Yuki Kashiwagi as a Convenience Store Clerk

J-pop idol troupe AKB48 Team B captain YUKI KASHIWAGI dressed up as a Sankus convenience store clerk and appeared at the Rikkyo Dori store in the Ikebukuro district of Tokyo last week to promote her debut gravure DVD.  For your information, in addition to selling tons of yummy stuff and daily necessities, convenience stores in Japan stock plenty of gravure photobooks and DVDs.  The Kagoshima Prefecture native looks so cute doing a little cosplay action with that convenience store clerk shirt and looks even more righteous when she takes it off to reveal the pink dress she’s got on underneath.

As she helped customers Yuki Kashiwagi (柏木由紀) told reporters, “I love convenience stores and I go there everyday.  I’ve never had a part time job before so it’s cool I could get behind the cash register.”

See more of Yuki we’ve got here: AKB48 MEMBER YUKI KASHIWAGI ON SLEEPYJOHN.COM

AKB48 Yuki Kashiwagi’s First DVD

Cute as button J-pop super idol unit AKB48 member YUKI KASHIWAGI released her very first gravure DVD at the end of last month.  Shot on the tropical island of Guam last November, the title “This Has Been Yuki Kashiwagi Reporting” is a play off her role as a weather girl on Japanese TV station TBS’s Hiruobi.  The 18 year old Japanese teen has an angelic face and a porcelain lithe body.  As the captain of Team B within AKB48, Yuki Kashiwagi (柏木由紀) possesses a pretty voice too.

The U-19 (under 19) cutie also boasts having the top selling idol photobook in the year 2009 with over 15,000 copies sold.  I’m very confident she’ll do well with her debut DVD as well.

To see other photos we have of Yuki: AKB48 MEMBER YUKI KASHIWAGI ON SLEEPYJOHN.COM

Ai Otsuka Dating Rapper

Japanese tabloid magazine Josei Seven reported last week that mega J-pop star AI OTSUKA is dating SU, member of the popular Japanese hip-hop group Rip Slyme.  According to the report, SU was seen entering the AVEX recording artist’s Tokyo luxury apartment at night with his own key in the middle of last month.  He remained inside and didn’t leave the following morning until after the 27 year old singer/songwriter has left for work.  It appears the couple has been seeing each other since the beginning of this year.

The cute and talented Ai Otsuka (大塚愛) was already a big fan of Rip Slyme before she met her man last year while working on her best of album Love is Best.  The Osaka native collaborated with SU on a new track titled “aisu x time”. (it’s a play off both of their names)  SU, age 36, made headlines back in 2007 when it was found out that he was dating Japanese singer Kaera Kimura.  They broke up last year.

When Ai’s management agency was contacted it neither confirmed nor denied the rumor of the two dating.  Only the reply “We leave all private matters up to her” was given.

To look up more of Ai Otsuka: JAPANESE SINGER ACTRESS AI OTSUKA ON SLEEPYJOHN.COM

Kii Kitano Makes Successful Singing Debut

The debut single of Japanese teen gravure idol and actress KII KITANO has made it to the Top 10 according to Oricon Ranking.  The cute and innocent looking 18 year old officially made her debut as a singer last Wednesday with the release of her first single “Sakura Saku” (サクラサク) and has already recorded 16,000 in sales by the end of last weekend, which is good for a No.7 spot in the ranking.

In an interview Kii Kitano (北乃きい) told Oricon that she has always wanted to give singing a try since she was little, even before she became a model for the Japanese teen fashion magazine Hana*Chu–>.  Kii appeared live for the first time and sang 3 songs last Wednesday at a shopping mall in Kawasaki, a suburb of Tokyo, in front of 7000 fans.  The debut single Sakura Saku is also being used in the Kit Kat commercial currently airing on Japanese TV.

See more of Kii Kitano’s cuteness here: JAPANESE TEEN GRAVURE IDOL ACTRESS KII KITANO ON SLEEPYJOHN.COM

Miki Fujimoto in a Kimono

Japanese singer and former J-pop super idol group Morning Musume member Miki Fujimoto (藤本美貴) aka Mikitty appeared at a press event at the end of last month to promote new year postcards produced by Japanese social networking site Mixi.  Mikitty, as her fans affectionately call her, showed up in an elegant black and silver kimono.  It’s hard to believe the cute and sexy 24 year old Hokkaido Prefecture native is already married.

The former Morning Musume leader Miki Fujimoto and her comedian husband Tomoharu Shoji have already registered their marriage but have yet to hold a wedding ceremony in Japan.  Although their banquet is set to be on the 27th later this month, Miki revealed that the details haven’t been decided at all.  She is getting quite anxious but her hubby hasn’t said much.  I was never a big fan of Shoji and for neglecting such a talented and beautiful girl on her special day he deserves to be kicked in the groin!

Former Morning Musume Miki Fujimoto Looking Fabulous in a Kimono

Morning Musume Koharu Kusumi Releases New Photobook

J-pop idol group Morning Musume member Koharu Kusumi (久住小春) has released her 4th photobook titled “Sugar Doll”.  The 17 year old 7th generation Morning Musume shows a more grown up and womanly side to her in this latest version.  Nicknamed “Koha” , the Niigata Prefecture happy-go-lucky country girl said, “Check out the cute Koharu, the sexy Koharu and the real Koharu.  You’ll see a lot of sides of me!”

It has also been announced that Koharu Kusumi will “graduate” from the popular Japanese girl troupe in December.  But I’m sure Up Front Agency, Morning Musume’s management company will find new openings for her to fill.

Morning Musume Koharu Kusumi Do Sexy in New Photobook

AKB48 Yuki Kashiwagi’s First Photobook

Popular J-pop idol group AKB48 member Yuki Kashiwagi (柏木由紀) will have her own solo photobook out next Monday.  The 18 year old Kagoshima Prefecture native went to the Japanese southern islands of Okinawa for the photoshoot back in June.  Yuki, who belongs to Team B is usually known as the girl who brings rain to every AKB48 photoshoot.  But this time luck was on her side as there was no cloud in sight and the mission was completed without a hitch. 

The baby face U-19 Japanese singer idol claims, “You’ll see a lot of Yuki Kashiwagi that you don’t usually get to see!”  All I know is the typical AKB48 stage costumes wrap the girls pretty tight, but I saw a lot of boobs in these teaser pics.  If you want to meet Yuki in person and get her autograph you can go to Shosen Bookmart (書泉ブックマート) which is a skip and a hop away from Akihabara Station, located in the Jinbocho district of Tokyo on either the 11th or 18th of next month.

AKB48’s Yuki Kashiwagi Releases First Photobook

Noriko Sakai a Habitual Drug Abuser?

More information is coming out regarding the drug scandal of Japanese actress singer and former mega idol Noriko Sakai (酒井法子) which rocked Japan. 

Contrary to earlier statements given by both the 38 year old mother of one and her husband, self proclaimed pro surfer Yuichi Takaso (高相祐一), Noriko has now confessed to a much longer history of drug use.  Originally both the husband and wife claimed that she began using illegal stimulants from about a year ago and has only used it for about 10 times.  However, during further interrogation Noriko changed her story and told authority that the starting time was actually 3 to 4 years ago due to stress and fatigue from work.  She began “frying” on a regular basis and got a bit carried away.  The popular Japanese songstress with a sweet voice admitted that she wanted to quit but couldn’t kick the habit.  Instead the frequency of drug use increased.  Yuichi Takaso has told investigators that he noticed Noriko had been frying too much and actually warned her about the abuse.

Noriko Sakai Says “I Couldn’t Quit”

It was also revealed that shortly prior to Yuichi’s arrest in the beginning of August they purchased the banned stimulants while on a family vacation on Amami Oshima Island in southern Japan.  As expected, both “Noripi” and her estranged husband have been re-arrested by Japanese police and further detained.

To make matters worse, according to legal experts it is highly unlikely Noriko Sakai will be able to post bail because of the questionable action she took while she was “on the run” for about 6 days before turning herself in.  During the time Noriko made herself unavailable she withdrew about $4000 from the ATM, purchased underwear, instant noodles and water in large quantity, disposed her cell phone because “it was broken” and cut and colored her hair which is seen as an attempt to temper with evidence.  Hair from the still cute as a button former idol came back positive for the illegal substance.

If Noripi was really trying to erase any evidence of her drug abuse, perhaps she should’ve stayed on the run longer and given herself a real buzz cut?

Noriko Sakai Fired

The sad saga of Japanese actress singer and former mega idol Noriko Sakai’s (酒井法子) drug scandal just keeps spiraling.  The beautiful and graceful 38 year old shocked the nation when she surrendered to Japanese police over possesion of banned stimulant earlier this month and is currently still being detained by the authority. 

Affectionately called “Noripi” by her fans, the uncertain future of Noriko Sakai’s career took another turn toward the dark path this past weekend.  The president of Noripi’s management agency Sun Music (サンミュージック) who until now had been supportive, finally announced late last Friday night that he is cutting the Fukuoka Prefecture native off his roster.  Noriko has been with Sun Music for nearly 23 years since her debut as a teenager.  At the press conference Masahisa Aizawa (相澤正久) said to reporters, “It pains me to fire Noriko.  I’m heartbroken.”  Noripi’s record label Victor Entertainment has also officially terminated her contract.

Actually the firing of the fallen Japanese star did not stem from loss revenue.  As a matter of fact, ever since Noriko Sakai’s drug scandal broke out, her singles have become top sellers in the iTune Store!  Unfortunately image is everything in Japan, especially for a person such as Noriko who is supposed to play a squeak clean role.  Since she can no longer carry that wholesome image she had to be put down.

All of Noriko Sakai’s CD have been taken off the shelf across Japan.  I say put them back…homegirl needs money for her legal defense fund and possible permanent retirement!

Noriko Sakai Got Her Walking Papers

Akiko Yada Dumps Hubby

We here at SleepyJohn.com always strive to give you Japan lovers the latest, juiciest and most scandalous news & gossip in Japanese showbiz!  As if yesterday’s reporting on Noriko Sakai wasn’t enough, I’ve got another hot one for ya:

Just like I previously speculated, Japanese actress and former gravure model Akiko Yada (矢田亜希子) couldn’t take her playboy husband Manabu Oshio’s shenanigans anymore and finally fired his ass.  If you recall in my post on Tuesday the 31 year old J-pop rocker was arrested on drug charges as well as connection in the death of a female companion he was with while under the influence.  The Kanagawa Prefecture native faxed an official statement to major Japanese media outlet late on Friday announcing the marriage between she and Manabu have ended.

Akiko Yada Files For Divorce

Akiko Yada (L) and Manabu Oshio (R)

In the statement Akiko wrote, “I, Akiko Yada have divorced Manabu Oshio.  Just like some of the reports said, we were in separation due to his relationship with other women and our different views on value.  I didn’t think the separation would lead to divorce.  However, due to this incident, in consideration of my son and the people around me I made the decision.  At any rate, I’m really sorry my ex-husband caused so much trouble and I deeply apologize.”

Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the dead woman at the condo of the lead singer of Japanese rock band LIV is a 31 year old former Ginza hostess.  Manabu had been carrying on an affair with her for about 6 months.  Cocaine turned up after police searched the deceased woman’s apartment.

Here’s an interesting tidbit: the 1 bedroom condo located in Roppongi Hills luxury high rise complex where the former hostess died costs $4000 per month.  Manabu Oshio’s name isn’t on the lease agreement.  Instead, it’s under Mika Noguchi (野口美佳), president of popular Japanese lingerie brand Peach John.  According to industry insiders Ms. Noguchi rented out this condo as a “pleasure suite” and lets her friends use it too.

Akiko Yada’s ex-hubby told police that his slender and beautiful girlfriend was already under the influence and appeared excited when she showed up at his condo.  At her recommendation they then took one pill each.  The woman lost consciousness after she took the second pill.  He tried to resuscitate her but to no avail.  Manabu now also claims that it was his first time taking the Ecstasy pill.

I feel like we hit the scandal jackpot this past week.  It’s as if Noriko Sakai was trying to outdo Manabu Oshio!  You can count on SleepyJohn.com to keep you updated if any juicy development takes place.

Akiko Yada has much brighter things to look forward to now that she’s divorced Manabu Oshio

AKB48 Ultimate Top of Beauty Photobook Scans

Let’s wrap up our special series on UTB’s (Up To Boy) Ultimate Top of Beauty magazine scans with a bang with 4 lovely Japanese teen singers from the popular J-pop idol group AKB48!

First up we’ve got Aki Takajo (高城亜樹).  The 17 year old lists her home as Tokyo but was born in Fukuoka Prefecture.  She belongs to Team A of AKB48.  She’s proud of her tennis playing skills and her older sister who goes by the stage name Jui Kizuki (希月樹衣) is a gravure idol.

The super cute Risa Naruse (成瀬理沙) is an U-15 idol who belongs to Team K.  All the AKB48 fanboys were saddened when it was announced recently that she’s leaving AKB48 due to a recurring problem with a herniated disk.  Risa would like to be a fashion model someday.

Aki Takajo (R) and Risa Naruse (L)

Chisato Nakata (中田ちさと) is an 18 year old cutie from Saitama Prefecture.  The petite 5′1″ Team A member is a big fan of Japanese professional wrestling and loves to go on long walks.

Last but not least we’ve got Moeno Nito (仁藤萌乃) who’s a Tokyo native.  The 17 year old Team B member is often portrayed as a little cold and bitchy but it’s really because she is extremely shy.  Moeno recalls just a year ago she couldn’t dance at all when she first joined AKB48.

Chisato Nakata (R) and Moeno Nito (L)

Akiko Yada’s Man in Big Trouble

The guy Japanese actress and former fashion model Akiko Yada (矢田亜希子) calls husband has been arrested by Japanese police on Monday.  Japanese actor and musican Manabu Oshio (押尾学), age 31 was arrested in Tokyo over drug use and possible connection to the uneventful death of a female companion.

Manabu Oshio (L) and wife Akiko Yada (R)

Last Sunday night police showed up at Roppongi Hills luxury condo complex responding to a 911 call that a person had died.  Upon entering the unit they found a naked female who had been dead for at least 10 hours and Manabu Oshio present, showing signs of being under the influence of illegal substance.  The toxicology report later showed that Akiko Yada’s man had taken Ecstasy.

Manabu Oshio Arrested For Drugs and OD Death

Til this day fans of Akiko Yada, the sexy 30 year old from Kawasaki (just southwest of Tokyo) still don’t understand what she saw in this trainwreck and prompted her to marry him.  To most Japanese Manabu Oshio comes off rather brash and ill tempered, not to mention his reputation as a womanizer.  The two met on the set of TBS drama Yume de Aimasho (夢で逢いましょう) back in ‘05 and apparently sparks flew right away between the two.  Akiko withdrew from Japanese showbiz and married the dude in November of the following year.

Akiko Yada still is the object of desire for many Japanese men

It should be noted that the beautiful former fashion & gravure model was at the height of her success when she began dating Manabu.  Due to the negative image her hubby carries with him, Akiko gradually lost many chances at leading roles and commercial endorsement.  You can say she flushed her career down the toilet for this douche.  Many people let out a sigh of relief when reports came out recently that the couple has been in separation for about half a year.

During police interrogation the bad boy husband of Akiko Yada, who’s also the lead vocal of Japanese rock band LIV confessed that he did indeed take the substance that proved to be X.  However, he claimed it was given to him by an acquaintence at some point and he had no idea the substance was illegal (yeah, SURE).  AVEX, the record label Manabu’s signed with has announced that it has dissolved their contract.

Dubbed “black sheep & pure princess”, the couple departing for a romantic getaway in December of ‘05

Manabu Oshio and his bad ass rocker days are definitely over.  I’m not even sure how he’s going to manage to live on let alone save his band (pun intended).  Everyone in Japanese media right now is speculating if this fiasco is the final straw that would finally make Akiko Yada ditch this loser husband of hers.

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

Kana Kobayashi Ultimate Top of Beauty Photobook Scans

Why am I such a sucker for girls like Japanese teen singer idol Kana Kobayashi (小林香菜)?  The 19 year old might not be the prettiest face on J-pop idol troupe AKB48, but just one look at her big,  inncoent eyes and adorable, little sister next door face has got me melting!

I’m glad UTB / Up To Boy also included Kana in their special Ultimate Top of Beauty gravure collection.  The Saitama Prefecture native looks so cute I just want to pinch her soft cheeks and make her model in that yellow mini jumpsuit for me!

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