her horny young beau might just slip and show us some “not so proper” pictures of Kashiyuka later down the line!

Leah Dizon Pregnant And Married

Leah Dizon shows off her wedding portrait at the press conference last Wednesday

Oh boy I have no idea how I let this worthy Japanese showbiz news slide by me. :P I say blame it on all the O/T I’ve been doing for the last couple of weeks!

In front of about 1000 fans, Japan based super hot gravure idol & singer Leah Dizon (リア・ディゾン) suddenly announced on stage last Tuesday the 14th that she has just gotten married and is carrying a child! On that night it was the last show of Leah’s Japan national concert tour at Shibuya Q-East in Tokyo. Toward the end of the 2 hour concert, right before performing her last number of the evening “L*O*V*E U”, the 22 year old Eurasian suddenly said, “I have something important to tell everyone. I really want you to hear it from me. Actually I married recently. I have a baby inside me. My family and I are very happy. I’ll be on leave for a while but I’d like to return soon. Please don’t forget about me!”

The sexy Las Vegas native held a press conference the following day on Wednesday the 15th to provide a better explanation to the public and her fans. During the press conference Leah revealed that she’s 4 months pregnant and she and her beau had a very simple wedding at Tokyo Hilton previous Friday the 10th.

The lucky dude who got to impregnate Leah Dizon is a 29 year old fashion stylist nicknamed “Bun”. They reportedly first met this past January over the music video shooting of Leah’s 4th single “Love Paradox” and later for the planning of Leah’s 2nd album “Communication!!” which was released back in August. The couple both had marriage on their mind soon after they began dating.

When asked what she likes about her man, Leah answered, “He’s smart.” When Leah was asked what Bun-san likes about her, she blurted out loudly, “My big peach!” (meaning her ass)

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