Singer Mika Nakashima announces return to stage

Mika Nakashima

TOKYO — Singer Mika Nakashima, 27, announced she will return to the stage after a hiatus since October 2010, due to a rare ear condition called Patulous Eustachian Tube.

On April 22, she will begin her 2011 “The Only Star” all-Japan tour, which will coincide closely with her April 27 release of her new single, “Dear.” She will also provide the theme music for new Japanese film, “Youkame no Semi”, which premieres April 29.

Nakashima said she began recording again in January and thanked fans for their support during her break and announced that she would show her gratitude by performing with all her heart during her April tour.

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Akina Minami to play surrogate mother in NHK drama

Akina Minami

TOKYO — “Talent” Akina Minami, 21, will play a pregnant woman in the upcoming NHK drama, “Madonna Verde,” which premieres April 12. Minami will play the role of a 20-year-old who volunteers to become a surrogate mother for a woman who has lost the ability to conceive.

Minami said that the role was difficult as it was so radically different from her real life. She said she had to study the way pregnant women walk and move, among other things. The series will also have her speaking more dialogue tham she has had in any role so far.

She said, however, that her mother gave birth to her at the age of 20, and that she has always had an interest in children. “If I have a child, I want to take her shopping at 109 in Shibuya with me,” she joked.

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Aki Hoshino downsizes from F to E cup bra size

TOKYO — “Talent” Aki Hoshino, 33, admitted at an event this week that she has “downsized.” Appearing at an event for Aeon Ehomaki rolled sushi that the department store chain is currently promoting, Hoshino revealed to the audience that she had undergone recent breast reduction surgery to reduce her bust from a Japanese F cup size down to an E.

The former swimsuit model said she will turn 34 this year and will try her best to stay in the industry until she is 40.

She was joined at the event by comedian Shuhei Shimata.

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Triendle, other models throw bras for Amo's Girl Project

TOKYO — Half-Japanese, half-Austrian model and TV regular Reina Triendle, 19, was joined by fellow fashion models Layla Aoyama, 23, Natsuki Fukuzumi, 23, and Naomi Arai, 23, at an event this week to launch a new line of underwear from Triumph International Japan.

The new project, known as the Amo’s Girl Project, takes its name from the popular “Amo’s Style” brand. Part of the project is what Triumph calls the “dream inducing bra,” the PR for which was inspired by Japan’s Setsubun Festival. In a tradition named “mamemaki” or “bean throwing” that takes place each year on Feb 3, roasted soy beans are scattered around homes, temple and shrines while the phrase “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons out! Good luck in!) is spoken aloud.

Taking their cue from this tradition, Triumph introduced the “bra maki” or “bra throwing” and a twist on the traditional line with the slogan “Good luck in. Dreams in.”

After dutifully calling out the bizarre refrain and scattering bras into the crowd, Triendle commented, “That was original.” When asked if she had any underwear she saved for special occasions she replied, “My pink and yellow undies are pretty exciting.”

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