sleepy john - news, pictures and videos for the jpop, kpop, gravure, racing queen, grid girl and av idol fan!

Perfume has been leading the way for “picopop”, a type of Japanese techno

The latest album from the all girl Japanese techno / pop group Perfume soared to the top on Japan’s Oricon Chart this week. “Game” is the second album released by the trio who hail from Hiroshima and is the first techno album to attain the No.1 position in nearly 25 years!

Kashiyuka (かしゆか), A~chan (あ～ちゃん) and Nocchi (のっち) started performing in their hometown when they were only 12 years old. They were picked up by famous Japanese musician / producer Yasutaka Nakata (中田ヤスタカ) and their music can be categorized as “picopop”.

Perfume shooting for the jacket of their second album “GAME”

Reacting to the revelation that their album has gone to the top of Oricon Chart, the talented and cute girls exclaimed, “This is great! Finally all of our hard work paid off. We’re really glad to have people who have supported, helped and told us not to give up since the beginning. There was a time we were happy just to make it to the top 100. Thank you all so much!”

Perfume: Kashiyuka (L), Nocchi (C) and A~chan (R)

Perfume’s “Game” beat out other popular Japanese artists such as rock band HY from Okinawa, folk duo Yuzu (whose lead singer Yuji Kitagawa is dating the crown jewel of Fuji TV announcer Aya Takashima - see my blog on 3/22), singstress YUI and R&B group Exile.

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I THINK this is a Japanese girl or…. something. Tight body, great rhythm, sexy as hell,… just shaking that booty all fine. Enjoy!

:)

You guys probably already know of this video already since I’m like 3 or 4 years behind in the times with Japanese pop (according to John it might be more). Anyway, enjoy if you haven’t seen it.

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I wish she moved and faced the camera a bit more because she’s got a smoking body,… but it’s not a bad video at all. It looks like she’s just practicing but again, I wish she just faced the camera a bit more.

Ai Takahashi (R), Reina Tanaka (C) and JunJun (L) of Morning Musume pose for their fans at Taoyuan International Airport

Three members of the Japanese idol group Morning Musume arrived in Taiwan’s capitol Taipei this past Wednesday to promote their upcoming and first ever concert in Taiwan. Morning Musume leader Ai Takahashi, along with cutie pie Reina Tanaka and JunJun (who’s actually from China) were greeted by about 100 fans at the airport. Later on during the press conference at the hotel the girls were given Taiwanese sweets such as pineapple cake and tapioca milk tea which they loved.

Morning Musume leader Ai Takahashi

Morning Musume 6th generation member Reina Tanaka

Morning Musume will hold their concert at Nangang Exhibition Hall on May 24th and they plan on performing 36 songs. Those lucky Taiwanese bastards!

Morning Musume about to sample some tasty Taiwanese sweets at the press conference

ZARD’s latest single 翼を広げて (Tsubasa wo Hirogete) will be featured in a Detective Conan movie

A previously unreleased song by Izumi Sakai, lead vocal of the Japanese rock band ZARD will be the theme song for the latest Detective Conan anime movie, “Meitantei Konan Senritsu no Gakufu” (Detective Conan, Score of Horror). Izumi Sakai was the voice and face of the somewhat mysterious unit that was extremely popular in the 90s. She passed away last May under cloudy circumstances while battling cervical cancer.

The poster for 名探偵コナン 戦慄の楽譜 “Detective Conan Score of Horror”

The song “Tsubasa wo Hirogete” (Spread Your Wings) was written by famous Japanese musician Tetsuro Oda and its lyrics penned by Miss Izumi Sakai herself. The animated movie will hit theaters across Japan this Saturday.

Japanese talent Chiriko Sakashita (L) and comedian Ryota Yamasato of Nankai Candies (R) promoting the movie in Tokyo last week

Mikitty was all smile at Tokyo FM’s Spain Zaka Studio

The lovely former Morning Musume leader Miki Fujimoto made an appearance on Monday on the Tokyo FM radio show “Wonderful World” in Shibuya to promote her upcoming single “Oki Tegami” (置き手紙). This is her first release since scandal broke out last summer that led to her stepping down from the popular Japanese idol group (please see blog from 2/15 & 1/9) and also her first solo single in 5 years.

Oki Tegami (Letter Left Behind) will be Miki Fujimoto’s comback single

Mikitty (as she is affectionately called) said she worked hard on this piece because the folk song style which “Oki Tegami” is based on is something she’s previously not familiar with. But she’s not nervous and is enjoying her solo activity. While on the subject of her b-side track “Far Away Lover” (遠い恋人) the radio show host playfully teased by asking, “Is your lover close by?” Slightly embarrassed Mikitty replied, “Yes, he’s close.”

Oki Tegami will hit the shelf next Wednesday alongside with a different version from veteran Japanese singer Takao Horiuchi.

Miki Fujimoto with Takao Horiuchi (L) at the press conference for Oki Tegami last month

Just like I expected all along, the princess of Japan’s dirty pop Kumi Koda kicked off her national concert tour yesterday pretty much as originally planned at Ekoba Arena in Fukuroi, Shizuoka Prefecture (about 2.5 hr southwest of Tokyo). It has been about two and a half months since her off the cuff “rotten womb” radio show comment that landed her in hot water which ended in cancellation of all work related activities and self exile.

Before the show Kumi once again apologized and bowed to the fans. She then exclaimed, “I will give my best!”

According to reports, since the scandal blew up in the beginning of this past February Kumi had been hiding in hotels. And recently Japanese tabloid FLASH sighted the j-pop diva resurfacing, sporting huge sunglasses with her trademark brightly colored hair surrounded by several AVEX staff members while being discreetly shuttled around.

The 25 year old Miss Kumi Koda had reportedly wanted to delay the start of her national tour. But due to several complications decided to stick to the original schedule. The concert tour covers 8 locations and consists of 16 shows in total. The ones in the beginning such as Shizuoka, Kobe and Fukuoka have been completely sold out a long time ago before the rotten womb scandal took place and tickets for her performance in Tokyo which went on sale on the 15th of last month were also gone in an instant.

Although her advertising activities with major companies like Kirin, P&G Japan and Japanese cosmetic Kose are still on halt, I’m sure everything will be back to normal by early summer and you’ll start to see Kumi pimping all kinds of products everywhere you go again.

Things are looking good for Kumi Koda. Her latest DVD “Kumi Koda Live Tour 2007 ~Black Cherry~ Special Final in Tokyo Dome” that was released on the 31st of last month shot up to the No. 1 position for music DVD. As a matter of fact, this is the 4th consecutive number one ranking she’s received for her DVD, beginning with “secret ~First Class Limited Live~” in September of 2005.

Kumi is on track to surpass Hikaru Utada’s sales record of 6 consecutive No. 1 DVD 

This really shows you in Japan it doesn’t matter what kind of trouble you get yourself into,  a tearful apology followed by a short hiatus goes a long way!

Woo…look what I found! I didn’t know Tokyo resident and otaku extraordinaire Danny Choo was itching to get his Stormtrooper cosplay fix again and went out on to the street of Shibuya recently.

This time he’s busting out moves what the Japanese refer to as “uma uma dance” ( ウマウマダンス) while dancing to the track “Caramelldansen” by Swedish pop group Caramell. This catchy eurobeat has caught on like wildfire in Japan since the latter part of 2007 and the origin of the simple yet cute dance moves can be traced back to the characters from the Japanese PC game (later turned anime) “Popotan”.

The Caramelldansen / uma uma dance has the person sway his / her hip from side to side while having the hands flap around over the head to simulate rabbit ears. Only in Japan can they come up with cutesy stuff like that! :)


I think the sight of a Stormtrooper doing the uma uma / Caramelldansen dance is just too funny! Ah Danny, you’re a genius! xD

Check out this Stormtrooper dances his way through Shibuya (in case you don’t know, the mecca of Japanese coolness) in Tokyo while the amazed crowd gawked. The dude underneath the helmet is Danny Choo, a multi-talented and successful Briton living in Tokyo who is also a self professed otaku when it comes to everything Gundam, anime figurines and bishojo goodness.

Ahh…this brings back so much memory! Shibuya was my stomping ground and I used to go there all the time. I had a lot of good times there. Watching the video not only put a smile on my face, now I can’t get this Uniting Nations song out of my head! xD

Danny picked the right location to display his moves and a good song to go with his video. With the start of his new company he might not have time to grace us with any public dancing for a while, but next time I’d like to see him hit up Kabukicho or in front of ALTA Studio in Shinjuku!

Go Danny, show ‘em what you got!

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Found this with all of the hubbub surrounding you folks and this singer. It’s short (only 30 seconds) but I’ve got a glimpse of why everyone loves this girl so much,… From what I can read, it says something about “picolo town single” ? Anyway, enjoy!

Chiaki Kuriyama shot to stardom in Japan after appearing in the cult classic Battle Royale

Japanese actress and former model Chiaki Kuriyama of Kill Bill fame (I’m sure you remember that psychotic high school girl) was recently exposed by Japanese tabloid FRIDAY. The magazine that has given us so much insights on the private lives of Japanese celebrities claims that she has been dating Japanese singer / actor Makoto Koshinaka.

The 27 year old pretty boy was the lead vocal of now disbanded Japanese visual / glam rock band Λucifer (Lucifer)

Λucifer (Lucifer), with Makoto in the middle

When the internationally recognized actress’s agency was contacted for comment the reply was, “He is one of her close friends but according to Chiaki they’re neither seeing each other nor living together.”

“Cool Beauty” Gogo Yubari is 23 and all grown up now

Fixed to appease some of you passionate Maki fans –> This just in from an unconfirmed source! Former super popular Morning Musume and Hello!Project artist Maki Goto has signed with Japanese record giant AVEX. “GoMaki”, as she’s often referred to in Japan was a 3rd generation member of Morning Musume. Her solo career took off after “graduating” from Japan’s most popular all girl group back in 2001. However, Maki had announced that she was leaving Hello!Project (and her handler Up Front Agency) last fall due to differences in the direction for her career she had with Up Front Agency, plus she was entangled in personal trouble over the arrest of both her younger brother (former EE Jump member Yuki Goto) and her boyfriend.

Maki will release her first single under the AVEX Trax sub label “Rhythm Zone” on May 7th titled “Necessary”. I think what’s “necessary” for her is to drop that loser boyfriend of hers immediately! This time the sexy 22 year old Maki has teamed up with well-known Japanese producer AKIRA who’s worked wonders for hit artist BoA. The B-side of her single will be a cover of famous Japanese singer / songwriter Keizo Nakanishi’s “You and I”, which was originally release back in 1993.

Hopefully by switching over to Avex Maki Goto will have more freedom with her music

Here’s the video of Yuko Ishida’s (石田裕子) “Missin’ U”. She’s not a shabby singer and the song’s got a nice R&B hook to it. The CD drops next Wednesday and is being released under one of Japanese record giant Avex’s sub labels.

Yuko’s creamy skin makes me drool and I just wanna pull those ribbons off!

Japanese lingerie model and famous intimate wear maker Triumph’s 2008 spokesperson Yuko Ishida held a press conference yesterday to announce the release of her new single “Missin’ U“.  The single will drop in stores next Wednesday.

Yuko Ishida was selected last October to succeed Erisa Nakayama as the 16th generation “image girl” for Triumph.  In true lingerie model fashion, Yuko performed her new single in matching yellow bra and panties!   “It’s a love song and I penned the lyrics myself”, said the 24 year old sexy singer from Osaka.

How would you like to have this sexy kitten sing for you in her bra and panties?

As part of a cross promotion with Triumph, the famous Japanese lingerie maker will begin airing commercials today in Japan with “Missin’ U” as the background soundtrack.

But the sexy singer and former gravure model (she was Miss Magazine 2002) went a little overboard when she claimed, “It’d be nice if I can hold a concert at Budokan (the equivalent of Madison Square Garden in the States) or Tokyo Dome someday.  I want to perform at NHK’s Kohaku too!”

Um Yuko you’re hot and all, but I think you’re better off sticking to looking sexy in lingerie or maybe even without it!

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Someone used a handheld camera to film this,… and frankly, I can’t tell if I should bust out laughing because it’s so corny, or if because it’s so damn cute. Oh and yes, they fully are lip sync-ing. :)

I thought I’d break away from the norm today. Instead of the typical idol, glamorous gravure model or slutty, big tittied j-birds, I’d show you another side of Japanese girls.

Mana Mikura (L) and Kana Mikura (R)

Mana Mikura and Kana Mikura are identical twins that just turned 22 yesterday. The lovely and wholesome actresses from Osaka are known to everyone as “ManaKana” (マナカナ), and their graceful and reserved demeanor offer a refreshing change to the Japanese people.

Mana Mikura & Kana Mikura in Tokyo yesterday at their photo essay release and autograph signing event

The Mikura twins can sing too, having released 3 singles

Here’s Jero’s (ジェロ

Jero’s first single - Umiyuki (海雪)

It’s obvious Victor Entertainment has high hopes for the Pittsburgh native. They got famous Japanese music composer Ryudo Uzaki to write the song and producer Yasushi Akimoto to pen the lyrics. The song Umiyuki is based on the small seaside town of Izumozaki (population 5,400) in Niigata Prefecture that faces the Sea of Japan. But Jero’s gave a funny reply when asked what image he had when singing the song. He said, “well, I’ve only seen the beaches in California so…”, which drew a roar of laughter.

Jero’s first single “Umiyuki” has just been released

Like many people I thought it was a joke too when my friend first told me about a black dude trying to make it as an enka singer in Japan. But after doing some digging and checking him out, I have to say Jero (ジェロ) is THE REAL DEAL!

In case you’re not familiar with the enka genre, it’s a type of Japanese folk music deeply rooted in history and nostalgia. The songs are generally melodic and sung in slower tempo. The closest comparison in terms of Western music would probably be country & western.

Jero made his major debut on Wednesday as the first and only black enka singer and has been going around Japan and appearing on TV shows to promote his first single “Umiyuki” since last month. At first glance his hip hop get up might throw you off (Jero feels the traditional kimono attire doesn’t suit him, plus he wants to create more of a visual impact) but believe me this kid can sing, and backs it up with well spoken Japanese and proper manner!

Jero incorporates hip hop dance moves in his performance too.  Performing at HMV in Shibuya (the mecca of Japanese fashion & culture) on 2/20.  He’s the first and only enka singer to make an appearance there!

Jero, whose real name is Jerome White Jr. hails from Pittsburgh and went to Japan almost 5 years ago. Although he doesn’t look it, he is 1/4 Japanese (from his grandmother on his mother’s side). He was close to his grandmother and she introduced him to the world of enka. Jero recalls that as a child he would make his grandmother happy whenever he sang enka for her. He made the decision to become an enka singer while he was on a short term study aboard program in Japan when he was in college.

Jero, the “Black Ship” of Japan’s traditional world of enka

His voice is very impressive, possesses clear pronunciation and belts out smooth melodies just like what a skilled enka singer would. If I played his music without telling you anything about him you’d definitely think he’s Japanese!

Continuation of CDTV’s (Countdown TV) top 20 ranking for ideal girlfriend according to Japanese guys that was just released this month.

No. 11 - Reina Tanaka

One look at the extremely popular Morning Musume and you’ll want to take this kitty home! (and yes guys, she’s legal) The girl from Fukuoka LOVES singing karaoke.

No. 12 - hiroko (mihimaru GT)

The 23 year old vocal that makes one half of the super poppy Japanese duo is from Hyogo Prefecture (next to Osaka)

No. 13 - BoA

What hasn’t been said about this Korean sensation who’s made it big in Japan and captured the heart of countless fans since ‘01? She’s pretty, sings well, can really dance, speaks Japanese fluently and got a great personality…what more can you ask for?

No. 14 - Eri Kamei

The 6th generation member of Japanese all girl idol group Morning Musume has made a really nice transition from the awkward, extremely shy little girl when she first joined to a confident and beautiful girl next door

No. 15 - Ayaka (絢香)

This singer / songwriter burst onto the j-pop scene only back in ‘06 but already has been compared to Hikaru Utada and Mika Nakashima

No. 16 - Ai Kawashima

The talented street performing singer / songwriter turns 22 today! The vocal of the now disbanded j-pop duo I WISH has had a tough life, orphaned as a toddler and losing both of her adopted parents while she was still in school.

No. 17 - Yui Aragaki

This Okinawan teenager first entered Japanese showbiz as a model for a popular fashion magazine. She has since appeared in several dramas and is highly sought after for commercial work.

No. 18 - Risa Niigaki

You can’t help but love this 5th generation Morning Musume and current sub-leader. The 19 year old Yokohama (just south of Tokyo) native charms her fans with her positive and energetic attitude.

No. 19 - aiko

You’d never have guessed this baby faced singer / songwriter from Osaka is 32 and has been making hits for over 10 years

No. 20 - Shoko Nakagawa

By now “Shokotan“, as all of Japan calls her has become a household name. The self professed otaku and former gravure idol has a huge loyal fan base and is the unofficial “princess of blogging“.

The purpose of Japanese weekly TV show CDTV (Countdown TV) on TBS (no, it doesn’t belong to Ted Turner) is to compile rankings out of anything and everything from the most popular high school bags to body shampoos to crepes that are served in the trendy Tokyo district of Harajuku. And CDTV has just released their semi annual list of “girls you’d like to make your girlfriend”.

Okay, so not all of the fine ladies that made the list are idols. Without further adieu, here is the list of the top 20 girls that Japanese guys would like to make their chick:

No. 1 - YUI

For some reason, for the third time in a row, the often gloomy looking singer / songwriter from Fukuoka captured the top position

No. 2 - Kaori Mochida

The vocal for now disbanded Every Little Thing takes the 2nd spot for the second time in a row. I guess Kaori still has a lot of pull even though she’s not that active anymore.

No. 3 - Ai Otsuka

The funky singer / songwriter from Osaka has an infectious voice and has butted heads with Kumi Koda who’s also from the same record label Avex

No. 4 - Rika Ishikawa

The leader of Viyuden and former Morning Musume possesses a hot body and her ass has been known to make fanboys cream in their pants!

No. 5 - Ayumi Hamasaki

The 29 year old Japanese diva with a sultry voice needs no introduction. She’s also often known as “Ayu” to her fans.

No. 6 - Ai Takahashi

The leader of Japan’s most popular girl group Morning Musume has a beautiful voice and a cheery personality

No. 7 - Natsumi Abe

Everyone in Japan knows “Nacchi“. The former leader of Morning Musume holds the record with 6 consecutive number one positions. The 26 year old Hokkaido native still melts the heart of men everywhere with her soft voice and warm personality.

No. 8 - Namie Amura

I can’t believe this 90s mega j-pop icon is 30! The singer from Okinawa forever changed the culture, fashion and language for young people in Japan.

No. 9 - Hitomi Yoshizawa

Also known as “Yossie“, the former leader of Japanese super idol group Morning Musume with boyish charms has blossomed into a fine young lady

No. 10 - Kumi Koda

Sometimes referred to as “Japan’s Britney Spears“, the chart topping singer from Kyoto has been in hot water as of late over her careless “womb” comment. (please see my blog on 2/4, 2/6 & 2/14) It’s no wonder that the 25 year old queen of “dirty pop” listed Christina Aguilera as one of her favorite artists.

Shoko Nakagawa’s 4th single “Snow Tears” reached No.2 on the Oricon chart

Super popular Japanese gravure idol and singer Shoko Nakagawa aka “Shokotan” made a startling announcement at a recent promotional event for her new single “Snow Tears” and blog collection turned book “Donyoku Days” (貪欲デイズ). When Shokotan revealed to her fans that her first album titled “Big Bang” will drop on the 19th of next month, she added that she shall run through Nakano’s (a popular spot in western Tokyo, 1 express train stop from Shinjuku) Broadway shopping arcade naked if her album reaches No.1 on the Oricon chart!

From Shokotan’s blog…this is one cutie I’d love to keep!

Good things are happening to the 22 year old self made Japanese idol who hails from Tokyo. The self-professed “otaku” completed the transition from an underground cosplay (costume play) legend in the Akihabara district to a mainstream talent and artist last year, ending the year with a performance on NHK’s Kohaku Utagassen. The total number of hits on her blog reached over 100 million, with the site receiving as many as 4.5 million hits per day!

It looks like Japanese idol and former Morning Musume leader Miki Fujimoto aka Mikitty is set to return to the spotlight with the release of a new single as a solo artist on April 23rd. This time Miss Fujimoto will attempt to shed her idol past and do a 180 degree turnaround, debuting as a bona fide adult singer.

We’ll get to hear the beautiful voice of Mikitty again soon!

Mikitty got herself into lots of trouble in the beginning of summer last year when she was caught dating Tomoharu Shoji of the Japanese comedian duo “Shinagawa Shoji” then refused to leave him. This pretty much earned her banishment from Japanese showbiz and career suicide. For more information please check out my blog on 1-9-08.

Miki Fujimoto aka Mikitty is known for being strong-willed

But being the crown jewel of Up Front Agency, Mikitty’s handler knows they can’t let a super cute talent with a beautiful voice go to waste no matter how much she messes up. Since Miki stepped down as the leader of the most popular Japanese all girl group and ceased all activities as a Hello!Project member she’s been relegated to only playing futsal occasionally for the Gatas Brilliantes, an Up Front Agency backed all girl team.

Mikitty in action playing for the Gatas Brilliantes

Miki Fujimoto’s new single is titled “Oki Tegami”. It is composed by Masato Sugimoto (who shot to fame with the single “Waremoko” last year, and got the honor to perform at NHK’s Kohaku Utagassen year-end extravaganza) and lyrics written by Haku Ide. Instead of the typical pop sound, Miki’s new single has a folk song flavor to it.

Miki Fujimoto (L), Masato Sugimoto (C) and Takao Horiuchi (R)

Japanese singer Takao Horiuchi who also belongs to Up Front Agency first received the offer to sing the song last fall as Masato Sugimoto suggested that he should do it in a “chanson” (French cabaret style) fashion. Around the same time Mikitty was looking for the right music to revive her career as a singer. Her manager heard the demo tape and thought the song was perfect for her smooth mezzo-soprano voice. In the end it was decided that both Miki and Takao would release their own version of the single on the same date…how’s that for some inter-agency rivalry?!
The recording was done in the beginning of this month with songwriter Masato Sugimoto present. He remarked that Mikitty had a great voice, better than he imagined for a female in her 20s singing a song about distressed love, and that she carried good aura for the song. Mikitty commented that the song was rather challenging. It was nothing like she’s ever sung before, but Masato gave her some really helpful pointers. For an accomplished singer (Mikitty is not only a pretty face) to humble herself and say something like that, I really look forward to hearing the single!

The soon to be 23 year old Hokkaido native says, “This is a completely different style of singing but I’d like you to support the new Miki Fujimoto.”

I bet Mikitty is still as uber cute as ever

Kumi Koda in her glamorous form

Here’s more info regarding the aftermath of Japanese pop diva Kumi Koda’s careless radio comment at the end of last month that wombs after 35 turn to shit. (Technically, she said “amniotic fluid in the uterus will go bad” but it doesn’t sound very colloquial and smooth that’s why I’m sticking to my translated version) Last Thursday Fuji TV aired an exclusive interview with Kumi Koda on its FNN Super News which was taped the previous day. In the interview Kumi had completely transformed her appearance to show just how remorseful and contrite she was. Gone were the gaudy make up and hair and her trademark blinged out long nails. They were replaced by a solemn Kumi in black suit, plain hairdo speaking in a low voice and at times in tears.

Kumi Koda delivered her apology in an exclusive interview with Fuji TV

The FNN Super News interview generated a 10.1% viewer rating, which was only about 8% above the average. This shows me that contrary to what mass hysteria her innocent womb comment seem to have brought on, the majority of the country isn’t really up in arms coming to lynch her. It’s only the media and a few internet sites composed of mostly bitter people with no life of their own that are making a huge deal out of this. Unfortunately the Japanese entertainment world is still a very old fashioned one and they take immediate precaution against any scandals big or small.

It’s easy to see why there are bitter Japanese women who’d love to see Kumi Koda go down over something so trivial

Kumi has been a long time friend of Japanese showbiz veteran and respected senpai (senior, elder) Akiko Wada and Kumi often seeks her advice about things in her personal life too. On Akiko’s popular talk show “Akiko ni Omakase!” on TBS this past Sunday she revealed the development that’s happened so far.

Japanese showbiz veteran Akiko Wada (R) and her co-host Ryuta Mine

- The person who’s responsible for Kumi Koda’s radio show on Nippon Hoso has been greatly affected too. He used to come to work in jeans and sandals but these days he shows up in a suit and stays in the “self-reflection” room studying the broadcasting manual for 10 hours every day. (This is such a typical Japanese punishment…I bet he has to turn in a “self reflection” report at the end of each day too)

- Through her private conversation with Kumi, she felt Kumi really regrets making the comment and knows she has hurt the feelings of people with her words. Kumi told Akiko, “I’ve done something bad” and couldn’t stop crying.

Japanese showbiz icon and often feared singer Akiko Wada

- During her interview with Fuji TV, at one point the interviewer asked Kumi if she’d like to have children too someday. Only an incomplete part of her reply was used because they were deemed too heavy.

- Kumi’s record label Avex still plans on kicking off the concert tour of her new album “Kingdom” on April 12th. However Kumi doesn’t quite feel the same way. She has told Akiko Wada that she thought April was too early a date to resume working. She said something terrible and by returning so quickly she’s afraid she might be trampling on people’s feelings, especially since rehearsal must start at the beginning of March if the show is to go on according to schedule.

- Where Kumi’s coming from, she’s not sure if she’ll be able to sing her songs about love right after she’s said these hurtful things. But her record label Avex feels that she has many fans that support her and by coming out to perform it’s also one way to show her remorse.

- Kumi Koda feels she wasn’t able to fully express her apology during the interview, but Akiko Wada thinks she is genuinely sorry for making the remark. Also, at this time Kumi has no motivation to begin rehearsing.

Kumi Koda’s not ready to go back to work yet

Millions of dollars will be lost by postponing Kumi’s national concert tour. So Avex is working really hard trying to convince her to be back on schedule. But if her management agency doesn’t carefully consider the possible future outcome over money, things could backfire and ruin Kumi’s career.

But then again Kumi’s new album “Kingdom” has been selling well and captured the No. 1 position again on the latest Oricon chart (Japan’s Billboard Top 100) this past Monday. See, I told you a few haters mess up everything!

Don’t the fans exert any influence?

Kumi Koda’s latest album Kingdom is still occupying the No. 1 position on Oricon

Last month I blogged about super popular 90s Japanese pop group MAX member Lina doing a nude photobook (please see my 1-13-08 post). Here are more pictures of from the photobook titled “Lina Sings” and another “mook” (something that’s between a magazine and a book) publication that was recently released.

“Chakuero” style nicely done

…or “Yukorin”, as her fans affectionately call her. Yuko Ogura is one of the premier Japanese gravure idols and I’ve known her since her debut back in ‘01. The angelic baby faced darling has even attempted singing, having released a few singles.

Those innocent eyes and transparent fair skin get me everytime!

Yukorin is definitely one of the girls I’d love to bring home AND keep there

The always hot and sexy Leah Dizon

Despite her extreme popularity in Japan and appearance on NHK’s year end Kohaku Utagassen extravaganza, rumors have been flying around that super sexy gravure idol Leah Dizon will hang up her bikinis come this March. Shukan Gendai, one of Japan’s major tabloids has come out with an article saying that “The Black Ship of Gravure” (please refer to my previous blog for further explanation) is going to retire soon.

The softer side of Leah Dizon

Even though Leah received the high honor of performing at Kohaku, what has followed hasn’t exactly been what people are expecting. First of all, her blog hasn’t been updated since the first of last month. People have seen her being bullied by other gravure models and she cried backstage at Kohaku. And her latest photobook “Heaven” hasn’t been too well received. Some people on the set have criticized that her facial expression was plain and she gave the same look in every shot. Some have even gone as far to say “she’s got no talent to be a gravure model!”

From Leah’s latest photobook “Heaven” which was shot in Kenya

In addition, some of the videos and photos from her modeling days in America have come back to haunt her. Most people think Leah can’t show anymore skin to generate excitement unless she goes “hair nude”. There’s also report of her being standoffish and not mingling with other gravure idols in the dressing room, which leads to the inevitable trash talking behind her back.

Leah Dizon nipple flash…oh I’d love to lather up her pink nipples with my tongue!

Leah Dizon has always made it clear that she likes singing (although in my opinion her voice is weak and at best okay as an amateur) and has pushed her management company Sky Corporation hard to let her debut as a singer in Japan. But lots of people upstairs don’t see that as the planned future for her. Her handler had groomed her to be a gravure idol and now it seems like things have turned half assed.

For a petite slender girl, Leah’s got some pretty nice big tits

Finally, here’s the unconfirmed rumor that’s supposed to show Leah Dizon’s dislike for doing gravure modeling. During the taping of Fuji TV’s “Hey Hey Hey Music Champ” at the end of last year, the host and probably the most famous Japanese comedian Hitoshi Matsumoto kept pressing Leah asking her if she’d be willing to do some racier photoshoots. Upon hearing that Leah walked off the set crying.

Obviously when contacted for comment regarding the Shukan Gendai article Sky Corporation vehemently denied that Leah Dizon wants to quit. But it does seem like recently Leah has been feeling very homesick and has said, “I want to go back to the States.” I don’t know about you but I haven’t gotten enough of Leah Dizon’s sexiness. Let’s hope “The Black Ship of Gravure” isn’t sinking anytime soon.