Michiko Kichise announces marriage on her blog

Michiko Kichise announces marriage on her blog

TOKYO —
Actress Michiko Kichise, 35, reported on her blog this week that she got married on Christmas Day. Her husband is a businessman 10 years her senior.

She wrote, “We met 5 years ago when I was thinking about switching from modeling to acting. I realized he was the kind of precious person I always wanted by my side. He always watches over and protects me with a large heart and a warm smile. He’s considerate and I respect him. I don’t expect life will be without its ups and downs but if we work together, I think we can build a warm, kind household.”

Kichise was most recently seen in “Shikeidai no Elevator,” a Japanese-language remake of Louis Malle’s acclaimed debut, “Ascenseur pour l’échafaud.”

www.japantoday.com

'Single' Akina Minami wins Wedding Best Dresser Award

Akina Minami
SANKEI

TOKYO — Akina Minami, 21, was named one of three winners of the inaugural Wedding Best Dresser Awards this week, despite being single and unattached. Minami won in the category of TV personality. In the model category, the award was scooped up by Marie, 23, while 19-year-old
Tomomi Itano from AKB48 took the gong in the idol category—both of whom are also single.

At the awards ceremony, Minami appeared in a wedding dress and told attendees, “All girls long for a white wedding, so I’m pleased to have been chosen for this award.” When asked about her own wedding prospects, Minami replied, “I’d like to get married at around 24 or 25, but I don’t have a boyfriend right now and my friends tell me it’s not going to happen anytime soon. But when the day comes, my ideal ceremony would be at Disneyland with all my friends.”

In response to the news that comedian Toshifumi Fujimoto, 39, of comedy group Fujiwara, and 23-year-old TV personality Yukina Kinoshita recently tied the knot in a hotel affiliated with the Tokyo Disneyland resort, Minami responded, “I’ve been beaten to it, so it’s going to look like I’m copying them. I think I’ll scratch that idea.”

www.japantoday.com

Katy Perry to perform in Japan next spring

Katy Perry

TOKYO — American pop singer Katy Perry, 26, will be coming to Japan in May for her first Japanese concerts since her marriage. So far, concerts on the May 23 and 24 have been announced at Tokyo’s Studio Coast live event space, with further dates expected in Osaka and Nagoya.

Perry married popular British comedian Russel Brand, 35, in India on Oct 23 this year. The sudden announcement of her forthcoming Japanese performances will delight fans, as the dates will mark her fourth visit to Japan since August of last year. The Japan performances are part of Perry’s second world tour.

Perry, who has been nominated in four categories for this year’s Grammy Awards, said in a statement to media: “It’s been an amazing year. I’m really grateful for all the support I’ve received from my Japanese fans.”

www.japantoday.com

Chiaki Kuriyama to advertise new platinum jewelry range

Thursday 18th November, 03:27 AM JST

TOKYO —
Actress Chiaki Kuriyama, 26, has been chosen as the face of a new range of platinum jewelry by Ginza Tanaka, part of the Tanaka Kikinzoku Group. Kuriyama attended the product launch in Tokyo this week in a striking purple dress with a shining white platinum necklace and matching earrings. “You feel more confident when you put them on,” she said. “It makes me feel radiant.”

When asked if there were prospects of her putting a bauble on her ring finger, Kuriyama replied, “Not for a good while yet. I’m still a child. I’ve got a lot of growing up to do first.” Kuriyama has reportedly been dating actor Tetsuji Tamayaki, but the actress was tight-lipped on the subject.

TV commercials for the new jewelry range will air from Friday.

Yukina Kinoshita dispenses marriage advice

Wednesday 17th November, 05:43 AM JST

TOKYO — TV celebrity and underwear model Yukina Kinoshita, 22, was the guest of honor at the 10th Sanai Swimwear Image Girl event in Tokyo this week as one of the company’s former “image girls.”

Kinoshita, who makes up one third of idol group Pabo alongside celebrities Suzanne, 24, and Mai Satoda, 26, was asked how she felt about the recent announcement that Satoda was in a relationship with Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. She replied with a smile, “I already knew they were dating. I think they look great together.” On the subject of marriage she said, “I think we’ll leave that to them, right?”

Having recently got married to comedian Toshifumi Fujimoto, 39, Kinoshita was asked what the secret to a happy marriage was. She replied, “When you fight, the man should apologize.”

Meanwhile, Tokiko Kitagawa, 23, was chosen as this year’s 10th Sanai Swimwear Image Girl.

Ryoko versus Ryoko in battle of TV tax inspectors

TOKYO —
This seems to be the season for TV dramas about tax investigators with Ryoko Shinohara and Ryoko Yonekura competing in prime time. Shinohara stars in the new Nihon TV drama series, “Ogon no Buta,” which premieres Oct 20 at 10 p.m., while Yonekura is appearing in “Nasake no Onna” on Thursdays at 9 p.m. on TV Asahi.

In “Ogon no Buta,” Shinohara plays a former con artist who is now a tax inspector investigating various tax evasion schemes and other scams. In her drama, Yonekura plays a similar character—a government investigator tracking down tax cheats.

Asked if her role would spark a rivalry with Yonekura, Shinohara said: “I had no idea about her series. I haven’t seen it. I’ve been so absorbed in ‘Ogon no Buta.’ I better have a look and see what she’s doing.”

This is Shinohara’s first appearance in a TV series since giving birth in 2008. Her father also passed away recently.

Kazuya Kamenashi and Kumi Koda win 'Best Jeanist' awards

Thursday 07th October, 02:00 AM JST

TOKYO —

The winners of the “Best Jeanist 2010” awards were announced this week by the Japan Jeans Association. The annual awards are given to celebrities who look cool in jeans. This year’s popular vote winners were Kazuya Kamenashi, 24, of pop band KAT-TUN and singer Kumi Koda, 27, who both won awards last year, too.

Kamenashi said: “I feel like I just got 200 hits,” referring to Ichiro’s recent record-breaking achievement of 10 straight 200-hit seasons. Koda echoed his sentiments, saying, “This is a very special prize to me. I’m really happy.”

The Best Jeanist Association votes went to actor Kenta Kiritani, 30, AKB48’s Tomomi Itano, 19, and all-round celebrity Ai Haruna, 38. The International Best Jeanist award went to 24-year-old Japanese soccer star Keisuke Honda.

Aya Ueto finds new love in EXILE

Saturday 09th October, 06:43 AM JST

TOKYO —

Actress and singer Aya Ueto, 25, and EXILE frontman Hiro, 41, have been dating, according to media reports. The couple first met while Ueto was taking dance lessons around the time she broke into the mainstream in 1997.

They have been dating under the press radar since before Hiro was designated EXILE’s new lead, and apparently became seriously involved this summer, according to the tabloids.

Ueto, who ended her eight-year relationship with “boy band” V6 member Go Morita, 31, in August, told the media recently that her preferred type was, “a muscular, strong-willed guy,”—a description believed to be a veiled hint at her involvement with Hiro.

Kaori Manabe, Higashios turn out for Audi

Kaori Manabe, Higashios turn out for Audi

Friday 08th October, 03:10 AM JST

TOKYO —

TV celebrity Kaori Manabe, who is embroiled in a lengthy legal battle with her talent management agency, said this week that it was going smoothly. “We’re making slow but steady progress,” Manabe said at a commemorative event in Yoyogi marking the anniversary of the launch of the iconic Audi R8 Spyder. She was joined by baseball commentator Osamu Higashio and his pro golfer daughter Riko Higashio.

As Manabe stood in front of the legendary luxury sports car, somebody asked her about relationships. “I think they should be intensely passionate,” said Manabe. When asked if there was currently a special someone in her life, she replied mysteriously, “I wonder. Even I’m not entirely sure.”

As the Higashios stood in front of the 20 million yen car, a reporter asked if they were thinking of buying one themselves. “Convertibles don’t really suit dad,” Riko said. When asked if she and husband Junichi Ishida were considering parenthood, Riko replied, “For now I’d like to concentrate on golf.”

The new members of the Miniskirt Police
SANKEI

Miniskirt Police recruit new members

Tuesday 05th October, 05:03 AM JST

TOKYO —

Popular glamor model group Miniskirt Police have recruited four new members into their ranks. The existing members of the force introduced the new members at a press event in Tokyo.

One of the new recruits, 20-year-old Chika Aikawa, actually spent six months in the Kanagawa police traffic division but is more optimistic about her career prospects in the Miniskirt Police, saying, “I’m hoping to become Chief of Police some day.”

credit : www.japantoday.com

Harajuku style

SUNNY SIDE UP

Monday 13th September, 07:00 AM JST

Models take part in the Harajuku Style Collection for autumn at Ariake Coliseum on Sunday. Models included Jun Komori, 4th from right, actress IMALU, center, and singer Ami Suzuki, 4th from left. Becky, Puffy and Anna Tsuchiya also performed live at the event.

credit : www.japantoday.com

The best of beauty

Thursday 02nd September, 07:00 AM JST

The three winners of the 7th annual Beauty Week Awards are from left: Shiori Kutsuna, 17, representing the 10-19 age group; Shihori Kanja, 24, representing the 20s group; and Maomi Yuki, 30, representing the 30s. The ceremony is held each year to celebrate the hairstyles and “beautiful” lifestyles of celebrities.

credit : www.japantoday.com

Miss Japan Maiko Itai

REUTERS

Thursday 12th August, 05:05 AM JST

Miss Japan Maiko Itai, right, and Miss Angola Jurema Ferraz pose in their swimsuits during the registration and fitting process in preparation for the Miss Universe 2010 Competition at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Miss Universe 2010 competition will take place on Aug 23.

credit : www.japantoday.com

Meisa and Meisa enjoy a Kit Kat

Thursday 23rd September, 05:48 AM JST

TOKYO —

Actress Meisa Kuroki, 22, this week attended a launch event for a new ad announcing the first significant change in the flavor of Nestle’s Kit Kat snack in 37 years. She appeared onstage alongside a projected video of her Meisa Akagi, her fictional character in the commercials. Kuroki, who claims to “love black” and Akagi, clad in red, have become the faces of the new “adult” Kit Kat, with its crunchier texture and new black packaging.
When reporters asked Kuroki about her “relationship” with Akagi, she said, “When people tell me she’s cute, I feel like it’s a compliment to me too. We’re often told we look alike, but we’re not twins. She’s my protege.”

Aya Ueto becomes Tomei Expressway PR spokeswoman

Friday 24th September, 03:19 AM JST

TOKYO —

Singer Aya Ueto has been named 2010 Tomei Expressway Maintenance PR character and will appear in TV commercials and on posters to inform the public about the maintenance work.

Child commercial star Seishiro Kato, 9, will act alongside Ueto in the campaign. “I was very excited to act with Seishiro. He’s my hero,” gushed Ueto.

Sugimoto, Tomochika, Michibata dispense advice on relationships

Sunday 19th September, 06:47 AM JST

TOKYO —

Actress Aya Sugimoto, “talent” Tomochika and model Karen Michibata came together recently to promote the Japanese release of the DVD box set of the American television drama, “Lipstick Jungle.”
The trio took part in a talk show. When the conversation came to love and relationships, Michibata exclaimed, “I think cheating is unforgivable.” Sugimoto offered a different opinion, however. “If it’s a truly trusting relationship, I don’t think it has to be completely exclusive.”
Tomochika, meanwhile, commented, “No one meets my standards at the moment anyway.”

Emiri Henmi: 'Dating's going well'

Saturday 18th September, 07:00 AM JST

TOKYO —

Actress Emiri Henmi was the special guest at a launch event for Chinese appliance maker Haier’s new washing machine designed for duvets. Naturally, the media were more interested in the 33-year-old’s relationship with fellow actor Kenji Matsuda, 38, which came to the public’s attention in August.
When asked about her love life, Henmi replied, “It’s going well. Right now I’m happy.”
Asked about doing housework, Henmi said: “To be honest, when it comes to housework I prefer cooking rather than doing the washing. My specialty is hamburgers. My other half says he likes them too.” 

Kano sisters keep it behind closed doors

Thursday 16th September, 04:25 AM JST

TOKYO — Kyoko Kano, the older of the Kano sisters, has made her directorial debut with the steamy movie “Butterflista Subete Wa, Ai no Koi.” She and her sister Mika attended a preview screening for the movie, which explores such risque themes as homosexuality, S&M, sex toys and threesomes.

The movie is a compilation of six audacious and daring works on the idea of love without boundaries. “There are no taboos or limits when it comes to what we are prepared to do in the name of love,” explained Kyoko.

Politics, on the other hand, is a far more serious taboo for the sisters. When asked about the Democratic Party leadership vote that saw Prime Minister Naoto Kan retain his job, Kyoko refused to comment, saying, “We all have different tastes and preferences but that stuff should be kept behind closed doors, as far as celebrities are concerned. Mika and I talk about politics at home but we certainly don’t want to touch on it in public.”

The movie opens on Sept 23