Friday'd! Fujimoto Miki & Shouji Tomohiro Love Scandal

Alright now... here's what I found.

A front cover of Friday with headlines highlighting current Morning Musume leader Fujimoto Miki in love relationship with a man named Shouji Tomohiro. Forget the cover girl, it's the yellow texts on the right that I'm worried about. Man, there is absolute havoc Japanese BBS right now!

I don't know much about Shouji, he could be well-known in Japan, I think. He is one-half of manzai comedian duo Shinagawa Shouji. Can anybody who knows more about this please step up, slap me and tell me that this just a hoax? Please~~~

So now........ I'll be waiting to see if:
1) Major news sites/papers acknowledging this scoop
2) UFA/UFW acknowledging the news

Either one of them leads to the other, so only then we'll know if it real or plain speculation.



Some info:
ADDED: Friday Article titles - Page 9 "「モー娘。」藤本美貴、庄司智春「３日連続通い愛」現場"
Japanese Wikipedia entry on Tomohiro Shouji
Here's a bunch of videos of him on Youtube, if you are curious to know how he is like.

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Eyecandy Galore - A Season of H!P Photobooks

Golly! So many photobooks of members under the Hello! Project umbrella have their photobooks released. What the heck is going on? Are they expecting their fans to buy them all? Has there been a boost of economy in Japan (or worldwide for us oversea fans) or what? Nevertheless I'm glad to see some of the H!P Kids lose their photobook virginity finally.

The mission to separate the fans from their wallets is never ending, it seems. (Hmm... Where have I heard this prose before?)


The latest is Michishige Sayumi. Yup, AGAIN! It's only on January this year when her 2nd solo photobook "Doukei" ~ 憧憬 was released. There must have been a great demand for more "Usa-chan Peace!" goodness from the fans, or UFA is finding ways to give Sayu more work. It's due next month. This better not be a hoax. Source here.


NEXT, we've finally get to see the cover of Niigaki Risa's 3rd photobook "Isshun" ~ 一瞬 which is due to be released on the 28th this month. And golly she looks good WET! From the looks of it, I'm guessing there may be some shots that shows a mature side of her.
Source here.





Before this, here's what we have:


[ No Image ]
Tsugunaga Momoko 1st Solo PB - “momo”
Release Date: 20th June 2007
Source here.



Natsuyaki Miyabi
Release Date: 31st May 2007
Source here.



Suzuki Airi 1st Solo PB - "Airi"
Release Date: 23rd May 2007
Source here.



Yajima Maimi 1st solo Photobook - "Maimi"
Release Date: 27th April
Source here.

The rest of the list can be found from the official Hello! Project site here.
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Tsuji Nozomi Cries while Watching Missed Theater

Slowly coming back to blogging... how could I resist? ^_^

Tsuji Nozomi attended the theater show of "Itsu no hi ka kimi kaeru" at Nissay Theatre in Tokyo, in which she dropped out due to her pregnancy. Before the start of the show, she visited the dressing room, to apologize to the acting leads Kakei Toshio and Kuroki Meisa. Everyone responded with a "Congratulations, Tsuji-chan!", and caused her to weep loudly.

Tsuji proceeded to watch the show from the audience seats. During the show, moved by the performance of Ishikawa Rika and her character's storyline, Tsuji cried again. As the show ends with the curtain call, Tsuji applauded over and over again when her replacement Yoshizawa Hitomi appeared.

降板舞台千秋楽訪れ…辻ちゃん大泣き

　元「モーニング娘。」メンバーで俳優杉浦太陽（２６）と結婚する辻希美（１９）が２２日、妊娠で降板した舞台「何日君再来　イツノヒカキミカエル」（東京・日生劇場）の千秋楽を訪れた。

　開演前、楽屋を訪れて主演の筧利夫（４４）黒木メイサ（１８）ら出演陣に「ご迷惑をお掛けしました」と謝罪。全員から「辻ちゃん、おめでとう！」と祝福されると「うえ〜ん」と声に出して大泣き。客席では眼鏡を掛けて観賞し、同期の石川梨華（２２）の奮闘ぶりと感動のストーリーに再び感涙。カーテンコールでは代役出演した吉澤ひとみ（２２）も舞台に登場。辻は立ち上がって何度も拍手を送った

Source from Sponichi Annex
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Be Right Back...

First of all, big THANK YOU for checking back on this site. ^_^

Thought I'd explain my disappearance here.
It seems that life has caught up with me, again. One thing I've learned -> Procrastinating is never a solution, things come back to haunt you no matter what. Right now, I am busy with so many things - work, wedding stuff, apartment hunting, and other things like renewing passport, medical appointments... etc. So tired... so tired.....



Ya know, I hadn't spared the time to sit down and recollect my thoughts about Tsuji Nozomi's announcement to marry Sugiura Taiyou. I must say that the last time I ever camped outside the news sites and searched the net so vigorously for information, was during Kago Ai's second scandal. (And of course, Yoshizawa Hitomi's loss of her brother). A small but conflicting sense of relief though, that Tsuji did not announce her retirement. I had thought that was going to happen.

I made lots of blog drafts but none gets finished, interrupted by various elements (or gets outdated). Will return to blogging in a few days, maybe sooner. In the meantime, you know where else to go for more H!P goodness and news, I'm sure. ^_^

Other than blogging, I hope to get back to my other projects as well, like transposing more H!P songs to play on guitar, mix some short trance tunes, continue doing my digital manga, and compose and arrange J-Pop songs... etc.
Currently I'm involved in a fan-subbing project for the Utaban show on the 3rd of May as translator. It was tough, but heck I had fun doing it, and certainly have learned a lot, and improved my hearing, comprehension and translation skills.

All these while being occupied with a busy life. I'm crazy, innit? ^_^
Someday, I may need to sacrifice some of those projects,


Ooops, time's up... I gotta go now... I'm bloggin' this from office during lunch break. :P




Stay Genki+ and Be Positive!

Peace ^_^
jin
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Abe Asami Joins Gyaruru!

Thanks to Anna for the heads-up. You rock! (^_^)b

Apparently we have a new member for Gyaruru. And that person is Abe Asami, the younger sister of Morning Musume 1st generation member Abe Natsumi.

In the comments section of Tsunku's official site, he mentioned that he was keen on continuing Gyaruru, that based their gimmick on the Gyaru theme, and was catching on to the masses.

It all started when Tsunku watched Asami's performance in a theater show called "Out of Order" on March and was captivated with her comical but mature act, though he didn't recognize her under the make-up and outfit at first look. He was going "EH~~~!" when he found out who it was. After further research, it was known that back in the high school days, Abe had previously been scouted by another agency while she was shopping in Shibuya. And guess what? She was sporting Kogal fashion! The scouter, of course, was not aware of Abe's identity at that time, and had scouted her with the intention of producing for Kogal starlet that looks like Abe Natsumi. (Yeah, that could have been a cool AV production, innit? ^_^)

After Tsuji's withdrawal, Tsunku thought that it was a good idea to include Abe in the mix. After all, who could have a better credibility to play a part in Gyaruru, than ex-Kogal Abe herself? Abe said that it brings back bitter-sweet memories of her youth, after looking at herself in the mirror wearing Kogal fashion again.

And as is the theme, where competitive eater Gyaru Sone is "Sonene" and Meganekko idol Tokito aMi is "aMiMi" (yeah, I just recently realised that the official spelling for Tokito aMi is with a lowercase "a"), Abe Asami was named "Abebe". Sonene will take the place of Tsuji as leader of Gyaruru.

Tsunku also added in his comments that he had thought of canceling the release of Gyaruru's debut single "Boom Boom Meccha Maccho" because he didn't want an incomplete work to be released and thought that it would be disrespectful to the fans. However, with Abe's addition and her positive participation in the recordings and jacket photoshoot, brought the potential in Gyaruru back to surface again. With that, he was convinced that this will be an attractive single. Lastly, he expressed his regret regarding the delay of the single release to the fans, staff and record stores.



As for me, I didn't expect that it would be Asami. What a surprise indeed!
I knew her as a mainstream J-Pop singer-songwriter, and is fairly well-known for her unique style. Also, I think Tsunku did a good job at following up, whether Asami was deliberately a backup plan or not, the timing was just fine. Plus, end of the day, we get to listen to "Meccha Maccho" and all is right in the land.

Gyaruru will hold an "in-store" event on debut day on 20th June in Tokyo record stores. A free live show and a hand-shake event wil be held on 30th June, at Shibuya C.C. Lemon Hall in Tokyo.

Sorry Yakkun... ^_^ (But then again.... never say never. )


News from Sanspo
Comments from Tsunku's official site
ADDED more news source:
Nikkan Sports
Sports Hochi
Sponichi Annex
Daily Sports


======================
UPDATE 1:11 P.M.
This just in.

Tsunku's message in TNX official site, similar with his comments on his own official site.
PLUS, messages from Gyaruru members in TNX. See front page and click on the second button under 'News & Topics'.
Or more specifically go here.

Translation:

Messages from Gyaruru Members

To the fans that have supported Gyaruru, to company staff that have worked with Gyaruru, and lastly to the members "Sonene" and "aMimi", I truly apologise for causing trouble and worry with my sudden withdrawal.

Although it was a short period working as "Tsujiji", it was fun being able to put on the Ganguro make-up, curled hairdo and fashion that you normaly don't wear. I have heard that we have a new member joining, Asami-chan. I am looking forward to the power-upped and reborn Gyaruru with Asami who will take my place, together with Sonene and aMimi, As former Gyaruru leader, and though I'm going to be a "yanmama" (Young Mama), I will support Gyaruru more passionately than anyone else.

Tsuji Nozomi




Firstly, congratulations to Tsujiji for the marriage and baby! Although it was unfortunate that we were not able to work together, we wish you happiness for always. Next, welcome to Gyaruru, Abebe! Starting with our CD release event, let's all go "BoomBoom" on it (^O^)／!

Tokito aMi

【ギャルルメンバーメッセージ】

ギャルルを応援してくださっているファンの皆様、ギャルルの活動に関わるスタッフの皆様、
そして、メンバーである「そねね」と「ぁみみ」、突然の脱退でご心配、ご迷惑をおかけしまして、
本当に申し訳ありませんでした。

つじじとして活動していた期間は短かったですが、ガン黒メイクをしたり、巻き髪をしたり、
普段しないようなメイクやファッションがふたりと一緒にできてすごく楽しかったです。
新メンバーで、麻美ちゃんが加入するということを聞きました。
麻美ちゃんが加わって、そねね、ぁみみと一緒にさらにパワーアップした新生ギャルルを
楽しみにしています。私は元ギャルルリーダーらしく「ヤンママ」になりますが、
ギャルルの事は誰よりも熱く応援していきます。

辻希美

まずは、つじじ、結婚・そしてベイビーおめでとう！
一緒に活動できないのは残念だけど、いつまでもお幸せに！
そして、あべべ、ようこそギャルルへ！
まずはCD発売イベントに向けて、Boom Boom　行きましょう(^O^)／！

時東ぁみ

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Scandals, scandals..... What the heck is going on in Hello! Project?!

Been SO busy with work and I didn't have the time to digest the news of Tsuji's marrying Sugiura. Please take this blog post as my personal way of ranting and collecting my thoughts. Apologies in advance for any offense caused.

So here we go...

There are so many scandals going on in Hello! Project. That I can't help but wonder - what has happened? Who or what started it? Here I recount some, and only some, of the many scandals that I can recall and blog about.


Yaguchi Mari
Any news press that talk about scandals within Hello! Project will surely mention Marippe on their articles. Now, she is not only remembered for her outgoing and outspoken personality, she has become the mother of all scandals in H!P. Sure, Nacchi and Kaorin had been rumoured to have boyfriends, it wasn't as shocking as Marippe's.
I've said this before and I'll say it again - I've always thought Yaguchi Mari's scandal with Oguri Shun wasn't a coincidence. At the back of my mind, I still think that it was damn well planned and orchestrated. Why? Because I've read news, rumours and other hear-says that Marippe was tired of being Morning Musume leader but nobody listens to her, or do not offer enough respect. When I watched the video of the jacket photoshoot for "Namida Tomaranai Hokago" single, I saw the other girls playfully teasing Marippe for her height. Sure they're friends and all, but come on... she's their senpai and leader. You don't see them do that to Kaorin, do you? (With the exception of Yossie, of course) Therefore, I suspected that she used this method to force her agency to remove her from Morning Musume.

Now, being a big fan of "The Gooch", I still reserve about 30% of doubt about her scandal. Maybe she did indeed found a happy relationship with Oguri. However, apparently due to work commitments, they broke up, but Oguri found another girlfriend soon after, in Tokuzawa Naoko . Marippe, on the other hand, doesn't seem too shaken by this, and found herself headlining the Friday tabloid with another relationship, this time with former Kansai Johnny's Jr. - Uotani Teruaki.

But, no matter what was the truth behind her private life and relationships, in my view, this has caused a chain reaction of scandals later on. Did the other girls used Marippe's case as an example? Did Marippe's daring actions and having the guts to make her own decisions about her own life affect others?


Kago Ai
Kago Ai was caught enjoying a puff on Virginia Slims at a restaurant, and as we all know, was suspended for underage smoking. Later on, she was reportedly feeling the regret, and worked as an intern en route to her come back. Then it happened again, and not only because that she was reported by Weekly Gendai that she was smoking again, she spent the night with Ishimoto of SOMA at an onsen.
However, I suspected that this incident may have happened much, much earlier. There were sightings of Kago going for onsen trips during the same year of her suspension, so maybe that news was recycled again due to her hot comeback news. Cos' I still cannot get over the fact that the current chief editor of Weekly Gendai was formerly working for Friday. Nevertheless, Kago had admitted to the relationship.



Matsuura Aya
Ayaya have long been associated with Keita Tachibana of Jpop super trio w-inds. Later on, good ol' Friday tabloid made it official when they spotted her loaded with bags groceries and stayed over night at his house that one night. This news didn't get too publicized, due to it being an "open secret". The storm slowly settled down and nobody got kicked out of either of their agencies. Which brings me to the next person who also didn't get kicked out.



Tsuji Nozomi
This by far is the least scandal-like. Mostly due to the positive feedback by UFA, and the much televised press conference announcing the marriage. Why, yesterday's Haromoni@ even featured the announcement in the final minutes of the show. Tsuji did the right thing of pre-informing the agency about her relationship, probably have lessen the severity of her "scandal". However, I still lament the timing of it. But who knows, maybe the agency have gotten used to these news already, OR maybe this is a start of how differently the management view their talents' personal life.


... and the most ironic of them all...

Tanaka Reina
Sorry I had to bring this up, CJ.
I dove into my picture archives and found this....

"Tanaka Reina in Love and Retires"

"And the plan is to get pregnant..."

Can't remember when and where I got this from, but most possibly it was back when Reina got Friday'd last year.
Reina was involved with a boy in high school, and eyewitnesses said that they saw the two have been going out together many times. The agency couldn't afford to lose her to a scandal at that point of time, where Morning Musume's popularity was already fading and was trying to promote her by making her center in the "Ambitious! Yashinteki de Ii Jan" single.
So the agency summoned her to the meeting room and asked her "Either you break up with him, or you quit", in which Reina promptly replied "Okay, I'll quit", much to their surprise. We don't know what happened in the end or what UFA did, eventually Reina is still around and her boyfriend was never mentioned ever again. But as a result, Reina was never featured much ever since then and became the least active member in Morning Musume... compared to Sayu, Kame, Gaki-san, and even newcomer Mittsi, who have their own radio shows.

The ironic part of that news clip is that a personnel from another agency suggested a surefire method for her freedom from UFA - get pregnant. However, this method cannot be executed smoothly because her boyfriend was still in high school. Whether Tsuji picked up this idea from Reina or not, is up to us to guess.



These are only a few that made it to the headlines. I didn't even list down the other rumoured scandals yet and...... you know what, I think I might do that on my next post.

Thanks for reading.
Peace ^_^
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Full Translated Transcript of Tsuji and Sugiura Press Conference

I'm doing this because I'm still curious... and some of the bits are quite... cute and romantic, but intriguing to say the least. Yes, there are some cover-ups.

Here is the full translated transcript of Tsuji Nozomi and Sugiura Taiyou's press conference to announce their marriage.

UPDATE: Complete!!
Whew... it's a lot of work, I didn't think it would be this long. But in summary, a light hearted interview, with lots of funny bits. The press keep trying to dig some ugly info from them, but Tsuji and Sugiura answered them the best they can.

In a way, I can relate to Sugiura's feelings and the responsibilities that he have to undertake, because I am going to get married soon as well. Thought I hate it when I think of the havoc Tsuji has caused in everyone around for this shotgun marriage, I guess after being an avid Nono fan for so many years, I have no choice but to offer my best wishes and hope that she have a happy marriage and a healthy baby.


Enjoy!

Sugiura: Hello, thanks for all for gathering here from your busy schedule. At this time, we would like to announce that I, Sugiura Taiyou and Tsuji Nozomi will get married. On March I have turned 26 of age. She is still 19 years old. Although she turns 20 next month, she will register in the family in welcoming her turning to 20 years of age. At this time, to everyone, especially to her related company staff, and the all fans, we have caused worry and inconvenience to you all. We offer our deep apologies. Truly sorry for this.

Tsuji: Hello everyone, and thank you very much. Because of this sudden state, for causing worry and inconvenience to all the fans and people, truly sorry for this. I, Tsuji Nozomi have decided to marry Sugiura Taiyou. I am truly happy. From now on, please watch over us warmly.

Sugiura: To elaborate my dating with her in detail, on April last year, it started and came to know each other through a mutual acquaintance, in the form of a group friendship, and started going out during summer. Through this association, we came fall in love with each other. Round about January this year, we started to think about marriage, and at the time of my birthday on 10th March, I proposed to her and gave her a ring as a present. Both our parents have given consent, have reported to both of our agencies in the beginning of April and received their acknowledgement. We thought of giving preference to marriage, but because we both have our own work, we thought of putting it on hold. However due to the change in her physical condition, at that time we came to realise that she was possibly pregnant. Of holding this press conference in a hurry, please be kind to us.

Legend:
Tsuji (T)
Sugiura (S)
Press (Q)

Q: When exactly did the love relationship begin?

S: About summer last year.

Q: When did the notion for marriage start?

S: January this year.

Q: And Tsuji-san?

T: Because I have the feeling of love, I thought that it's nice to get married, but practically I haven't really thought about it.

Q: How many months pregnant?

T: 9 weeks pregnancy.

Q: What were the proposal words?

S: How embarassing! Because I love her smile, so I said "I want to look at your smile forever. Would you be with me for always?"
(Note: Sugiura proposed to Tsuji in Kansai dialect)

T: Honestly, when those words are said to me, my mind went blank. Tears came out emotionally, I was really happy.

Q: What kind of timing was it said?

S: It was my birthday, went for a drive in my car. At that time, I presented her a ring.

Q: What kind of ring?

T: I was born on June, it was a birthday stone.

Q: Have you thought about contraception?

S: It was life born as a result of love, we want to treasure life.

Q: You didn't think about how this will affect your work?

S: Regarding this matter, because we caused inconvenience, it was inexcusable, however, I am a man, and will properly protect her with my life, I even have a child so I am happy that I am allowed to watch over them.

Q: Tsuji-chan was diagnosed of pregnancy during the checkup of gastroenteritis, wasn't it? Were you aware that you were pregnant?

T: A while ago, though I suspected of it because of the change in my physical condition, I didn't think it will come to that extent.

Q: What do you think now that you know you're pregnant?

T: Quite recently, my sister just have given birth to a baby, it was right after that (about the pregnancy). When I looked at my sister, I came to have similar feelings and was very happy, because of the surreal feeling of having another life in my belly, the maternal instinct in me have came out.

Q: What did you do when Tsuji revealed it to you?

S: Well, I was told that probably she was pregnant. But I have decided to marry, so frankly I was happy.

Q: Was the morning sickness alright?

T: It has finally settled down. Now I'm okay.

Q: Aren't you surprised with the pregnancy?

S: Not knowing what to say to each other, we laughed. But it was filled with happy feelings.

Q: So you found out about the pregnancy during the checkup for gastroenteritis, wasn't it?

T: Initially, it was diagnosed and treated as acute gastroenteritis. It was known during a proper re-examination. It was on its 8th week, after frequent inspections it was on its 9th week when we came to know about it.

Q: We have here the news about commencing with the marriage registration on Tsuji-chan's birthday.

S: Well, in consideration that turning 20 years of age is about welcoming adulthood.

Q: Weren't the parents of your partner surprised?

T: Originally, the word about the marriage was told to family and the office. Isn't it a fact that getting married is a feeling that you will have when you are seeing someone? Dad and Mom understood this, and because we made this decision ourselves, they greatly approved of it.

Q: When will the marriage plans going to take place?

S: Tentatively, we considered to have it about next year.

Q: How did you tell this to the members of Morning Musume and your friends?

T: Told to each one of them by email, and everyone have replied with supportive words like "congratulations" and "although it's going to be touch, but keep your spirits up".

Q: Were they surprised?

T: Yes. Just as I thought, the older 'sister' said that she didn't think that Tsuji-chan will surpass her. She's 34 years old this year.
(Referring to Nakazawa Yuko)

Q: Will you be living together?

S: After registering into the family. We already have a living spot, will slowly discuss and decide on things from then on.

Q: What about the wedding?

T: After everything is settled down, will work on it wholly.

Q: Who decided on the marriage?

S: I think I'm all 'feelings'. We met by chance, and I felt that my destined one has to be this person. I felt that I will protect her for the rest of my lifetime.

Q: What made you think so?

S: Normally, we always tend to run into each other in places where we least expected. This is where we hit it off. We didn't think we would be going out together, but it came to a point where it felt like it was destiny for us to meet and be together.

Q: Where did you meet?

S: At a house of a 'friend', by chance. We just meet up.

Q: We have information that you encountered each other via Yaguchi Mari.

S: It has nothing to do with Yaguchi-san. It was completely a normal friend.

Q: What about you, Tsuji-chan?

T: His laughing expression, and he eats his food in such a delicious way. Things like that.

Q: Home-cooked food?

T: Yes. My specialty is stewed cooking, which I learned after recently taught to me by my mother, and also...

S: Sakuzenni, wasn't it?

T: Yeah, like Kinpira.

Q: What about work from now on?

T: Definitely because of my dropout from the theater and withdrawing from (3 person unit) Gyaruru, for causing inconvenience to everyone I am filled with regret, however because of the live in my belly that was given to me, nothing else is more important. Although it is regrettable, I will do my best in delivering this baby, and once I have settled down and able to work, I will start from scratch again.

Q: Meaning that you still want to work in the entertainment showbiz?

T: Yes. Now I'm in the state of taking a break, will think about it slowly and carefully.

Q: Previously, Sugiura-san said that former Morning Musume Yoshizawa (Hitomi) was his type, right?

S: It used to be. At that time she (Tsuji) was still about 14 years old.

Q: So you still haven't found someone like that which is your type, have you?

S: Yeah.

T: It appears so. I found out about this from watching TV. Even so, I asked him "Yocchan was your type, wasn't it?" on the phone.

Q: And how did Taiyou-san reply?

T: He said "At that time".

Q: Does Yoshizawa-san know about this?

S: Of course not.

Q: Does Yoshizawa-san know about this announcement?

T: She still doesn't.

Q: How do you call each other?

T: For me, because he is called Taiyou, I call him "Ta-kun".

S: As for me, I call Nozomi-san "Non" or "Non-tan".

Q: Was the dating process smooth?

S: It was really a group date.

T: We had meals with everyone.

Q: You've been to place like amusement parks.

S: Yes.

Q: Was it with a big number of people even at that time?

S: It was a group even at that time.

Q: You've even went skiing.

S: I went to an acquaintance's place. But due to lack of time, and my face is showing, so I went back.

Q: Did you wear today's outfit with a hint of wedding dress?

T: Yeah. Because I love white, I responded with my hope of wearing white, also my ring is also pure white, so it matches.

Q: Was Sugiura gentle to you after knowing you were pregnant?

T: Because he has a tender character by nature, and because he is gentle by nature, since he going to be a Papa, I want him to do his best towards being a Papa. And since I am going to be a mother myself, will draw example from my mother and mature up.

Q: Looks like Sugiura-san's sense of responsibility.have increased.

S: I feel this day by day. I can do nothing but do my best to watch over them, as a father and as a husband!

Q: Have you thought of any names yet?

T: Though I have read books, but since we don't know if it is going to be a boy or a girl, will think about it when we know.

Q: What kind of married couple would you like to be?

S: Definitely I have the leadership authority. Because there are times that I am depended on, I will lead. Though someday this role may be reversed.

Q: Have you had quarrels?

S: Though we've had quarrels, but nothing serious.

Q: The reason to the quarrels?

T: It's me. I tend to keep him on a leash, and being selfish, things like that.

Q: Which one apologizes?

T: We both don't apologize, but after a night's sleep everything is like "Good Morning!" on the next day.

Q: If the baby was a girl, would you let her in Morning Musume?

T: Because I entered into showbiz as a Morning Musume after graduating from junior school, so maybe after she graduates from middle, or high school.

Q: So if it is a boy, then let him be Ultraman?

S: Definitely we'll do that. I dream of being Ultraman since junior school. I will show my child Ultraman.

Q: Any anxieties of being a mother?

T: Of course, there are things like 'what should I do' and 'what should I do in my free time'. However, I will ask other pregnant ladies and my mother of things that I can do during pregnancy. For my sake, I will find my own tastes at this time and mature up.

Q: A word to the fans?

S: At this time, although we have surprised a lot of people, I have been granted a new life, I can do nothing but to protect them. Because I am a man, I will protect my bride and my child with my entire life. For warmly watching over us, I am happy.

T: Definitely, to all the fans and all people that we have caused worry and inconvenience, we are truly sorry. But we have really made this decision after many considerations, from now on we will give our best with all our might. Everyone, please watch over us warmly.

Sources:
Full press transcript in Japanese courtesy of Mainichi News
News from Mainichi News <-- pictures from the press event, 80 of them in all! Damn Nono is SO pretty. And Ultraman Sugiura is kinda cute actually, if I may say so myself.

EDIT: I found out that some people have trouble downloading the pictures because to the right-click is disabled by the site. So for those who don't have 'downloader' plugins, I zipped up them pics for you to download here --> http://www.sendspace.com/file/bdoetl
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