Ex-boyfriend, money trouble, break up, deception, betrayal and blackmail.  This story’s got Hollywood script written all over…except it’s happening in Japanese showbiz.  It has been learned last Thursday that Japanese fashion model and actress Natsuki Kato (加藤夏希) filed a lawsuit in Tokyo District Court against her former manager and ex-boyfriend.  The lawsuit is asking for roughly $300,000 in damages.

According to court papers the defendant was the acting manager for the sexy and slender Akita Prefecture native between May of 2006 and February of this year.  At some point during that time Natsuki and the man began dating.  The former manager persuaded Natsuki that she should entrust him to open up a savings account and hand over at least $1000 per month, to which she agreed to.  But instead of depositing her money, Natsuki’s ex-boyfriend blew all of it on gambling and lots of fun time at the brothel.  Currently 24 years old, the self professed anime and video game otaku Natsuki Kato became suspicious of her ex-manager’s activities about a year into their relationship and demanded to end it.  However, her big spending ex blackmailed her by threatening to expose their relationship including their private photos so she relunctantly continued dating him.

Earlier this year Natsuki Kato couldn’t take it any longer and finally brought this matter to the president of her management agency, Dimension Blue.  After being confronted the defendant owned up to the accusation, but then suddenly changed his attitude and refused to return any of the money he embezzled.  As things got tense Natsuki’s ex-boyfriend brought his parents into this entangled battle and has since switched his stance by denying the plaintiff’s claims.

I really feel sorry for Natsuki as $300,000 is no small amount and I’m sure she busted her behind to earn that money.  But the good thing is the Japanese fashion model is only 24.  With her good looks and hot body and entering the prime of her career, I’m confident she’ll be able to make up her loss in no time at all.  Hell, we might even get a nude photobook out of this ordeal!

Natsuki Kato’s Ex-Boyfriend Blew Her Money on Gambling and Whores

Sexy Japanese gravure idol and actress Keiko Kitagawa (北川景子) of The Fast and the Furious fame showed up last Thursday at a press conference in Tokyo with her supposed new boyfriend, Japanese ballet dancer Shuntaro Miyao (宮尾俊太郎).  The 23 year old Kobe native was on hand to announce the completion of her next movie “Hana no Ato” (花のあと).  But obviously the press’ focus was on the rumored 25 year old new beau as Japanese weeklies have recently reported Keiko spending the night at Shuntaro’s place.

Toward the end of the press conference reporters asked Keiko Kitagawa, “How’s the relationship going?”  But the Meiji University grad just smiled and left without commenting.  At another function earlier in the day Shuntaro Miyao was asked what he likes about the Stardust Promotion talent and responded with, “I will not answer that question.”

Hana no Ato will hit theaters in Japan next spring.

Shuntaro Miyao (L) and Keiko Kitagawa (R)

Keiko Kitagawa Appears Together with New Beau

The girl hasn’t even been in showbiz more than 3 months and she’s already stirring up things and making entertainment beat reporters in Japan run around!

IMALU, 19 (L) and SHOGO, 29 of 175R (R)

News came out yesterday that Japanese fashion model / DJ / talent IMALU, daughter of veteran Japanese comedian and host Sanma Akashiya (who is a household name in Japan) is dating the lead vocal of Japanese punk rock band 175R.  According to Sports Nichi IMALU (real name Imaru Otake) who has just returned from studying abroad in Canada met SHOGO who is 10 years her senior through music channel.  She has reportedly even introduced her wild child boyfriend to her mother, famous Japanese actress Shinobu Otake.

By the way, 175R is pronounced “Inago Rider”…don’t ask me why.

The Tokyo native officially began her showbiz career back in April, debuting as the shortest model ever at 150cm (4’11″) for Japanese fashion magazine Zipper.  She has also since taken on the role of assistant DJ at FM Yokohama as well as appearing on variety shows.

SHOGO is no stranger to Japanese tabloid news.  He was the talk of town in 2004 when he suddenly married J-pop unit SPEED member Eriko Imai due to pregnancy and later ended their marriage in 2007.  He has since been romantically linked to Japanese gravure idol Yuka Kosaka.

Possibly sensing that she has made some rookie mistake by being too careless, the 19 year old Japanese teen fashion model immediately posted on her blog to deny this supposed romance.  IMALU wrote, “I’m surprised.  I haven’t been out that long and already I’ve made tabloid headlines.  I’ll work hard to have them write about my work next time.  SHOGO is one of the music industry elders whom I’m friends with!”  When Oricon contacted IMALU’s agency it was told that they are good friends but not a couple.  SHOGO’s handler also gave a similar statement saying, “He’s an adult so we leave all private matters up to him.  We don’t know anything.”

However, when asked what kind of guy she’s attracted to at a movie press event last month, IMALU answered, “Someone who’s cute and older than me.”  I’m sure she’s not talking about her father.

Is Sanma’s Daughter IMALU Dating SHOGO of 175R?

Super hot Japanese gravure idol Aki Hoshino (ほしのあき) appeared in front of the media last Saturday to promote her latest photobook titled “A-Ki-A-Zu-Ki”.  This time the baby faced veteran model with a killer body put a different spin on her offering by posing with her beloved teacup poodle name Azuki (hence the title of the photobook).

Aki Hoshino with her teacup poodle Azuki

But the media’s focus was more on the recent rumor that Aki is dating popular JRA (Japan Racing Association) jockey pretty boy Kosei Miura (三浦皇成) who is 13 years her junior.  When the 32 year old F cup gravure idol was approached by reporters asking about the reported romantic involvement, she only gave a vague reply by saying, “You can say we’re good friends but I can’t clearly explain our relationship.”

JRA jockey Kosei Miura, 19

When asked whether she has a boyfriend, Aki sheepishly answered, “No, I don’t…right?”  The A-team / A-PLUS artist added that she’d like to get married by the time she’s 40, which is a totally different answer from the one she used to give.

Aki Hoshino poses with rumored boyfriend Kosei Miura at the taping of her Fuji TV horse racing show “Minna no Uma Club” (みんなの☆ウマ倶楽部)

We can only envy the young jock Kosei.  I think when a woman reaches a certain maturity level, she wishes to be ridden by a young stud full of energy who’s very good at “riding”!

Aki Hoshino Tight Lipped on Jockey Boyfriend

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)

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…

When the pressure’s mounting, something’s gotta give.

Some Japanese weeklies had already been running stories of Japanese gravure idol / fashion model turned talent Yukina Kinoshita being romantically involved with Japanese comedian Toshifumi Fujimoto.  On the 7th of last month on a regional variety show airing on Kansai TV the 38 year old half of the Japanese comdey duo FUJIWARA finally fessed up and blurted out, “Yeah, we’re going out!”

During one segment of the show which focused on its guests, the title read, “There are so many rumors involving FUJIWARA.”  After being heckled by both fellow panelists and audience, the Osaka native had no choice but say, “Oh, you’re referring to that?  We’re dating.”  After the show recording was completed Toshifumi felt a little disappointed as he said, “I wanted to announce this on a nationally televised show.”

Yukina Kinoshita (L) and Toshifumi Fujimoto (R)

Yukina and Toshifumi met when they both appeared as regular guests on a popular Fuji TV quiz show Quiz! Hexagon II (クイズ!ヘキサゴンII).  I take it the sexy and leggy Tokyo native likes having her funny bone tickled.

The couple’s mutual friend Hello!Project idol turned talent Mai Satoda (里田まい) made things even more difficult for the Japanese funny man by calling into the show during recording and revealing more detailed info.  Mai told the show, “They went to Disney Sea recently!”  When asked for the identity of the female companion Mai playfully replied, “She’s full of energy and a good girl!”

FUJIWARA’s Toshifumi Fujimoto Dating Yukina Kinoshita

More pictures of Japanese supermodel Yuri Ebihara (蛯原友里) looking glamorous in a white wedding dress at the premier of Vicky Cristina Barcelona.  Before you start scratching your head…this is the Japanese premier for the movie.  And yes, sometimes there can be major delay for the release date of Hollywood films in the Land of the Rising Sun often due to scheduling conflicts and time needed for translation.

Yuri Ebihara In Wedding Dress Ready To Commit?

The epitome of everything cute, Yuri Ebihara aka Ebi-chan (エビちゃん) has recently admitted to the public her romantic involvement with half Japanese, half Finnish musician ILMARI.  You can be sure the reporters were peppering her questions about this relationship.  When asked how she felt about wearing the pure white wedding dress, the Miyazaki Prefecture native said she was quite excited.  When asked about her thought on whether love can change a person’s life, Yuri articulately answered, “I think just love isn’t enough.  But love is one of the important ingredients.”

Uber sexy and kawaii Japanese supermodel Yuri Ebihara (蛯原友里) appeared at the Spanish Embassy in Tokyo last Monday for the premier of Vicky Cristina Barcelona.  The 29 year old Miyazaki Prefecture native was on duty that night as the goodwill embassador for the Oscar Winning movie.

Yuri Ebihara Already In Wedding Dress?

Affectionately known to everyone in Japan as “Ebi-chan”, the supermodel showed up in a beautiful white wedding dress similar to the one worn by Penelope Cruz in the movie.  Combine that with the recent breakthrough news that Yuri has been dating Japanese hip-hop unit Rip Slyme member ILMARI, you know the reporters on hand had a throng of questions aimed right at her.

Since the face of Japanese fashion magazine CanCam‘s admission to her romantic involvement came rather out of the blue, the reporters wanted to know if Yuri has had other experience with love that arrived unexpectedly.  To which the stunning doe eyed beauty replied, “I’m rather conservation so I’m not the type to fall in love unexpectedly.  But I like the idea of being in love and being together forever.”  Could Yuri be hinting at an impending marriage?

More photos of super cute and sexy Japanese supermodel Yuri Ebihara (蛯原友里) doing some PR work for Japanese fashion brand Samantha Thavasa at Omotesando district in Tokyo.  At the promotional event the 29 year old mainstay of Japanese fashion magazine CanCam and Miyazaki Prefecture native finally admitted her ongoing relationship with Rip Slyme MC ILMARI.

For those of you not familiar with Japan, Omotesando is the equivalent of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. ;)

Ultra kawaii Japanese supermodel Yuri Ebihara (蛯原友里) appeared as the honorary manager on Tuesday at Samantha Thavasa in the posh Tokyo district of Omotesando.  Japanese fashion brand Samantha Thavasa (サマンサタバサ)  is most well known for its trend setting handbags and it often joins forces with celebrities and high profile socialites to promote their products.  Both Paris and Nicky Hilton, Beyonce as well as Jennifer Lopez all pitch for Samantha Thavasa.

Yuri Ebihara, affectionately known by her fans as “Ebi chan” was on hand for a special promotion that invites current Samantha Thavasa handbag owners to turn in their current unit in exchange for a 3000yen (approx. $30) voucher good toward the purchase of a new handbag.  The collected second-hand bags will then be auctioned off with all the proceeds going to breast cancer reserach.  Pretty smart marketing strategy if you ask me!

Of course the hot question at the moment for Yuri Ebihara, the symbol of Japanese cuteness, is her boyfriend – popular Japanese hip hop group Rip Slyme member ILMARI.  The 29 year old Miyazaki Prefecture native was recently “caught” by Japanese tabloids dating the 33 year old MC who has half Finnish ancestry.  At the press conference Yuri came clean and told reporters that she and her beau were introduced by a mutual friend and have been dating for about 2 months.  They have even since gone back to her hometown in southern Japan together (which is a big deal in Japanese society)!

Yuri Ebihara Considers Marrying Boyfriend

Ebi chan, who has a contract with Japanese fashion magazine powerhouse CanCam said, “I respect him because he is very serious about his work.  I’m happy to be with him.”  When asked if marriage is within sight the epitome of everything kawaii replied with a smile, “Yes, if everything goes well.”  ILMARI sure is one lucky son of a bitch and I think I speak for all Yuri Ebihara fans when I say he’d better not mess up!

I actually am not sure why she looks like she just went 10 rounds of sex with her boyfriend or something here,… and I can’t actually tell if I like it.  Whatever the case, it’s a slight departure from the previous pictures I’ve posted of her that you can see here: JAPANESE GRAVURE IDOL YATSUSHIRO MINASE ON SLEEPYJOHN.COM