Japan Tomei Expressway Accident Video

The video of a horrific car accident in Japan's Tomei Expressway is released, showing the horror lived in a bus on which a car flew and crashed.

In the 37 second video recording, a car is seen swerving and flipping from the opposite direction across a Japanese highway and crashing into a bus in the oncoming lane. The video is taken by a camera mounted on the bus.

The driver of the car, a 62 years old man, died in the crash while 45 people on the bus were injured. The driver was the only passenger in the car.

dramatic footage of the car soaring from the other side of the highway and 

slamming against a buses windshield

Below is the aftermath of the accident.

Narumi Kurosaki is possibly murdered by her ex-boyfriend Nicolas Zepeda Contreras

21-year-old Narumi Kurosaki, who went missing in the city of Besancon on December 4th, is believed to be murdered by her ex-boyfriend Nicolas Zepeda Contreras. In a video published by French and Japanese media (see below), the ex-boyfriend accuses her of doing "bad things" and threatens Kurosaki with unnamed consequences if she did not fulfill unspecified conditions.

"She needs to build trust and she needs to pay a little cost of what she did and assume (sic) that she cannot go around making those kinds of mistakes with a person who loves her," he added.[1]

After this development, police in eastern France started searching a forest for the body of her on Thursday. The newspaper Le Parisien reported that signals from Contreras’ phone had been traced to the Forest of Chaux. Her ex-boyfriend has escaped to his country, Chile. On Wednesday, Chilean media reported that Contreras might be hiding in the city of La Serena in central Chile. Reports said he was seen entering a condominium Monday night in a vehicle his father owns, adding that his mother lives in the building.[2]

Nicolas Zepeda Contreras exhibited stalker-like behavior prior to the disappearance of Narumi Kurosaki. On Kurosaki ate at a restaurant with the suspect on the outskirts of Besancon on December 4. She returned to her university dormitory with him that evening and has not been seen since. Authorities in France have confirmed that Contreras returned to Chile on December 13. Even with Kurosaki’s whereabouts still not known, French police believe that the suspect likely killed her.[3]

Narumi Kurosaki had been studying in Besancon since September.

Contreras is also believed to have posed as Kurosaki in posting messages on social media in a bid to throw off investigators, according to Nippon News Network (Jan. 5).


On December 7, Contreras likely posted a message from Kurosaki’s Facebook account saying, “I broke up with my boyfriend.”

Narumi Kurosaki, who had been studying in Besancon since September, met the Chilean teaching assistant Nicolas Zepeda Contreras in Japan, but the pair later split. Several students living on the same floor of her university residence said they heard a loud cry on the night of Dec. 4. Anne-Laure Saillet, 20, said she heard “bangs on the doors and furniture, and afterwards I heard a very shrill cry, very sharp and loud. It was a woman’s cry. At first I thought it was a horror film, but when it continued I became worried.”[2]

In this video released by French and Japanese media, Nicolas Zepeda Contreras threatens Narumi Kurosaki with unnamed consequences if she did not fulfil unspecified conditions.

[1] - French police search forest for body of Japanese student
[2] - French police comb forest for missing Japanese student; suspect identified
[3] - French authorities: Chilean suspect in disappearance of Japanese woman ‘extremely dangerous’

Studio Ponoc Mary and the Witch's Flower Trailer

As you may have already known, after Hayao Miyazaki retired, there were many rumors floating around that The Studio Ghibli was done for. Without Miyasaki at the helm to create its box office monsters the studio was left with little choice but to restructure and that most of the staff go. Yoshiaki Nishimura was one of them that left in the middle of 2015 and went on to found his own studio called Studio Ponoc.

Yoshiaki Nishimura was a lead producer in Ghibli films When Marnie was There and The Tale of Princess Kaguya both of which were nominated for academy awards. As one of the youngest lead staffers at Ghibli, Nishimura held immense potential to succeed Miyazaki's work. Now that he has his own studio and has over a decade of Ghibli work under his belt, he is about to release a new film which is slated to air in the summer of 2017 in Japan.

A trailer for Studio Ponoc's new feature film "Mary and the Witch's Flower" just released and it's looking a whole lot like a Ghibli film. Seeing how most of the staff from this new movie is from Ghibli, we can see why it looks just so similar to a Ghibli film. Is Studio Ponoc the second coming of Ghibli?

You can watch the Mary and the Witch's Flower trailer here.


Here are some information on the upcoming animation :

Screenplay by Riko Sakaguchi and Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Based on "The Little Broomstick" by Mary Stewart
Music by Takatsugu Muramatsu
Produced by Yoshiaki Nishimura
Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Singapore travel deal of the day : 4D3N Stay in Tokyo - Includes Return Air Ticket by Japan Airlines

Step into the diversified world of Japan! Experience the vibrant nightlife of the city in your 4D3N stay. Enjoy your time as you spend your time as Tokyo offers you a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping and entertainment. Witness the interesting clash of cultures in the city that preserves its history even as it moves on to a bigger scale! Visit the museums, temples and gardens of Tokyo and step into a world that is frozen in time. Get away to Tokyo today!

This 4D3N Stay in Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Tokyo deal is only for $558 instead of $888 (37% OFF). Travel Period is till 31 May 2014 with some blackout days. For fine print and terms and conditions visit this Tokyo travel deals web site.

Package Includes:

• Return Air Ticket to Tokyo by Japan Airlines
• 3-night accommodation at Shinagawa Prince Hotel

Flight schedule (subject to changes):
Singapore - Tokyo

• JL 710 SINNRT ETD 0155hrs // ETA 0935 hrs    
• JL 712 SINNRT ETD 0820hrs // ETA 1605 hrs    
• JL 036 SINHND ETD 2200 hrs // ETA 0535 hrs #1    

Tokyo - Singapore

• JL 035 NRTSIN ETD 0005hrs // ETA 0645 hrs    
• JL 719 NRTSIN ETD 1040hrs // ETA 1730 hrs    
• JL 711 NRTSIN ETD 1755hrs // ETA 0035 hrs #1

4D3N Stay in Tokyo - Includes Return Air Ticket by Japan Airlines

Japan hotel deals by Agoda for sakura (cherry blossom) season

The cherry tree – a.k.a as in scientific vommunity as Prunus serrulata – can be seen throughout Japan in great numbers, that for most of the year sit silently in the background. Come spring, the trees erupt with blossoms in a wave that moves slowly from the southern district of Okinawa to the northern island of Hokkaido, creating lush pink, white, and red canopies in parks and along streets throughout the country. In addition to being extremely beautiful, the blossoms are highly symbolic of life, death, unity, and the pursuit of perfection, all significant elements in Japanese culture.

Predicting the date of the blossom arrival is somewhat of a sport and guessing game in Japan. This  year the Japanese weather service has said the best viewing areas will be in Fukuoka during the last week of March, moving slowly north and finishing up near Iwaki, about 200km north of Tokyo in early April. They can be seen further north than this, but the colder weather makes their appearance less predictable.

When the blossoms arrive, crowds of people gather in favorite spots to take photos, stroll among the colors, and partake in hanami, a centuries-old custom of picnicking in the shade of a tree in full bloom. Photo shoots for weddings are a common sight, and couples dressed in traditional kimonos mingle with suit-and-tie businessmen as they relax after a long day in the office.

Agoda.com, one of the most popular (if not the most popular) online booking company in Asia,  is offering great hotel deals to celebrate Japan's famed sakura season – known commonly outside of Japan as the cherry blossom season – one of the country's most popular and beautiful annual events.

Hotel New Otani Tokyo, 5-Star

Stay for a minimum of 3 nights in a Garden Standard Twin/Double or Garden Tower Triple and enjoy 15% off. Special lasts throughout the Sakura season.

The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo Hotel, 4.5-Star
Get the Agoda.com Best Price Guarantee, from USD $213!

Hotel AGORA Osaka Moriguchi, 3.5-Star
Stay for at least 2 nights and save 10%. Expires 31 July, 2014.

Imperial Hotel Osaka, 5-Star
Book at least 40 days in advance for a minimum of 3 nights and enjoy 15% off. Expires 30 June, 2014.

Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto, 3-Star
Stay for a minimum of 2 nights and enjoy 10% off. Must stay between 6 April-31 July, 2014.

Amenity Hotel Kyoto, 2-Star
Book at least 5 days in advance and enjoy 40% off. Special lasts throughout the Sakura season.

Nagoya Ekimae Montblanc Hotel, 3-Star
Book at least 14 days in advance and enjoy 10% off. Must stay between 30 March-27 April, 2014.

Hotel Wing International Nagoya, 3*
Stay for at least 2 nights and enjoy 10% off. Special lasts throughout the Sakura season.

Candeo Hotels The Hakata Terrace, Fukuoka, 4-Star
Book at least 20 days in advance and enjoy 15% off. Special lasts throughout the Sakura season.

Agora Fukuoka Hilltop Hotel, 4-Star
Book at least 30 days in advance and enjoy 30% off. Special lasts throughout the Sakura season.

Japan’s cherry blossom season (Sakura)

Agoda Japan Airlines Partnership

Japan Airlines (JAL) can now book accommodation through a designated JAL Agoda booking page, containing Agoda.com’s worldwide selection of hotels in all of JAL’s destinations. When booking, JAL customers will enjoy Agoda.com’s Best Price Guarantee, ensuring that the best prices on accommodation. In addition, members of JAL’s frequent flier program, JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) will earn 1 JMB mile for every JPY ¥200 spent on hotel reservations through the booking page.

“We are very pleased to add Japan Airlines (JAL), one of the world’s most recognized national flag carriers, to our growing list of airline partners. Over 30 airlines around the world have chosen Agoda.com to handle hotel reservations for their passengers, recognizing our ability to help them drive auxiliary revenue,” said Mr. Wilfred Fan, Agoda.com’s Managing Director, North Asia. “Customers of JAL will now have access to Agoda.com’s extensive hotel coverage in Asia, over 6 million customer reviews, and can enjoy deeply discounted last-minute deals through Agoda.com’s user-friendly booking engine, making travel more affordable and accessible.”

Established in 1951, Japan Airlines has a fleet of 217 aircraft and services 254 destinations including codeshares, and is a member of the oneworld® alliance. To take advantage of this fantastic offer, visit http://www.agoda.com/japanairlines.

Haruka Ayase leaked nude photos?

Popular Japanese actress Haruka Ayase (綾瀬 はるか) is about to find herself in a leaked nude photo scandal according to some Japanese magazines. Large number of pornographic photos of Haruka Ayase found its way online through her boyfriend. Although most of the photos seems fake, some of the women in the photos are quite similar to Haruka Ayase which shocked the industry.

She is quite famous in Japan and in Asia. In 2004 she rose to stardom as Aki in the TV series Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World.

26 years old Japanese actress has many bikini photos in the net but no nude photos to be found. You may have came across some photos or video screenshots but these are fake.

Source : 綾瀨遙驚洩豔照　恐被取消紅白主持資格

Nissan Skyline hybrid will be released in Japan

Nissan announced in Japan that it will release a new hybrid version of Nissan Skyline (スカイライン). This is the first design change for the coveted sports sedan since 2006. According to Rocket News, the Skyline HV system will feature a 3,500 cc engine and electric motor, providing the hybrid with a considerable amount of pep. It’s also fuel efficient with a fuel economy of 18.4 km/liter (43 miles/gallon).

The all new Nissan Skyline V37 will be debuted as Infiniti Q50. The new Infiniti Skyline will be priced at 4.49 million to 5.53 million yen (US$45,200 – $55,700). The launch of the new model will be end of February 2014.

The new Skyline model will come with a technology called "drive-by-wire" which is the application of "fly-by-wire" technology used in modern aircraft. With this technology basically the inputs from driver will go to the computer which will control the actual gear (so basically you drive the computer and computer drives the car).

Nissan also used first time the amblem of Infinity line (see below).

Nissan Infinity

ANA to launch Vanilla Air

All Nippon Airways's (ANA) new Tokyo-based low-cost carrier Vanilla Air (バニラ・エア) will start  operations on 20 December 2013. The Japanaese budget airline will offer services to Okinawa, Sapporo, Tokyo in Japan, Seoul in South Korea and Taipei in Taiwan.

Vanilla Air came to life after AirAsia decided to exist AirAsia Japan. This made the budget airline fully owned by ANA and the airline was re-branded to Vanilla Air since 1 November 2013. ANA is planning to use Vanilla with its Osaka-based Low Cost Carrier Peach, to drive its regional growth in East Asia.

Vanilla Air will operate a fleet of all-economy 180-seat Airbus A320s. An initial fleet of two aircraft will be expanded to 10 by 2015.

Kanna Hashimoto online buzz in Japan

Fukuoka-based Japanese idol Kanna Hashimoto (橋本環奈) from multi-girl idol group Rev. from DVL was the most trendiest topic in cute obsessed Japan. After she has became popular with lightning speed in Youtube and Twitter in Japan, her fame crossed over to China as some netizens describing her "insanely cute".

Most netizens remain firm in Kanna Hashimoto’s potential to reach for the stars in the idol circuit saying she’s “AKB48 caliber.” Others go as far as saying she’s even beyond being a mere idol and should break out on her own into stardom. 

We’ll have to wait and see what the future holds for this young lady, but already she’s gotten the country’s attention so it’s looking pretty bright. And judging by this last picture we’ll leave you with, she’s looking forward to it with all the determination of a third-world despot looking to crush their rebel foes once and for all!

Source :  Local Fukuoka idol already breaking big across Japanese internet

14 years old Kanna Hashimoto is praised as (potentially) Japan's next top idol as she has gotten Japan's attention. Time will tell is this her 15 minutes of stardom or a concrete fame towards the future.

By the way according to Rocket News, the name Rev. from DVL means “dream” from “DVL”. DVL is an acronym for Dance Vocal Lesson, the Hakata studio that the girl group come out of.

After she has been on the top of searches both in Google and Yahoo, Kanna Hashimoto's agency now is flooded with offers to perform.

Kanna Hashimoto (橋本環奈)

Kanna Hashimoto (橋本環奈) in real life

Tokyo Chiba Prefacture PM 2.5 air pollution warning

Can air pollution from China travel all the way to Tokyo in Japan and reduce the air quality to a hazardous level for humans? This was the question asked by many residents of Chiba prefecture east of Tokyo when the government there issued a warning to residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity and extended exercise because of unusually high levels of air pollution.

Many speculates that the pollution is coming from China but a Chiba government official said the pollutants travel in the air and can be caused by cars or factories, including those located in Chiba itself, but that the source of the pollution wasn’t clear:

“We aren’t sure what the origin is,” said Motoko Yonemoto, an official with Chiba’s air quality section. “Some might worry that it’s coming from China, but we don’t know for sure if pollutants from China can travel to the (Tokyo) region and have a significant impact.”
Source : Chiba Issues Air-Pollution Warning

Back in March 2013, residents of Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s southwestern island of Kyushu were asked to voluntarily stay in their homes Tuesday, after air pollution levels surpassed government safety standards. That was the first such warning in Japan after new government guidelines were introduced.

What is PM 2.5?
PM, Particulate Matter, is a definition of particle pollution in the air. There are two kinds of particle pollution, fine particles and inhalable coarse particles. Fine particles are called PM 2.5, because their size is 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller.

Surgical masks cannot filter these particles so going out with a surgical mask is pointless when PM 2.5 levels are high. Only N95 masks (masks that can filter 95% of 0.3 micron+ particles) can be effective for PM 2.5 particles. At home, it is better to use aircon instead of natural ventilation.

Back in June 2013, PM 2.5 levels went to hazardous levels in Singapore due to forest fires in Indonesia and N95 Mask stocks were deplated in a day on the small island.

Average PM 2.5 levels were 85 mg per cubic meter in Tokyo Chiba Prefacture between 05:00 and 07:00 AM.

The Tohoku Rakuten Eagles beats Yomiuri Giants 3-0

Japan’s Cinderella baseball team, The Tohoku Rakuten Eagles (simply called Rakuten (??)), has beaten Yomiuri Giants 3-0 in the deciding Game Seven of the Japan Series on Sunday night. The Tohoku Rakuten Eagles is from the region (Miyagi Prefecture) which was by the 2011 quake-tsunami-nuclear disaster and this is the first championship of the region!

Sunday’s win also allowed  star pitcher Masahiro Tanaka  to end on a high note his memorable season. Tanaka is expected to follow fellow Japanese star pitchers like Yu Darvish of the Texas Rangers and Koji Uehara of the Boston Red Sox, and jump next season to Major League Baseball in the U.S:

"The Tohoku Rakuten Eagles captured the first Japan Series title in their nine-year history, blanking the defending champion Yomiuri Giants 3-0 in a decisive Game 7 on Sunday night at Kleenex Stadium Miyagi. Manager Senichi Hoshino added a special twist to the historic victory when he sent out ace Masahiro Tanaka to pitch the ninth inning, a day after the right-hander threw 160 pitches while being dealt his only loss of the season. 

Tanaka, who had a 30-game winning streak ended Saturday night, gave up a leadoff single to Shuichi Murata and a two-out single to nemesis Jose Lopez, but kept his cool to strike out pinch-hitter Kenji Yano and finish up a five-hit shutout."
Source : Eagles blank Giants to capture 1st Japan Series title

Weekend did not start good for Rakuten. 22-time champion Giants has won against them on Saturday.

Sendai celebrated on Monday as the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles advanced to their first Japan Series by clinching the Pacific League Climax Series Final Stage with an 8-5 win in Game 4 over the Chiba Lotte Marines.

Rakuten was hard hit by 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Miyagi Baseball Stadium was badly damaged during the tusinami.

7.3 Japan earthquake offshore Fukushima

10 at around 2:00 am on the 26th, Fukushima Prefecture has Earthquake in the offing, the prefecture Koriyama and Miyagi Prefecture Ishinomaki , Mito City , Tochigi Prefecture Moka to observe the shaking of seismic intensity 4 in the 14 municipalities of four provinces, such as However, Hokkaido were recorded seismic intensity 3 in a wide range of Tokai from. Japan Meteorological Agency According to the depth of the epicenter about 10 km, indicating the scale of earthquake magnitude at 7.1 (M), the Great East Japan Earthquake is seen as aftershocks.

Japan Meteorological Agency in 14 minutes 2:00 am to 4 minutes after the earthquake, the Fukushima Prefecture announced a tsunami advisory in but, Iwate Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture warning to such as the 50 minutes was the 2:00 of 40 minutes after the occurrence was. The actual tsunami, Iwate Prefecture Ofunato was observed in 54 minutes the 2:00 the first wave.

JMA According to initially seismometer from swinging width of the maximum magnitude since it was estimated to be (M) 6.8, tsunami Fukushima was seen only with but, M7 when calculated on the basis of the magnitude of the fault is shifted, It was as high as 1. There was a margin of tsunami to reach distant epicenter, that it has expanded the scope of the warning after scrutiny.

After you have changed to encourage the evacuation in a concise representation of how the announcement tsunami prediction in March this year, it was warning the first time.

Breaking News

Keiji Doi, earthquake prediction information manager said, "it was time for the arrival of the tsunami, but must be checked for the timing of the announcement" he said.

Tohoku "When. tsunami was slow is assumed, and to expand the scope to those who examined the improvement of the method for estimating the scale of the earthquake is good," said (tsunami engineering) Imamura Fumihiko professor of disaster science International Institute talking.

Takashi Yanase manga artist behind Anpanman passed away

One of Japan's most beloved cartoon characters, Anpanman, lost his father renowned manga artist Takashi Yanase. Takashi Yanase has passed away at the age of 94 because of heart failure. Anpanman is not widely recognized abroad as other Japanese characters like Hello Kitty but it is one of Japan’s most widely beloved children’s characters. Created in 1973, its anime adaptation Soreike! Anpanman (それいけ!アンパンマン?, Let's Go! Anpanman) is one of the most popular anime series amongst young children in Japan.

Takashi Yanase, who served in an artillery unit during the Second Sino-Japanese War, says that the hellish conditions he faced during the war directly inspired his most beloved character. Yanase has said that, while he was never in danger from enemy combatants, he was often on the brink of starvation during the war and would dream about eating anpan. Much later in life, he would parlay those dreams into the creation of the benevolent superhero, Anpanman.[1]

Anpanman is a superhero with the head made of anpan, or bread filled with red bean paste, a typical snack in Japan. In the cartoon, the round-faced, smiley hero, clad in a red suit and long cape, fights his archrival Baikinman, or a germ man, while rescuing the weak.[2]

The self-sacrificial hero, who even allowed starving people to bite into his head, rose to stardom in Japan in a picture book series that started in 1973, racking up sales totalling 68 million copies over the past 30 years. The Anpanman television cartoon series started in 1988, and has spread across Asia, where is also popular in places like Hong Kong and Taiwan.[2]

Takashi Yanase manga artist behind Anpanman.

Takashi Yanase is known for his pacifist messages. He also wrote poems and lyrics for children's songs.

[1] - Anpanman creator Takashi Yanase dies at age 94
[2] - Takashi Yanase, creator of Japanese cartoon character Anpanman, dies at 94

18 years old Saaya Suzuki murdered by her stalker

An 18-year-old high school student, Saaya Suzuki, was stabbed to death in Mitaka Tokyo hours after she and her parents has reported to the police that she was being stalked and threatened by her ex- boyfriend. Police have found Saya Suzuki dressed in her school uniform lying in front of her home around 5 p.m. Neighbors heard Suzuki scream and found her in her school uniform, bleeding from stab wounds to her neck and stomach. She was taken to hospital where she died a short time later due to loss of blood, police said. Saya Suzuki's ex-boyfriend 21 years old Charles Thomas Ikenaga, 21 has admitted to stabbing Suzuki with a knife. Ikenaga and Suzuki have broken up six months ago. Japanese police apprehended him on a street in Mitaka about 600 meters away from the site. They said he was wearing bloodstained pants.

According to the high school, Saaya Suzuki told the teacher that she was frightened because a male acquaintance has appeared around her home, and he had sent e-mails saying he would kill her or take revenge on her. When Suzuki complained about Ikenaga on Oct. 7, the school’s deputy principal recommended that she report it to the police.

Saaya Suzuki had belonged to an entertainment business company in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, until August this year. According to the company, she wanted to be an actress and belonged to the company since she was a fifth-grade primary school student and appeared in some movies and TV dramas. She was fluent in English and experienced a home stay overseas.

Japan’s anti-stalking law, which was enacted in 2000, has been revised and passed in June to respond to recent high-profile murder cases involving stalkers. The revised and improved law took effect on Thursday and among the revisions, the law now requires the police to explain to a complainant in writing if they choose not to issue a warning to a reported stalker. Also, the law now requires the police to notify a victim if and when a warning to a reported stalker has been issued.

Saaya Suzuki murder scene

The issue of stalking was brought into the spotlight in 2012 when police were criticized for their failure to protect victims who had reported being harassed. In November 2012, a woman living in Kanagawa Prefecture was stabbed to death by an ex-boyfriend even though she had reported to the police that he had sent more than 1,000 emails to her cellphone in a two-week period. Reports had found out that the killer learned of her new name and address, ironically and tragically, from the police.

Victim Saaya Suzuki

Ex-boyfriend and alleged murderer
Charles Thomas Ikenaga

In May 2013 a 24-year-old woman in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture was stabbed by a man who had been stalking her, even as the woman had already reported the said stalker to the police and that officers were near the victim’s house when the attack happened.

Koki Tanaka is fired from KAT-TUN

Johnny & Associates (Johnny's) has fired Kōki Tanaka from the Japanese boy band KAT-TUN (カトゥーン). The talent agency which has formed the band in 2001 have said that for Tanaka has violated his contract, leaving KAT-TUN as a four-man ensemble.

According to the announcement posted on Johnny's website the exclusive contract with KAT-TUN's Tanaka Koki was cancelled as of September 30th, due to his repeated violation of the company rules. The talent agency has said that  KAT-TUN will continue their activities with 4 members after Tanaka's withdrawal.

Tanaka has apologised for his transgressions and also commented that he would be continuing his professional activities and make further announcements. KAT-TUN will continue as 4 members, Kamenashi Kazuya, Taguchi Junnosuke, Ueda Tatsuya and Nakamaru Yuichi.

KAT-TUN's name is an acronym based on the first letter of each member's family name (then 6 members): Kazuya Kamenashi, Jin Akanishi, Junnosuke Taguchi, Koki Tanaka, Tatsuya Ueda, and Yuichi Nakamaru. Jin Akanishi has left the group in 2010 to pursue a solo career.

Koki Tanaka Scandal Photos

A few weeks ago scandalous pictures of KAT-TUN‘s Tanaka Koki have started spreading in the net showing his genitals in detail. Tanaka's tattoos as well as h's pearl 'mplant on his penis were displayed in the photos. These photos were expected to affect the “clean image” projected from his group, KAT-TUN. Johnny's have not mentioned any exact reason for the termination. But many speculate that opening a bar with his brother as well as these scandal photos were the reasons.

Maeda Atsuko and Onoe Matsuya dating

Former AKB48 member Maeda Atsuko (22) and kabuki actor Onoe Matsuya (28) are dating since the start of this year according to those who know the two. Matsuya has already introduced Maeda to his mother, and Maeda has also informed her mother about their relationship.

Atsuko Maeda is a Japanese singer and actress who was one of the most prominent members in Japanese idol group AKB48. She has "graduated" from AKB48 in August 2012 and has since continued with a solo singing and acting career. AKB48 forces love ban on its members so since last year she is also free from the ban.

Fans of former top idol turned actress Maeda Atsuko, known as Acchan to them, seem to not know Matsuya a lot but says whatever makes Acchan happy is fine.

Some fans seem to not be able to accept to come back to planet earth from the dreamworld created by AKB48:

Such a heartbreaking news for me as Aachan's admirer. I still cant believe it and cant think straight to face the fact that Aachan is dating a "Guy", and she's not a virgin anymore cause of this guy. I feel like myheart my soul and my body are broken into pieces. I'm so heartbroken. U might think i'm weird or whatever. But seriously, I'm in love with her eventho she doesnt know I'm exist :'( hope i can "move on" soon
A fan of Maeda Atsuko commenting on dating news

Maeda Atsuko and Onoe Matsuya dating

10 hotels with best views and easiest access to Mount Fuji

Long considered a sacred home to ancient spirits and a source of great power, Fuji-san, as Mount Fuji is known to locals, is a nearly perfectly symmetrical cone that rises gently out of the surrounding plain. For centuries artists have been reproducing its distinctive shape in every medium imaginable, a practice that boomed when Edo – now Tokyo, and only 100km away – was named the capital in 1600. Indeed, most people are probably familiar with the 19th-century woodblock print titled The Great Wave off Kanagawa, part of the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series by famed artist Katsushika Hokusai. The print shows a massive wave towering over several small boats, with Mount Fuji standing silently far in the background.

As one of the world’s most geologically active countries, it’s not surprising to learn that Fuji-san is actually a still-active volcano, with sixteen eruptions since 781. The most recent was in 1707, and some geologists believe that another eruption will happen sooner rather than later. The mountain is also a sacred site for followers of the Shinto religion, and visitors will spot dozens of shrines honoring Konohanasakuya, the spirit of the mountain, whose symbol is a cherry blossom. Indeed, it was its status as a sacred site that led to women being banned from walking on Mount Fuji until 1872!

Today, the mountain’s silhouette is instantly recognizable around the world, and it remains the most popular attraction in the country, with heavy crowds 52 weeks a year. Some come simply to take a few pictures while those more adventurous will make the trek to the summit, a task best attempted in summer unless you’re a professional mountaineer.

Fuji-san is often shrouded in mist, and clear, cloud-free days are valued for the views they afford. To help make the most of these days, Agoda.com has provided ten hotels that are perfectly situated to offer the best views and easiest access to Japan’s most famous natural feature.

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Fuji Onsenji Yumedono Ryokan

Fuji Onsenji Yumedono Ryokan is a nice, quiet, and comfortable hotel  which provide private/public onsen and is accessible to Mount Fuji with buses.

"A typical Japanese style inn with good service. The location is not easy to find and there is no clear sign that can be seen on the road. In addition, there is no scene inside the room. That is, we cannot see Mount Fuji or the lake! Anyhow, it is a good place to take rest and have a good spa during the stay."

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Kozantei Ubuya Ryokan

Kozantei Ubuya Ryokan offers a superb view of Mount Fuji with great Japanese dinner and breakfast and not forgetting the excellent staff attention to detail and service.

"The view was very great and the suite was large. Staff are friendly although not all of them speak English. Food was good too. Would be better to have full WiFi coverage but I think that's fine. Highly recommended."

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Mizu no Hotel

Mizu no Hotel has a romantic and good view of Mount Fuji (see the photo on the left from a guest room), a hot spring bath, nice food, nice service and nice rooms. A little expensive but worth it.

"Good hotel with wonderful location, the stuff can speak good English and willing to help with any problems. The hot spring is good but a big small. Food there is fanatic especially breakfast. Its a artistic hotel. The only thing is the room looks old. But the view you can see from the room is wonderful."

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Guesthouse Sakuya

Guesthouse Sakuya has this classic Mt. Fuji view behind blossoming cherry trees and offers a 1uiet environment and fresh air.

"We spent a very nice stay in the Sakuya guesthouse. It is very quiet (perfect after few days spent in Tokyo), located in the mountain (10 min driving from the bus station), possibilty to arrange a pick up at the station for free, nice trails around the hostel. Private onsen with direct view on the Fuji. Nice food and staff. We recommend for a quick break."

Fujimien Hotel 3*
Customers say: “Taking the hot spring is a wonderful experience at this hotel as it allows you see the awesome view of mountains including Mt Fuji. The dinner and breakfast are delicious and sufficient. Staff are exceedingly helpful and approachable.” – Tan, Singapore

Kinokuniya Yusenkan 4*
Customers say: “This hotel has a nice ryokan feel, hot springs and fantastic meals. The bedroom was very comfy as well.” – Tong, Malaysia

Hakone Elecasa Hotel & Spa 4.5*
Hotel says: From this hotel, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.

Hakone Yunohana Onsen Hotel 4*
Hotel says: For sightseeing options and local attractions, one need not look far as the hotel is close to Yunohanasawa Onsen, Mt. Hakone, and Senjo Waterfall. The Tokaido Shinkansen high-speed train station is close by, and Odawara Station is 40 minutes by taxi.

Sea Grande Shimizu Station Hotel 3*
Customers say: “The hotel is only 5 minutes away from Shimizu Station. When we entered the room we were surprised to see such a huge space!” – Lydia, USA

Daisenya Hotel 3*
Hotel says: All rooms are facing Mt. Fuji, where guests can readily enjoy the beautiful views of Japan's most famous natural landmark. Take advantage of a wealth of unrivaled services and amenities at this great hotel in Izu.

New Japan visa rules for Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia passports

Japan has relaxed visa rules for some selected Southeast Asia countries as a bid to boast tourism in Japan. From 1 July 2013, citizens of Philippines and Vietnam will be able to apply for multiple-entry visas for short-term trips to Japan while visa requirements for citizens of Thailand and Malaysia have been lifted for short-term stays.

"In celebration of the 40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, the Government of Japan has decided to begin issuance from July 1, of multiple entry visas for short-term stay to nationals of the Republic of the Philippines (ordinary passport holders) who reside in their home country" said Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in a press release Tuesday, June 25. "The further development of Japan-Philippines exchange is expected as a result of the issuance of multiple entry visas, including increases in the number of tourist from the Philippines who visit Japan and the enhancement of the ease of business transactions between the two countries."

The Filipino and Vietnamese applicants should have a Machine-Readable passport (MRP) meeting International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards or an ordinary IC passport. The multiple-entry visas will allow them to stay in Japan for a period of 15 days, and the visas will be valid for up to 3 years.

On the other hand, length of stay for Indonesia citizens is extended from 15 days to up to 30 days. Indonesians are already eligible for multiple-entry Japan visas for short-term stays.

Before this rules were relaxed, Japan issued multiple-entry visas only to businessmen, artists, and specialists, as well as immediate family members of Japanese residents.

Thailand and Malaysia citizens will be able to enter Japan for short term without visa. For Malaysia, citizens must have an ordinary IC passport to use this privilege; those who do not have an IC passport will still be encouraged to apply for a visa.

Only Southeast Asia citizens who could enter Japan without visa was Brunei and Singapore citizens before the changes.

Japan is targeting 10 million tourists this 2013. The Japan Times reported that visitors from the Philippines rose 28.2% in the period of January to April this year, compared to the same period last year.

Masaki Koh died from ruptured appendix and peritonitis

Japanese porn actor Masaki Koh has died from appendicitis and peritonitis at the age of 29. It is reported that Masaki Koh suffered from appendicitis but because he was afraid of leaving scars, he refused surgery and only gone for conservative treatment. Unfortunately his condition has led him to fatal complications and finally to a tragic death.

According to Chinese news sources, Koh had been delaying surgery due to concern of having body scars which will affect his future film projects. All this time he had been adopting conservative remedies as treatment for his condition. According to this Japanese wikipedia page, he delayed his appendicitis treatment for his show in BKK during Song Kran this year (April). His partner, Tien Tien has announced Masaki’s death:

It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you all that on May 18 2013 at 6:21 am, Koh Masaki has passed away. The tragic news has been announced by his partner, Tien Tien, who revealed that Koh was receiving treatments from a ruptured cecal (which is considered the beginning of the large intestine) due to peritonitis and has had surgery several times since last month. 

This is a sad day not only for us but also for his family, partner, and friends who have always supported his career. We will always love you Koh Masaki. 

Masaki Koh (真崎航) was born in July 20th 1983 in Tokyo Japan and is a famous gay AV actor. He made his movie debut in September 2009 and in just three years he has signed with eight gay video companies and has been featured in more than 85 movies! With his very good looks, he has made a lot of men and women fans in Asia.

He has passed away today on May 18th, 2013.

Japanese AV actor Masaki Koh has passed away due to complications of
ruptured appendix and peritonitis.