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Ai Kago will be making her return to Japanese TV this Friday on Fuji TV

Former Morning Musume and super popular Japanese idol Ai Kago (加護亜衣) announced on her blog last Friday that she’s officially back in Japanese showbiz! Affectionately called “Aibon” or “Kago-chan” by her fans, the 20 year old cutie revealed she’ll make her first Japanese TV appearance since her second smoking scandal more than 2 years ago.

“Aibon” is back in the spotlight, this time as a serious actress and talent

Ai Kago is going to be the guest on Japanese showbiz icon Sanma Akashiya’s Fuji TV late night variety show “Sanma no Manma” (さんまのまんま) this Friday. On the show Aibon will talk about her downward spiral, her road to recovery, her succeeding in losing 22 pounds and her current status as a bona fide Japanese actress and “talent”. Aibon has recently returned from Hong Kong after completing her role in “Super Chef” (スーパーシェフ), her first movie since her comeback. The film will be shown in Hong Kong this fall and be in theaters in Japan next April.

If Ai Kago and Maki Goto got together, what would you name the unit?

Ai Kago has also began filming a historic suspense drama with NTV (Nippon TV) in the ancient capitol of Kyoto since returning to Japan.  She plays a princess and from the leaked press photos I’ve seen she looked absolutely adorable!  Upon her return she was asked about the rumor of her and former Morning Musume member Maki Goto (current AVEX artist) forming a new unit.  Aibon responded that it was also the first time for her to hear such speculation but she’d welcome it.

Alright fellas, here’s the final installment of OhmyNews / Ura Channel’s exclusive interview (<– original video here) with mega popular former Morning Musume and Hello!Project artist Ai Kago aka Aibon. And thanks for your encouraging comments…it’s good to know that the effort I put in is worth while!:)

“Morning Musume aren’t idols”

Aibon started off the final portion of her interview with famous Japanese showbiz reporter Masaru Nashimoto by saying the super popular Japanese girl unit “Morning Musume” wasn’t meant to be an idol group, but was viewed as such. Instead she considers Morning Musume to be a female singing group. Back then she was given the kiddish “Kago-chan” role so she had to play along. But now she’s starting anew and would like to be considered other than an idol.

Masaru proceeded to ask her if she still smokes now that she’s turned 20 and is legally allowed to smoke in Japan. Aibon replied, “Actually I’ve already quit before this. But even though now I can smoke freely I no longer feel like smoking. And nowadays I also feel it’s not so good manner wise to smoke.”

Aibon gave an interesting analogy to the situation. She said, “It’s like when you’re a small child you’re not allowed to go on some of those bigger rollercoaster rides and you really want to ride them. But once you’ve grown and passed that height requirement you don’t really feel like getting on them anymore.”

When the veteran interviewer Masaru Nashimoto mentioned that the reason he doesn’t smoke (honestly I was shocked, I imagine Masaru to be the typical chain smoking, yakitori eating, shochu drinking Japanese old geezer…guess I was wrong) is because when he visited a shrine while on a school trip in high school some people next to him were smoking and it made him feel ill, Aibon told him she felt the same way. She explained that by smoking and being around smoke it made her voice coarse, and added that it’s not okay for underage kids to smoke, even if they don’t get caught. Haha it sure sounded like Aibon was doing an anti-smoking campaign!

Toward the end Masaru quipped that he is more than 40 years Aibon’s senior (he’s 63). Aibon expressed genuine surprise and said she didn’t think he’s that old. When he told her he was born in 1944 Aibon said, “Oh that’s the same year my grandma was born!” which drew a bunch of laughter. Country side people sure have kids young!

Best of luck to the older and wiser Miss Ai Kago…please don’t cut yourself anymore

Today’s portion was rather short and here’s what the former idol and Hello!Project artist Ai Kago shared in the interview with Ura Channel and OhmyNews:

Click here for original video

Veteran Japanese entertainment reporter Masaru Nashimoto asked about her plans for the future. she replied that she doesn’t know exactly what’ll happen but because she has experienced a lot by being in Japanese showbiz since she was 12 years old (which she’s quite proud of), she feels that with her ability to convey different emotions she’d like to give acting a try.

Aibon has been doing some writing on a daily basis. Someday she hopes to get a book published and would be happy if in some way her book can be of help to someone.

She also revealed that she has kept in touch with some Morning Musume and Hello!Project members and they provided her with encouragement. She was touched when some of them asked her, “Hey Aibon how are you doing?” since only her ex fellow members call her by that nickname (calm down you fanboys…I’m sure she meant in her “real” life). To Aibon the Hello!Project girls are her source of inner peace.

When she received text messages from them she felt she wanted to rejoin the group. But she knew it wasn’t possible, so she decided to work hard on her own.

When Masaru brought up Aibon’s former partner in crime Nozomi Tsuji, she responded that she was really surprised to hear about her sudden pregnancy and marriage and she’s seen Taiyo Sugiura’s (Nozomi’s hubby) blog before. But from the sound of her voice I suspect Nozomi isn’t one of the people she is in constant contact with. She was also surprised to hear about the “Mikitty incident” (please check out my blog on 1/9 and 2/15) but believes Miss Miki Fujimoto will make a strong comeback since that is in line with Miki’s personality.

Finally the conversation moved onto Maki Goto, who’s currently on a secret mission in LA. Aibon said she was in touch with her until right before she departed for the States. She explained that she has always liked Maki and feels they share many similarities. She thinks Maki is a strong person so she will surely succeed, and hence she must strive for success herself too.

Both Aibon and GoMaki choose LA as their preferred destination to get away

Aibon was pleasantly surprised when she was presented with a scrapbook made by her fans for her recent 20th birthday

I wonder how many people are actually reading the stuff I’ve been putting up about this Aibon exclusive interview with OhmyNews. Is it even remotely interesting to you guys? I know I’m totally late on today’s episode…hope I didn’t make too many of you Aibon wotas antsy!:)

But I do wonder if it’s worth it for me to keep going.

Anyway here comes what’s juicy from Part 4 of Masaru Nashimoto’s interview with former Hello!Project super idol Ai Kago:

Original video here

When asked about the nature of her relationship with the seemingly sleazy restaurant entrepreneur Yasuyuki Ishimoto, Aibon replied, “I’m very close to him. He’s been helping me out so much. I’d like him to continue to look out for me and be the one I can talk about my problems with. He is like my one man supporter club!”

She added that she hasn’t given much thought about their future (meaning marriage), since she’s the type of person who tends to focus on the present.

The 4th generation Morning Musume said that some of the things she’s learned this past year include being thankful and learning to have confidence to tackle something. She felt that coming from an idol background she was used to being sheltered and lacked the ability to realize something. But now she wants to challenge different things to see herself grow. In other words, just do it! Aibon concluded that the best way to become stronger is to just believe in herself.

Aibon also touched on some of the problems she encountered since joining showbiz (this alone sheds a lot of light on why she did what she did). She explained that when she first joined the popular j-pop all girl group Morning Musume people often commented that she looked older than her age. As years went by it should’ve been natural for Aibon to “grow up”, but instead she became more childish. And it didn’t help that her work surroundings reinforced such image. Even though she was getting older, the majority of her fan’s demographic remained young so she was required to put on the “Kago-chan” act. The grown ups around her all asked that she maintain such kiddish image for the viewers.

As Aibon was constantly pressured to play up that “Kago-chan” act, her work related stress most likely began to accumulate. Now looking back Aibon thinks she didn’t realize at the time that wasn’t the proper way to carry on. And here’s something heavy…she said if she had continued doing what she did, she would’ve turned out really jacked!

“Kago-chan” couldn’t handle constantly having to be a kid in front of the camera, so she acted like a juvenile

To all the fans who have followed and supported her, knowing that she betrayed them twice Aibon once again expressed deep remorse.

The 20 year old Miss Ai Kago revealed that her mother understands her the most and she appreciates her a lot. When Aibon first got sent back to Nara for “home detention” in 2006 then when she was let go by her management Up Front Agency last year, her mother was the most furious at her but also gave her the most encouragement.

By the way Aibon commented that she hadn’t told her mother about this exclusive interview she’s doing and she would probably be surprised when she hears about it.

Stay tuned…I might just bust out Part 5 later today!

(Please click on the bold wording below, it’ll take you directly to OhMyNews’ Part 2 of Ai’s interview. I’ve given up trying to link to GayTube since they’ve been taking down her interview clips left and right and blocked the only video I could find of today’s portion! And yes, I tried going to Daily Motion and MetaCafe but couldn’t find anything…sorry.)

Here’s some more interesting info from the second part of Ai Kago aka Aibon’s interview today:

- Tears came down nonstop from Aibon’s eyes and she cried uncontrollably when she found out she was being expelled.

- She doesn’t really remember much about that time but does recall that even Naoki Yamazaki, the head honcho at Up Front Agency cried, which she had never seen before.

- Everything hit her when her contract was terminated as she asked herself “What the hell did I do?!” and realized that she had done something really stupid.

- Ai also doesn’t remember much about slicing her own wrist. She only recalls feeling like she was no longer needed right before and going into shock afterward thinking, “What have I done?!”

- Leading up to her first underage smoking scandal back in 2006, Aibon was associating herself with many smokers. Her mother also used to smoke until she had Aibon’s youngest brother. Aibon admitted she didn’t have a strong negative feeling toward smoking and was used to being around it.

- The former Hello!Project star turned to cigarettes because of her desire to be a grown up and she felt smoking relaxed her. The sight of herself smoking used to make her happy, but now she knows that was immature of her.

- Aibon commented when she was sent back to her hometown of Nara as punishment and for self reflection following the revelation of her underage smoking, her youngest brother wondered why she suddenly came home but was too young to understand anything. Her younger sister on the other hand knew about the situation and it was awkward for Aibon to face her family.

Ai Kago with Nozomi Tsuji (R) promoting Cirque du Soleil’s latest traveling performance “Alegria 2″ during happier times

Okay, let’s give this a try and see how long before it gets taken down:

Part 2 portion of Ai Kago’s interview

The interview conducted by veteran Japanese entertainment beat reporter Masaru Nashimoto with former Japanese super idol Ai Kago revealed some shocking information. Some of the contents from the interview was also aired on TV Asahi’s morning program “Super Morning”.

Masaru Nashimoto got Ai Kago to spill the beans

First regarding her second underage smoking scandal last year, “Aibon”, as all of her fans call her by said, “I was an immature teen who didn’t think things through and couldn’t manage oneself. I finally realized how much responsibilities I had after my contract with Up Front Agency was terminated. I’d really like to apologize.”

According to Ai, Yasuyuki Ishimoto who accompanied her on that fateful trip to Kusatsu told her sternly not to smoke, but all the trouble she had on her mind at the time and her immaturity got the best of her.

A young and carefree Ai Kago, around 2005

But Aibon really dropped a bombshell when she brought up her attempted suicide! She told OhMyNews that “I felt like I had too many problems I couldn’t handle and on several occasions I thought about cutting my wrist.”

Former Hello!Project superstar Ai Kago entered Japanese Showbiz at the age of 12

Speaking about that dark period, Aibon described how she made a deep incision on her left wrist with a pair of scissors because she felt cornered and no longer had a future. Since it wasn’t possible for her to seek medical attention at the hospital she could only have her wound wrapped up with bandages. Upon reflection, Aibon understood she caused many people a lot of trouble and vowed to never do such foolish thing again.

Aibon (L) as a member of the popular duo unit “W”, with Nozomi Tsuji (R) - who has also since dropped out of showbiz in disgrace last year due to her unexpected pregnancy

When turned to the topic of her beau Yasuyuki Ishimoto, Aibon replied, “During that time I was going crazy. I had no money, no jobs to look forward to and neither places I could go to nor a place to go back to. But Yasuyuki was there to lend me support. He’s been close to me and giving me lots of help since the beginning. I still consider him as a person I can really talk to about my problems and depend on to watch over me.” So it does seem like their relationship is going rather well. But when asked about the possibility of marriage Aibon said she hasn’t given that a thought yet.

A more mature Ai Kago brings back a squeaky clean and respectful look

During the exclusive interview Ms. Ai Kago further added, “After I was let go by my agency I felt like a criminal just merely by staying in Japan. So from May of last year Yasuyuki and I went to LA and stayed there for about 3 months. I decided to become an actress so I began taking English lessons, voice training lessons as well as dance lessons. I’d like to give back to my fans by making it as an actress.”

As a bonus, the famous Japanese journalist Masaru Nashimoto also revealed to Japanese evening paper “Yukan Fuji” that actually Aibon had been talking to him to seek advice since about half a year ago. He added that she celebrated her 20th birthday (in Japan you become an adult when you turn 20) this past February with about 10 people and blew out the candles with Yasuyuki Ishimoto. She’s intent on making a comeback as an actress and thought it’s a good opportunity to let everyone know about her story and how remorseful she is.

Ai Kago, who was once Japan’s coveted “morning daughter” and everyone’s darling has returned!

Disgraced ex-Morning Musume and mega popular former idol Ai Kago aka “Aibon” is back! The 20 year old granted Japanese information website “OhMyNews” her first official interview in 2 years since the first underage smoking incident which led to her downfall and eventual expulsion from Hello!Project as well as termination of her contract with Up Front Agency last year.

Ai Kago appearing on a Hello!Project show with Maki Goto circa mid 2000

Aibon resurfaced last Friday in Tokyo looking much like a young lady while retaining the kawaii-ness we’re all so used to, sporting a short conservative hairdo, unpainted fingernails and minimal makeup. Heheh she sure knew how to make herself look remorseful and gain forgiveness from the public…good move!

Veteran Japanese entertainment beat reporter Masaru Nashimoto met with Aibon and the video from the interview will be aired in a 6 part installment beginning today. The former Hello!Project star first appeared nervous, but became more relaxed and returned to the old “Kago-chan” after a little while.

Kago-chan speaking exclusively with Masaru Nashimoto of OhMyNews

From the initial portion released from the interview, Aibon said, “I think at age 17 (when her smoking scandal first broke) I wasn’t mature enough and lacked common sense a proper society member would have. I’d like to apologize to my mom, fans, Up Front Agency (my handler) and all work related personnels for causing them so much trouble. From here on out, I want to start afresh by taking responsibilities for myself and living strong. I’d be really happy if I could have your support.”

Ai Kago aka Aibon was was once Japan’s national symbol for wholesome girl (国民的アイドル)

During the interview Aibon also touched on the infamous 2007 Kusatsu Onsen outing that ultimately got her tushie canned, as well as her relationship with Yasuyuki Ishimoto (her supposed boyfriend who’s almost 20 years older than her), her thoughts on family & fans, her plans for the future and her anguish and what she went through after being expelled from Hello!Project.

Referring to the reason behind that Kusatsu (one of the most famous hot springs resorts in Japan) outing, Aibon explained, “My parents divorced on that day and I felt really depressed. When Yasuyuki suggested that we go somewhere far to get away I remembered this good soba restaurant in Kusatsu that I knew so we headed over there. But while we were there snow began falling heavily and it was too dangerous to come back so we decided to spend the night in Kusatsu.

(Note - gay ass YouTube took down the original video that I linked to, so here’s another one that works)

Aibon’s confession - “Without thinking I turned to cigarettes again”

Ryoko Hirosue called it quits on her marriage

Japanese model and fashion designer Takahiro Okazawa, 32

The now 27 year old mother of one was among one of the hottest commodities in the Japanese entertainment world toward the of 1990s and at the turn of the century!

Japanese actress and former idol Ryoko Hirosue announced on her website today that she has divorced her husband of more than 3 years, Japanese model and fashion designer Takahiro Okazawa. Ryoko burst onto the Japanese showbiz scene when she was only 14, appearing in commercials and photo shoots. 2 years later the Kochi Prefecture native got an even bigger break when she debuted as a singer with the hit song “Maji de Koi Suru Go Byo Mae”.

Ryoko and Takahiro caught in 2001 in Sendagaya district of Tokyo

A young Ryoko Hirosue pitching for Japanese wireless giant DoCoMo

Ryoko stirred up a media frenzy when she enrolled in the prestigious Waseda University back in 1999 but didn’t bother to show up on campus until almost 3 months later. She never really attended any of the classes and ended up dropping out.

Ryoko’s first day at Waseda University was a carefully orchestrated event by her management agency

Posing with French actor Jean Reno at the press conference of their 2001 international hit movie WASABI

But Ryoko blew it by getting knocked up by then boyfriend Takahiro Okazawa in 2003. They subsequently had a hurried wedding ceremony in January of 2004 after Ryoko held a press conference at the end of 2003 to confirm the rumor that she was pregnant. This was really ironic because the plain looking girl I had nicknamed “koala face” since she first surfaced had starred in a popular Japanese drama back in 2001 on Fuji TV with Japanese heartthrob Yutaka Takenouchi titled “Dekichatta Kekkon” (Shotgun Wedding)!

Ryoko Hirosue at the press conference in December 2003 to announce her pregnancy and marriage

I remember Ryoko’s sudden pregnancy and marriage drew a lot of criticism from both fans and media back then. Many on going projects related to her had to be put on hold indefinitely, altered or scrapped altogether. And just like I thought, her popularity and career took a nose dive when she tried to make a comeback after the birth of her boy. As a matter of fact, her status has never been the same ever since.

Ryoko cited work related issues as part of her reason to divorce

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

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

Oh, you didn’t think I was done, did you? Of course I’ve got more juicy info for ya!;)

4. Leah Dizon

This former race queen hottie is half French and half Chinese

Nude Photobook - $750K

AV - $300K

Nicknamed “The Black Ship of Gravure” (in reference to the black ships commanded by Commodore Matthew Perry), Las Vegas native and sexy American import gravure idol Leah Dizon has taken Japan by storm the last two years with her exotic Eurasian look and humble work ethic. Her hard work paid off as she was invited to perform at NHK’s year end Kohaku Utagassen extravaganza last year, which is an extremely rare honor for a foreigner.

At the Kohaku Utagassen press conference

“Indeed she sure is popular and people would probably expect her to pull off something like this. The unexpected low appearance fee is due to the fact that Leah has already shown too much skin. Plus there’s been some racy pictures and videos of her before she made her debut in Japan circulating around so the shock value wouldn’t be as great.”

Kawaii!! I love her soft spoken style

5. Mona Yamamoto

Nude Photobook - $700K

AV - $450K

Mona had made it to the top, then threw it all away

The half Norwegian, half Japanese freelance “announcer” / talent (a Japanese catch-all name for entertainer) hails from Hiroshima. The short-lived former TV Asahi Tetsuya Chikushi News 23 newscaster caused an uproar back in 2006 when she was caught having an affair with LDP politician Goshi Hosono just when she was promoted. The self professed “M” (masochist) can be seen these days often appearing on talk shows.

The infamous picture that led to her canning from one of the most prestigious news programs in Japan

“The estimated appearance fee is higher than I expected, even though she does ooze womanhood…”

Personally I think she looks way older than 31, but I can see why many guys are drooling over her

6. Ayako Nishikawa

The former Miss Japan, 1996

Nude Photobook - $550K

AV - $200K

The female version of Japan’s Dr. 90210, this sharp tongued sexy jukujo (a mature, older lady) is a practicing plastic surgeon in Tokyo. Ayako has publicly said that she wouldn’t date any man whose annual income is below $400K. Known to be a bitch at times, she’s both hated and admired by the Japanese.

“Wow, she fetched a pretty high estimate! Having a bitchy woman doctor take it all off might just sell a lot!”

7. Mero Imai

The former Japan snowboard representative

Nude Photobook - $200K

AV - $400K

First of all, what kind of jacked up name is that? I’m sure my daughter would strangle me while I’m sleeping if I named her that! The youngest person ever to obtain a professional snowboarder license in Japan, she is the daugher of an obsessed snowboard coach. Along with her oldest brother Domu (yup, their father deserves at least a good caning) they were Japan’s snowboard representatives at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy.

She was everyone’s darling right before the Torino Olympics back in 2006

After her devastating early round elimination in Torino due to a serious fall, Melo basically stopped snowboarding and dropped out of the spotlight, only to become a huge disgrace to Japan. Early last year it was revealed that she had been working as a “fuzoku-jo” or should I say ejaculation specialist in Osaka. Was she really that hard up for money or did she go completely insane?!

The infamous fall in the halfpipe and her subsequent consequence

“I was really shocked that someone who was representing the country and in contention for an Olympic medal became a fuzoku-jo. If she were to go nude right after the Olympics she might’ve been able to fetch more money.”

I’m sorry but I don’t think she’s cute at all. I wouldn’t pay money to get sexual relief from her!

More info’s coming out regarding the scandal involving Japanese gravure model Hikaru Kawamura’s accusation that she was forced to appear in AV (Japanese porn). For the original story and more background info please check out my blog on 1-24-08.

As Hikaru’s criminal lawsuit against her boss Yoshiharu Noda aka “Noda shacho” of Suns Entertainment carries on over her claim that Noda shacho coerced her into doing AV, it has been revealed that there are actually 2 “AVs” involved. The original plan for the $1.5 million project was supposed to include a nude photobook, an erotic movie and a DVD. The DVD filming portion was completed back in October of last year.

Hikaru-chan, please take it off!

However Hikaru is now suing to prevent the DVD from going on sale. And she has refused to participate in the making of the photobook and movie, which resulted in the project coming to a standstill. But there’s more to the story than this.

The actual contract Ms. Hikaru Kawamura signed was $700K for 2 “AV” productions, meaning there’s supposed to be one more title beside the one she had already performed. But according Noda shacho, the production in question is not AV (Japanese porn) but rather a new style of “image video”. He persuaded Hikaru to come on board by telling her she would be the first person to appear in this type of new genre.

Noda shacho with some of his fine young girls. Hikaru should quit complaining…doesn’t she know there are so many girls waiting in line to take her place?

Well, what Noda shacho said was true in a way since in the DVD that was completed last year there was no real direct sexual scenes, as Hikaru only did insinuated “self gratification” with non-human objects. Nevertheless I’d say that’s very, very hot!

Oh Hikaru why do you tease us like that?

The planned movie is even racier, with plenty of erotic scenes but with the intention of keeping the extremely sensual film in very good taste. The story is Hikaru Kawamura plays the wife of a doctor who’s trapped in a sexless marriage. She goes to a French castle to receive some S&M experience (bondage play) and awaken her inner self. The problem is it requires $3 million for this mouth watering movie to happen, and a big chunk of that money has to come from the DVD sale. According to reliable sources due to this reason Hikaru’s take is only about 20%, which led insiders to believe the lawsuit she brought on is more about money and not about forced AV performance at all!

Don’t be shy Hikaru, be proud and shake what you got!

But at any rate bills have to be paid so people closely associated with the project have been discussing about a compromise by cutting out the nude scenes and releasing the DVD as a typical idol “image video” this spring. Stay tuned…

“Hey Rihanna, our wombs are still ok, right?”

Japanese diva and princess of dirty pop Kumi Koda once again has gotten herself in trouble with her loose lips. The trouble took place at the beginning of her Nippon Hoso radio show “Kumi Koda’s All Night Nippon” last Tuesday. When Kumi mentioned that her 35 year old female manager just got married, she suddenly said, “I think your womb turns into shit when you’re 35, so I want to make some kids before I hit that age.”

Yes Kumi, there’s still plenty of time for you to make some babies

I’m sure Kumi was just joking. But unfortunately even in an old fashioned country like Japan, the place is rapidly changing into a very politically correct society just like its western counterparts. After the show was aired many listeners complained that her comment had no scientific basis and these days plenty of older women give birth in Japan. Hello, aren’t we taking this just a little too seriously?!

In the end Kumi had to do the “right thing” (ahem, politically correct thing) and announced on both her lable Avex and Nippon Hoso’s website this past Friday that “I sincerely apologize for causing displeasure to everyone.”

“Hehe…I was only joking”

The timing came at a pretty bad time for Kumi Koda, as she was going around promoting her new album “Kingdom”. Due to the unexpected problem, she has suspended all of her activities until further notice (just until things cool off), although previously recorded TV appearances will still be aired.

Her national concert tour kicks off on April 12th and rehearsal does need to begin in the middle of March, but I speculate everything will go according to schedule.

Don’t worry Kumi, it’ll be business as usual soon

Is ex Morning Musume Mari Yaguchi in love again?

A bit more info on this scandal involving the ex Morning Musume leader Mari Yaguchi:

At today’s press conference in Tokyo for the on stage play Mari’s participating in, the reporters tried to flood her with questions about her relationship with Ultraman Nexus actor Takuji Kawakubo but couldn’t get a straight answer from her in the end.

“Ultraman” Takuji Kawakubo

One reporter went right after Mari by asking when does she plan on getting married (he was reacting to the statement Mari made last year of her intention to get married when she turns 25). Mari’s fellow performers came to her aid by diverting the question and cracking jokes.  Nice save!

Check out that sexy little 4′9″ spinner body!

Whew, you sure got lucky this time Mari!