Ai Kago Heads to Hong Kong

Ai Kago at Narita International Airport last Friday

Former idol and Morning Musume member Ai Kago (加護亜依) aka Aibon has officially kicked off her comeback in a big way after over 2 years of hiatus that stemmed from her “smoking incidents”. The always cute Aibon (あいぼん) left for Hong Kong this past Friday to work on an upcoming Hong Kong blockbuster movie tentatively titled “Kung Fu Chef” or “Super Chef” (功夫厨神). This is Ai’s first major work project since announcing her return to Japanese showbiz as an actress back in April.

Aibon appeared to be in high spirit at her press conference

At a brief press conference held at Narita International Airport before her departure, the 20 year old said, “I’ve finally made a comeback! I’m somewhat nervous but I shall do my best.” Commenting on the scar left from her suicide attempt, Aibon said, “I’ve done the worst possible thing as a human being so I’ll never do that again.” On her blog which has recently received top ranking in hits she wrote, “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to talk much about my projects but forget about that as I bring you the good news! It’s been confirmed I’ll starr in a Hong Kong movie. I didn’t know I’d get offered a job that quickly…I’m so happy!”

Aibon going over the script for Kung Fu Chef before leaving for Hong Kong. She’ll be there until early June.

Miss Kago is indeed very lucky (her new management is obviously fighting very hard for her) to land a role in “Super Chef”. The movie starrs the legendary Hong Kong action superstar Sammo Hung (洪金寶) as the charismatic super chef and former Taiwanese boy band F4 member and Asian heartthrob Vanness Wu (吳建豪) as his disciple. Aibon will play the younger sister of the boss that runs the restaurant. Her character often gets in trouble and she has an acute sense for taste and is skilled in the art of tea and spices.

Random photos from Ai Kago’s popular blog

When reporters asked about her beau, cafe operator Yasuyuki Ishimoto (石本靖幸) who’s 18 years her senior, Ai replied, “He’s more like an older brother than a boyfriend to me. He told me to go and do my job seriously.”

At the press conference the subject of smoking was once again touched on. According to Aibon, she quit smoking by sucking on her favorite milk flavored candy and mint gum.

Japanese Trains, Part 3

Here are some more photos on trains and subways in Japan taken when I was there:

While riding on the Yurikamome monorail I spotted up and coming Japanese model and actress Riisa Naka (仲里依紗) looking hot in maid outfit on a poster promoting the Fuji TV drama “Hachi One Diver” (ハチワンダイバー), which she currently starrs in.

Inside Shibuya Station (渋谷駅)…it’s ALWAYS packed! The left pic shows the gate for Hachiko Exit (ハチ公口).

On the platform @ Shibuya Station waiting for the Yamanote Line (山手線) that circles around central Tokyo

Crossing Arakawa River (荒川) heading into central Tokyo on the Tozai Line (東西線)

To combat “chikan” (痴漢), or train gropers, several Tokyo train and subway lines have designated certain train cars for female passengers only. This is the sign that’s posted on the window of said car. But look at who’s sitting in there haha!

The New York subway lines and the Tubes in London got nothing on Tokyo subway! Check out just how many lines and stations there are…and we’re not even including train lines!!

Here’s a closer look…for those of you who’s been there do you recognize any of the lines / stations?

Snapped this shot while waiting for the Chiyoda subway line (千代田線) at the always busy financial hub of Otemachi Station (大手町駅). Too bad I couldn’t snap some pics of the hot OL (office ladies) I saw in their sexy business attire.

Waiting for the train to take me back to Narita International Airport at Keisei Funabashi Station (京成船橋駅) *weep*