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.

Ai Kago Officially Back

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.

AVEX Concert

Here are more pictures from the annual AVEX Stockholder Concert that took place last Sunday at Saitama Super Arena (さいたまスーパーアリーナ) just north of Tokyo. AVEX Group (エイベックス) is a Japanese record giant and its shareholder-only concert was a star studded event, featuring several internationally known J pop artists.

After more than a decade, Namie Amuro (安室奈美恵), the girl who is credited with starting the contemporary Japanese fashion as we know today can still rock the stage

The humble looking Japanese diva Kumi Koda (倖田來未) performed gracefully while shedding some tears, no doubt reflecting on her “rotten womb” comment scandal from earlier this year

AVEX mega popular artist Ai Otsuka (大塚愛) looks cute no matter what she’s wearing, even in this pajama inspired outfit

Former Morning Musume Maki Goto (後藤真希) made her first official appearance as an AVEX Nation artist

Ethnic Tibetan alan (アラン, or 阿兰) was discovered recently when AVEX held an audition in China and was quickly signed to the label

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

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

Ai Takahashi Up To Boy

To help wipe away your Monday blue, here’s some evening delight courtesy of the lovely Ai Takahashi (高橋 愛). In case you still don’t know, the multi-talented “Ai-chan” is the leader of Japan’s most popular girl idol group Morning Musume. The pics are from an issue of Up To Boy that highlighted her last photobook titled “Mizu”.

The 21 year old from Fukui Prefecture has really blossomed into a fine young lady and is looking hotter than ever

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.

New Hello!Project Unit High-King

This past Wednesday Up Front Agency gave the public a sneak preview at the newest Hello!Project unit, “High-King”. Contrary to what the name suggests, the unit will be made up of all female members (it’s Hello!Project afterall).

The newly formed unit will release their first single “C\C Cinderella \ Complex” on June 11th to coincide with “Cinderella The Musical” starring Morning Musume later this summer. The musical will kick off on August 6th.

High-King consists of Ai Takahashi (高橋愛), leader of Morning Musume, Reina Tanaka (田中 れいな), Saki Shimizu (清水佐紀), captain of Berryz Kobo, Maimi Yajima (矢島舞美) of C-ute and Yuka Maeda (前田憂佳) of Hello!Project Egg. As always the talented Japanese musician Tsunku will be the producer. According to him the basis of High-King is tracks with beats that you can dance to, so girls with good dance skills were selected.

The origin of the name for the unit is a little interesting. Producer Tsunku said it was supposed to be “High Queen”, meaning superior females that possess predominance. But since he felt it didn’t sound catchy enough the name was changed to High-King instead.

Ai (second from left), Reina (center) and Maimi (second from right) all looking grown-up and smokin’ hot!

On High-King, Ai commented, “I’d like this unit to be cool with a grown up feel.” Reina said, “Our songs and dance steps are cool and sexy!” Maimi thinks it is good to combine the different talent from the 5 members.

MilkyWay Concert

MilkyWay @ Kawasaki Club Citta (クラブチッタ)

The newest Hello!Project unit Milky Way held their first ever public concert at Club Citta in Kawasaki over the weekend. The cute Japanese idol unit is composed of Koharu Kusumi (久住小春) of Morning Musume and Hello!Project Egg members Yu Kikkawa (吉川友) and Sayaka Kitahara (北原沙弥香).

MilkyWay leader and the always genki Koharu Kusumi aka Kirari Tsukishima (月島きらり)

Morning Musume 8th generation audition finalist Yu Kikkawa (吉川友)

Hello!Project Egg member Sayaka Kitahara (北原沙弥香)

The 3 girls danced away on stage in colorful costumes and performed their first single “Anataboshi” (アナタボシ), which made its Oricon Chart debut this week at number 3.

Morning Musume In Taipei

Ai Takahashi (R), Reina Tanaka (C) and JunJun (L) of Morning Musume pose for their fans at Taoyuan International Airport

Three members of the Japanese idol group Morning Musume arrived in Taiwan’s capitol Taipei this past Wednesday to promote their upcoming and first ever concert in Taiwan. Morning Musume leader Ai Takahashi, along with cutie pie Reina Tanaka and JunJun (who’s actually from China) were greeted by about 100 fans at the airport. Later on during the press conference at the hotel the girls were given Taiwanese sweets such as pineapple cake and tapioca milk tea which they loved.

Morning Musume leader Ai Takahashi

Morning Musume 6th generation member Reina Tanaka

Morning Musume will hold their concert at Nangang Exhibition Hall on May 24th and they plan on performing 36 songs. Those lucky Taiwanese bastards!

Morning Musume about to sample some tasty Taiwanese sweets at the press conference

Ai Kago Interview, Part 6

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

Ai Kago Interview, Part 5

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

Ai Kago Interview, Part 4

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!

Ai Kago Interview Part 3

(Edit: Okay I’m throwing up this clip let’s see how long it lasts)