Member of SMAP Arrested for NUDITY

Tsuyoshi Kusanagi of the pop group SMAP was arrested in Tokyo for public indecency. As reported on Perez Hilton:

Japanese pop star Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, of the popular group SMAP, was arrested for public indecency in Tokyo on Thursday!

Kusanagi wandered around a Tokyo park wasted and butt-naked until neighbors complained about the display of drunken nudity!

The pop star was promptly arrested but not before complaining to police, "What's wrong with being naked?"

Cast Member of "Boys Over Flowers" Commits Suicide

[image courtesy of han cinema]

Supporting cast member of the drama "Boys Over Flowers", Jang Ja-Yeon, was found hanging in her home in Bundang in Gyeonggi Province.

Although her death is deemed as suicide, there's rumor on the internet that it may have been a murder.


Thanks Becca.

絢香 marries 水嶋 ヒロ!

[image courtesy of Warner Music Japan]

Japanese singer, Ayaka Iida, who has recently become famous for her song Okaeri which was sung at the 59th Kohaku Uta Gassen wed to famous actor Hiro Mizushima! Many girls will recognize Hiro from such drama's as Hanazakari no kimitachi he(花ざかりの君たちへ イケメン♂パラダイス) or Zettai Kareshi (絶対彼氏).

Their wedding was on February 22, 2009.

SPEED Reunited

[image courtesy of sonic groove]

Exciting news!! The j-pop group which I grew up listening to, SPEED, is reunited! On Sept. 23 of last year they released their latest single "Ashita no sora" or "Tomorrows Sky". Let's support them and buy their album, if they regain enough popularity we can hope to see them on Kohaku!

Do your best, SPEED members! You will always have a loyal fan in me.

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