Fashion

Jul 26 2004 4 Comments

A for Ayu

Or Ayumi Hamasaki to use her full name.

This female singer is arguably the biggest name and most recognizable face in Japanese pop music at the moment. But despite her detractors, Ms Hamasaki (or whoever looks after the singer) isn’t stupid. Her time at the top could well be over before she knows it, especially as Japanese consumers are perhaps even more fickle than their western counterparts, so understandably she is making hay whilst the sun shines. Not only does Ayu regularly release new music, but she also lends her face to countless products, and even has her own fashion label. But who can blame her?

From all accounts, Hamasaki’s childhood wasn’t the happiest, and at the tender age of 14 she moved to Tokyo in search of fame and fortune. But after bit parts in low-budget movies and relatively unsuccessful dramas, the young Ayu was left to wile away her time hanging around in the city’s fashionable Shibuya district. Until that is a chance encounter with a record producer from one of Japan’s biggest labels.

Some accounts say he spotted her on the streets, whilst others claim they were introduced in a karaoke parlour. A few even suggest she used her womanly charms. Yet either way, the rest as they say is history.

Just as Ayu could soon beâ€¦

Jul 12 2004 5 Comments

Tattoo titillation

The Kanou sisters are famous for 4 things.

Yes, you’ve guessed it, their unfeasibly large breasts.

But Kyoko, the older of the two, has decided to add a fifth reason. As in a new photo collection due to be released on the 16th of this month, the big-busted celebrity will reveal a new tattoo. And somewhat outrageously in an area that one women’s weekly referred to as the star’s V-zone. This photographed area is apparently clean-shaven, and adorned with a butterfly. One that is brightly coloured, has wings formed by rose petals, and a body shaped like a heart.

Yet don’t for a minute think that Kyoko is merely a large chested model with a racy tattoo. Because she’s also a talented artist, as she claims to have designed the tattoo all by herself.

“I gave the orders about the colors to use, like pink and blue, and the right angle for the tattoo, making sure that it would look beautiful when I spread my legs. Just like how it’s beautiful to gaze at a well made-up face, I wanted to express myself beautifully between my legs.”

And if that wasn’t a little too much information, in regards to her lack of hirsuteness she said, “It’s common now for Hollywood celebrities to shave their pubes. It’s all about grooming and appearance.”

It’s just a pity the sisters don’t seem to consider their grooming and appearance when consistently opting for some of the worst 80’s style haircuts in the business.

And before you ask, I have no idea who the character on the right is!

Jul 07 2004 4 Comments

Spending more than a penny

The old expression, spending a penny, unfortunately didn’t ring true for a 66-year-old Aichi Prefecture native. As last Sunday, whilst relieving himself at the side of a road, a thief approached the old man from behind, blindfolded him with a towel, and stole his wallet.

Sadly for the weak-bladdered pensioner, the wallet contained more than a penny. Considerably more in fact. He had been planning to pay off a loan that day, and so had a hefty 1.1 million yen (5,500 pounds) stuffed in his wallet.

Perhaps the only bit of good news for the victim is that the robber was described as being 25-years-old, 170 cms tall, and crucially for the police, wearing white slippers. Now unless the donning of white slippers in public places is common in Aichi, it surely can’t be long before this unfashionable felon is safely behind bars.

Some white slippers yesterday.

Jun 30 2004 5 Comments

Mario millinery

Personally I’m not convinced that Nintendo’s (alleged) new game-based headwear is going to be the big hit the company is obviously hoping for.

Jun 24 2004 3 Comments

Regal Rooney

David Beckham may still be god in Japan, but 18-year-old phenomenon Wayne Rooney is hot on his heels. Rooney’s incredible rise has been so fast that he’s already been crowned king on these shores. And not just any old king either, but a Wonder King.

The back page of that newspaper is usually reserved for Japanese baseball stars, soccer players, sumo champions, and of course the aforementioned David Beckham. So it looks like Rooney could well be on his way to reaping in bucket loads of cash from Japanese sponsors.

The only problem may be his appearance. In fashion conscious Japan, Beckham fits the bill perfectly with his ever-changing hairstyles and cool street fashion. Rooney on the other hand doesn’t. And on TV last week, one sports presenter said that as much as he admired Rooney’s skill, he couldn’t stop thinking about how unintelligent he looks.

You know, he does have a point.

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