Japan wants to host FIFA World Cup

[image via: http://www.solarnavigator.net/]

According to this article, Japan is interested in hosting the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup. They will be placing their bids by Monday, which is the deadline.

In 2002 Japan co-hosted the World Cup with Korea but this current bid hinges on whether Tokyo is awarded the honor of hosting the 2016 olympics.

Other countries that are considering the bid are United States, China, and England.

Bi Rain Goes to Japan

South Korean singer, Bi Rain, flew to Japan two days ago for his first official appearance of the year; he was greeted by a swarm of at least 1,000 fans. His 5th regular album, "Rainism", was just released in Japan last Wednesday. During his stay in Japan he will have at least 4 meet and greet with fans as well as concerts.

Though his album was just released it's already #5 on the ORICON charts.

"Heart Station" SELLS ITS MILLIONTH ALBUM!

Utada Hikaru is a woman that I've respected since I was about 12 years old. She is a strong, independent Japanese woman who has power house vocals! Though she's had a difficult past couple of years which include a divorce from her director husband, her second attempt at a successful American album, and several various injuries, she is definitely starting 2009 off on the right foot. She has successfully reached 1 Million sales for her 5th album, Heart Station.

If you want to help support Hikaru's album please go here to buy it:

Utada Hikaru - Heart Station

Zhang Ziyi resents paparrazi

[image credit: tianya forum]

One of Zhang's assistants was quoted saying:

"When she found out about the photos online, she was enraged."

An estimated 80+ photos of Zhang and her fiance hit the Chinese internet. In many of the photos Zhang is topless or the couple are caressing each other. However, a source close to Zhang says that the beach they were caught on is a private one that is owned by her fiance. At this time she is trying to have all the photographs removed from the web and is considering a lawsuit.

Zhang Ziyi and her Fiance Caught on Beach

[image credit: tianya forum]

Images of Zhang Ziyi and her fiance, Vivi Nevo, at the beach have hit the Chinese internet. For conservative Chinese people, seeing these pictures came as a bit of a shock. I think it's a bit strange I haven't seen these on American gossip sites yet--isn't Zhang a celebrity in her own right? Anyway, Zhang's manager responded to the controversy by saying:

Ziyi and her fiance were vacationing on a private beach enjoying a normal part of life for the two of them. This is a matter of personal privacy. I sympathize with Ziyi and with all celebrities who have had their privacy invaded. It is difficult for them to enjoy vacations and even ordinary, everyday life.

Kago Ai Returns to School!

[image credit: welshjapanotaku]

Kago has been in the entertainment industry since she was 11 years old and due to her incredibly busy schedule she was unable to actually finish high school. She's currently enrolled in Aoyama International Academy, the schools headquarters is in Connecticut and she will be doing distance learning. As everyone knows, Kago doesn't understand English however all of her online courses will be in English therefore she's now being tutored in foreign language. She's also determined to finish her schooling so that she can enroll in University, possibly in America.

I have to say, I'm really proud of Kago. She's really rehabiliated her image since being expelled from Hello! Project. You go, Kago!! Your fans love you! Also, I know that picture of Kago is archaic but I love it, she's just so cute. :)