Another scandal. Koda Kumi

I read about this briefly and didn't think much of it, but apparently it spiraled out of control over in Japan. Apparently Koda Kumi said something on a radio program that sparked outrage and offended lots of people she said the equivalent of "a woman's amniotic fluid goes rotten after 35." Obviously, this is her opinion, and she's entitled to it if you ask me, but she was shut out of awards shows and performances because of it and has basically gone into hiding until today when she officially and publicly apologized. She stated: "I’d like to reflect on my remarks thoroughly, looking forward to the day when I can sing in front of you again." I feel so bad for her. I think that the general public of Asian countries need to lighten up a little. No, I don't want them to be exactly like the Americans, because I think some of our celebrities are crass idiots, but they need to have respect for them and know that sometimes, even celebs have a problem making their mouth work in conjunction with their brain. I hope she'll be released from her hell soon and will be back singing for everyone in no time.

Jero - Umiyuki

Jero is a young man who has amazed me. He has achieved a feat that no one else has ever done - he is an African American Enka singer. His grandmother was Japanese and wanted him to be a famous Enka singer. Enka is a traditional or "country" way of singing for the Japanese. After a lot of work, he has pulled it off, his single Umiyuki was released on February 20th and has already sold over 3 million copies. If I had only heard his voice, I would never have known he was anything but Japanese. Congratulations! (omedeto!)

100th Post!

A bit of hopeful news for the 100th post (at least I think it's hopeful.) The North Korean stronghold opened a little on Tuesday. The New York Philharmonic became the first major foreign entity to play in the country. With foreign music cut off from North Korea, (they can't listen to anything made after 1900) it was an amazing opportunity to let the people expand their horizons. I hope little steps make a difference, and that over time (and in my lifetime) North Korea will open back up and be free. They played the North Korean and American National anthem for the opening songs in Pyongyang. Let's hope this is just a beginning for more and more small changes in North Korea!

The End?! (T_T)

I am incredibly saddened. I just read on a Chinese news site that Edison finally went to Hong Kong and admitted that the pictures were real and he never intended them to be public. I will say that in my opinion, those kind of pictures should never be taken in the first place if you don't want them to get out - they almost always find their way out in the public. He is leaving Hong Kong show business INDEFINITELY! This decision saddens me deeply. I know lots of people find him offensive, or don't like him, but I really did think he was a genuine person (I read his blog a lot.) It's really sad that this is going to ruin his career, and that NONE of the other celebrities are coming out to support or defend him. I hope that he puts his talent to use here in the United States and that he doesn't disappear entirely.

Another U.S. Rip-off?

I'm not entirely sure whether this one is bad or good but, the U.S. is "stealing" another show from Asia. The miscellaneously named Hole In The Wall or Human Tetris from Japan or Jiwhaza from Korea is being picked up for a pilot on F.O.X. Ever since I saw the "viral video" of this over a year ago it's been my favorite online video for a mini giggle-fest. If you head on over to Veoh and type in either Human Tetris or Jiwhaza you'll get a bunch of videos to giggle over. Most of them have random guest appearances by Japanese and Korean celebrities - so enjoy. Also, I remember Ellen Degeneres having her own take on the show called Through the Wall or Take a Fall, I don't know if she got permission from them or not, but it was fun. (Not as fun as the Asian one's - they actually have way to get through everyone that is simpler than you think. Either way - tune in to F.O.X. if they actually pick it up for a season. It'll be interesting at least.

Bling Bling Ring Ring

I have often been fascinated by Japanese nail art. It's beautiful and over the top - like a lot of things in Japan. I've ALWAYS said that the Japanese like to take things we start and push them to the limits. Here is a small example of that - super shiny cell phone covers. Swarovski crystals have taken over lots of things lately and the cell is no stranger to them. I hope you enjoy the small gallery I added for you. :)

Learn Korean for FREE.

I have a wealth of online sources for all things Asian and I found this recently and had to share it. KBS World Radio has a free source for learning Korean. It uses visual and vocal methods to help - check it out if you're interested. :)

Poor Edison...

Right after the release of his new Cantonese song "$$$" he was hit with a major scandal. If you've read my blog, you know he's one of my favorites, and I hate to see these things happen. In case you don't know, pornographic pictures of him and three other Hong Kong celebrities have leaked onto the internet and are causing a major uproar in the Hong Kong community. Bobo Chan, Cecilia Cheung, and Gillian Chung are the women involved. I WON'T be posting the pictures, even though I did see them while trying to find the lyrics to $$$. Grrr. Edison released a press release asking his fans and all the people who are making this worse by distributing the pictures by taking them down and deleting them. I will say, that if they are real (which I believe they are) celebrities especially shouldn't have taken the photos in the first place. It's just asking for a scandal because there is always the chance of them getting out. SO STUPID. But, I hope and pray that EDC and the other celebs affected can find who let the pictures out and try to stop them from spreading further. I hope that fans don't react too violently - sometimes scandals happen and I fear that many people will change their opinions of them. I for one, am going to remain loyal to them and hope others do too.

((SO sorry for the lack of posts, I've been a little busy starting a new job. I'll try to post more frequently ("+__+) from now on. )

Amazing.

Charice Pempengco - an amazing young woman from the Philippines performed today on the Ellen Degeneres show. I had seen her a little online - either on Veoh or YouTube, but she was so amazing I have to share. Here you can watch the performance on Ellen. Charice is so tiny but has an amazingly huge voice. I hope that she can garner enough attention to get a recording contract and and be a source of pride for Philippians everywhere. Check her out !

Here's her official MySpace page.

Who knew? Not me!

Apparently Robin Williams is a big Neon Genesis Evangelion fan. Did you know this? I didn't. He is apparently trying to help the production of the live-action film. I struggled with understanding the series when I first watched it - then again it was back in high school and I watched the sub-titled version on a tiny 4x6 screen. Anywho. Thought it was interesting!