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

Erina Mano Ultimate Top of Beauty Photobook Scans

Boy do we have a treat for you today!  One of my favorite and super kawaii Hello!Project member Erina Mano (真野恵里菜) graces us in a Japanese school girl sailor uniform.  These beautiful snapshots featured in UTB / Up To Boy – Ultimate Top of Beauty gravure magazine scans were taken in Erina’s hometown of Kanagawa Prefecture.

Erina is so damn cute and sweet (not to mention legal) I have a strong urge to pinch her cheeks and feed her cupcakes!

It’s hard to believe that the 18 year old Japanese idol singer actually didn’t make it the first time she auditioned for the popular J-pop idol group.  But it is a good thing that parent company Up Front Agency and producer Tsunku came to their senses the second time around and welcomed her into the family.

Airi Suzuki Ultimate Top of Beauty Photobook Scans

After seeing these photos from UTB (Up To Boy) Ultimate Top of Beauty gravure magazine scans, all I can say is our little Airi is all grown up!

Cute as buttons Japanese idol singer and J-pop unit C-ute member Airi Suzuki (鈴木愛理) traveled all the way to an abandoned school in Nagano (where the ‘98 Winter Olympics took place) for this photo shoot.  The white sailor school girl uniform the U-15 (under 15) Hello!Project artist got on matches perfectly with her angelic face and pretty eyes.  Next time I’d love to see Airi pose in a lady’s golf outfit since as the daughter of a pro golfer, she often talks about golf on her shows.

Maimi Yajima Ultimate Top of Beauty Photobook Scans

Next up in our UTB / Up To Boy – Ultimate Top of Beauty gravure magazine scans special series is no other than the leader of the popular J-pop idol unit C-ute, Maimi Yajima (矢島舞美).  The squeaky clean 17 year old Saitama Prefecture native is famous for her huge apetite, having once polished off 87 mini bowls of soba within 10 minutes!

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 Idol Singer Rika Ishikawa x Up To Boy

Photobook snippets of smoking hot former Morning Musume Rika Ishikawa (石川梨華) as featured in Up To Boy. The 23 year old was a 4th generation member of arguably the most popular Japanese idol unit. She was also involved with various Hello!Project based groups including “Biyuden” (美勇伝), which sadly disbanded in June of this year.

“Charmy” is no stranger to gravure work, having done 8 photobooks so far. Unlike most Hello!Project (ハロー!プロジェクト) girls, Rika Ishikawa possesses a ripe and curvy body. Common fanboy guestimation (including yours truly) put her chest at around D cup.

Japanese Idol Singer Risako Sugaya x Up To Boy

14 year old Risako Sugaya (菅谷梨沙子) is the youngest member of the hugely popular j-pop Hello!Project idol unit Berryz Kobo (Berryz工房). Affectionately called “Rishako” (りしゃこ) by her fans, the fair skinned Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture native (about an hour south of Tokyo) already has 3 photobooks under her belt.

Maki Goto Joins AVEX Family

Maki Goto’s first official photo under AVEX payroll

I guess there were a few last minute issues that caused the delay, but just as reported in my post back in March (which drew some heated debate) Maki Goto has switched camp to AVEX Nation! After the long speculation, it was officially announced this past Friday that former Japanese idol and Morning Musume third generation member has signed with Japanese record giant AVEX. The sexy 22 year old Maki, source of masturbation fantasy for countless men will indeed debut under AVEX’s label “Rhythm Zone”, which mega J-pop artists such as Kumi Koda and EXILE also belong to.

According to the media relations department at AVEX, it’ll be the 10 year anniversary since Maki Goto’s showbiz debut and some drastic changes may be in the work. However, they cannot confirm any future activities since they’re still in the planning stages and Maki is considering her options.

Maki Goto has a smoking hot body that even her former handler Up Front Agency (UFA) couldn’t hold back!

AVEX held its annual stock holder meeting at Saitama Super Arena this past weekend with a stock holder only private concert that followed. Each stock holder could invite 1 guest to the concert, where AVEX artist Namie Amuro appeared for the first time in 8 years and Japanese diva Kumi Koda broke down crying in the middle of her number. With about 15000 in attendance, it was the largest AVEX stock holder concert ever. After being introduced on stage, Miki Goto surprised everyone by singing Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love For You”. It was her first public performance since last October when she was still a Hello!Project artist.

In a red one piece dress and super long blond hair extension, Maki belted out a Whitney Houston classic at Saitama Super Arena yesterday

Sleepy John Hits Tokyo, Part 9

Here’s the last batch of my “random shots collection” from my recent trip to Japan. I hope you’ve enjoyed everything so far and rest assure I’ve got even more interesting photos from the Land of the Rising Sun coming your way soon so hang tight!

I was greeted by the hot and beautiful Japanese fashion model Yuri Ebihara (蛯原友里) aka “Ebi-chan” (エビちゃん) in the form of a McDonald’s poster soon after I arrived in Tokyo.

How could you not be in the mood for a Mac Chicken Wrap with black vinegar dressing after seeing this gorgeous Japanese specimen holding one?

The famous Akasaka Blitz, a medium sized live house venue similar to House of Blues in the States located in Akasaka (赤坂) in downtown Tokyo where so many famous Japanese musician have performed.

Spotted the latest single “Namida no Iro” (涙の色) from popular Hello!Project (ハロー!プロジェクト) unit C-ute on display in the local record store. I don’t know why but their earlier hit single “Tokaikko Junjo” (都会っ子 純情) kept playing in my head as I walked by the display.

Japanese AV promotional posters splashed the walls by the entrance to a store in Akihabara. Stay tuned because I’ve got a juicy special on that in the near future. Here’s a funny side note: As I was about to take these shots a young couple passed by. The girl told her man, “Go check it out. You want to go down there, don’t you?” The guy was actually a little hesitant at first but after being reassured he wouldn’t get into trouble he happily obliged and descended into happy land. How cool is that chick?!

This is the front entrance to the new TBS TV station headquarters in the posh district of Akasaka (赤坂). I was there to have lunch with a friend who works there (lucky bastard! He’s met his share of Japanese celebrities.) and to take in some good view of some fine Japanese girls. I can honestly say Akasaka is crawling with hot OL (office ladies) and other sexy females!

I could barely keep my dick in my pants as I took this stealth shot of some fine Japanese office ladies working at TBS leaving the building!

Makoto Ogawa Returns

Makoto Ogawa (C) and her fellow 5th generation members Ai Takahashi (L) and Risa Niigaki (R) are reunited on tomorrow’s episode of HaroMoni@

This just in…after stepping away from idol life and Japanese showbiz to pursue her language studies in New Zealand, former Morning Musume Makoto Ogawa (小川麻琴) is set to return in front of the camera! As a surprise even to Morning Musume members who showed up for the taping of TV Tokyo’s weekly show “Hello Morning @” (ハロモニ＠) that airs tomorrow, the 20 year old suddenly appeared from behind the set and proclaimed, “I’ve finally returned to Japan!  From now on I’ll continue to work as a Hello!Project member.”

1st row L to R: JunJun, Koharu Kusumi, Ai Takahashi, LinLin  2nd row L to R: Risa Niigaki, Reina Tanaka, Aika Mitsui, Sayumi Michishige, Eri Kamei

You can catch all of your favorite Morning Musume on HaroMoni@ (Hello Morning@) every Sunday on TV Tokyo!

Makoto Ogawa commented that when she was on the show she was known for her silly character roles so she intends to carry on and not let Mai Satoda (fellow Hello!Project member who’s famous for being silly) beat her!  While mixing up Japanese and English words, the excited P-Mako went on to say with her language ability she’d also like to become active in the variety field.  This is the 5th generation Morning Musume member’s first TV appearance since leaving in December 2006 to study English in Auckland.  Mako-chan attended classes at a language school during the week and took dance lessons after school.

A shot taken in the classroom while Makoto was studying abroad in New Zealand

Makoto Ogawa said during her first two months there she often cried because she couldn’t understand anything and was homesick.  But she toughed it out and studied hard.

Reina Tanaka x Up To Boy

Here’s a spread from Japanese idol & gravure magazine Up To Boy last year highlighting Fukuoka native Reina Tanaka’s (田中れいな) soon to be released photobook, “GIRL”. The uber cute 18 year old joined the popular Japanese idol group Morning Musume (モーニング娘) as a 6th generation member. Her fans can’t get enough of her angelic face, sweet singing voice and energetic dance moves on stage.

Reina said she’s glad she could show a more mature side of her in “GIRL”

The photo sessions took place in Tokyo, Chiba and Okinawa. Reina thought all the outfits for the shoot suited her really well!

Eri Kamei x Up To Boy

Today I bring you one of my favorite girls, current Morning Musume member Eri Kamei (亀井絵里). The 19 year old with a shy smile made her debut back in 2003 as a 6th generation audition member. I’ve always been drawn to Eri’s girl-next-door look and gentle personality, but she has really blossomed into a beauty as seen in this special highlight in the Japanese gravure magazine Up To Boy (アップトゥボーイ).

A few shots from Eri Kamei’s most recent photobook “Maple” showing a more mature side of her

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