EXCLUSIVE: NICKI MINAJ LIVE IN TOKYO

Nicki Minaj in Japan - May 2012

Our dear Friend MiT was on Nicki Minaj-Watch in Japan this past weekend, being one of the few lucky Fans who scored VIP Passes - which included a Meet & Greet - to see her at Tokyo's Yokohama Bay Hall. Minaj launched her Pink Friday Tour in Australia first before taking it to Asia for a few Japanese dates in Osaka and Tokyo. The Tour next makes a stop in Europe early June, with Sweden being first on the map.

All three of Minaj's Japan Shows had sold-out rather briskly, with Fans clamouring to see her sexy neon Spectacle.  After enjoying the Show, MiT tells us "I think the Venues are too small for her!". Although the Setlist varies from Show to Show, the New York-based Singer performed 17 Tracks including Moment 4 Life, current Hit Starships, with her Final Act including both Super Bass and Turn Me On.

Although Minaj is Vancouver-bound in August for a Show, we're still waiting here for Toronto dates to be confirmed. Stay put Barbz.

I had the pleasure of meeting the colourful Minaj last August during a Toronto Stop-off for Britney Spears' Femme Fatale Tour.  We want more.

Thanks MiT for the Photos!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. via MiT)

GEORGE TAKEI TO BE HONOURED IN TORONTO AT SAKURA BALL

George Takei

Star Trek TV Legend George Takei, best known for his work as Hikaru Sulu on that Series, will be honoured in Toronto for his artistic achievements and contributions to Politics - including his championing of Japanese-American relations and also Gay Rights - at the forthcoming Sakura Ball.  The Gala will take place Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre's Kobayashi Hall and Tickets are priced at $500.00.

For more details, click here.

Follow Takei, who is v. active on Twitter here.

H&M TO RELEASE UNISEX MARNI T-SHIRTS FOR JAPAN

Marni at H&M

Hot on the heels of the Uniqlo's SaveJapan! Charity T-Shirts by Celebrities like Lady Gaga, Blake Lively, Charlize Theron and Karl Lagerfeld last year, H&M gets the help of Fashion Powerhouse Marni to aid the Japan Red Cross Society, a year after the tragic Earthquake had taken place. 25% of sales from these cute Unisex Marni at H&M T-shirts will be donated for the Cause and they will be available March 8, 2012 at 260 stores Worldwide.  We all can pitch in!

Also, check out The David Beckham Bodywear Collection for H&M, in-stores February!

(Photo credit: H&M)

IS IT ILLEGAL TO BE FAT IN JAPAN?

Sashimi - Yamato Japanese Restaurant

Is it illegal to be fat in Japan? CNN just aired this v. interesting piece of new national Guidelines requiring companies and local governments to begin measuring the waistlines of their Men and Women over the age of 40. Men with an waistline exceeding 33.5 inches and Women exceeding 35.5 inches, are deemed "overweight". Failure to adhere will result in massive fines for companies.

These new Guidelines aim to encourage the Japanese to have lower calorie Diets and to exercise  more as American Fast Food Chains are partly responsible for an increase in obesity in Japan, a burden of their Health Care System. A Company, however can't force their Employees to slim-down.

Only in Japan. Imagine this flying in North America? People would be flipping-over their Burger and French Fries-lined tables.  Nobody would employ me and my waistline, that's for sure!  I'm intrigued though as it will be interesting to see the long-term results of these new Guidelines...

Watch the CNN Piece below:

LADY GAGA GREETS FANS IN JAPAN

Lady Gaga in Chiba - June 2011

Following her Toronto visit for the MuchMusic Video Awards last week, Lady Gaga caused a stir out in Tokyo in her visit to performing at MTV Video Music Aid Japan (held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba), lending her support to ongoing Disaster Relief. Despite rocking a variety of green Wigs during her Toronto stay which she wore upon arrival in Japan, she opted for a much shorter Blonde Do with trimmed bangs for her performance. She also painted on a pair of Anime-like eyes on her eyelids, giving the illusion that her eyes were open while they were actually shut.

Our Friends in Japan spotted her out in the artsy Rappongi district where she was coached by a Translator on how to tell Fans she loved them in Japanese and it would appear she’s finally mastered the term “Aishiteru”. Gaga appeared really to have been enjoyed her Shabu Shabu Meal (thinly sliced Beef cooked in a broth) that she is said to have returned again to the Restaurant later in the week before leaving, for a second helping.

Between greeting hoards of Fans, Rehearsals and a Press Conferences for MTV, Gaga also managed to slip-in some time for some affordably-priced Sushi and of course Shopping in the fashionable Shibuya district. She even visited a Pet Store near her Hotel to pass some time.

LADY GAGA NABS TWO WINS AT MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Lady Gaga in Toronto for MuchMusic Video Awards

Despite it being Father's Day and also having received the unfortunate news of her Friend Clarence Clemons' passing last night, Lady Gaga demonstrated her consummate professionalism, soldiering through two Rehearsals today for the MuchMusic Video Awards, after skipping last evening's Run-through.

Gaga dazzled not only in one, but a total two Performances this evening both opening and closing the Awards.  She kicked-off the evening with a Medley of The Edge of Glory (ft. Clemons) and Government Hooker, appearing in a leather-studded Bodysuit and a Turquoise Bob Wig, performing from a maze of Ladders.  Watch it here. 

She closed-out the Festivities by returning to the Stage in a Cocoon for Born this Way. Donning a long turquoise Wig and high-shouldered feathery Get-up seen prior on her The Monster Ball Tour, later removed to reveal a yellow Leopard-print Blazer.  Gaga wound-up smearing blood upon herself, including her Wig by the end of it all.  Watch it here.

MR. WILL-W. EXCLUSIVE: KATY PERRY SPOTTED ON THE TRAIN IN NAGOYA, JAPAN

Katy Perry at Nagoya Station - May 2011

Katy Perry took the Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Nagoya Station on Sunday morning  - yes, she was on the Train, one of the few places in the World where she can get away with taking Public Transit!  After waking up from a quick hour-long nap, she was greeted by Fans at the Station.  "Without any Make-up on" and a pair of Sunglasses, she used her Pillow to shield herself from Cameras, but before long she got dressed and beautified for Fans, stopping to pose for Photos and signing Autographs.

In need a of a quick Caffeine Buzz, she located a Suntory Vending Machine, grabbing an iced BOSS Cafè au Lait, posing for Photos with it.  The Beverage Giant, equivalent perhaps to Coca Cola in Japan, just got a bit of free Advertising and best be sending over a case or two of that over to Perry's Tokyo Hotel, where she headed back to after this stop-off on her California Dreams Tour.  Perry also has a show slated in Osaka on the Tour's Japanese leg.

Our dear Friend MiT was so kind to scope out the situation and send over some Photos, reporting that she had an amazing time at the Zepp Nagoya show, where Fans even joined Perry on stage at points to hand her Gifts.  That's how they roll in Asia - not like us North American Fans who consistently arrive empty-handed.

RUSSELL BRAND'S DEPORTATION FROM JAPAN - KATY PERRY SADDENED

Katy Perry Tweets on Russell Brand's Deportation

Our dear Friend MiT has been scoping out the Katy Perry situation in Japan this weekend as her California Dreams Tour made its way to Asia. Some exclusive pics are to come, so stay tuned!

Perry had Tweeted earlier today how saddened she was Husband Russell Brand was ejected from Japan on the grounds of an incident which had occurred in his wilder days ten years ago.  Back in 2011, Brand was arrested on the grounds of Indecent Exposure and also Criminal Damage while covering the May Day Protests for MTV.  According to reports, he has been arrested a total twelve times. Perry tells her Fans, "I am so. sad. I brought him all this way to show him my favourite place.".  Horrible.

And she'll be here in Toronto at the end of June as her California Dreams Tour makes its way here. Can't wait to see her again! 

I captured this heartwarming clip of Perry and Fans on her Toronto visit last June:

KYLIE MINOGUE IN TOKYO FOR "APHRODITE - LES FOLIES TOUR"

Kylie Minogue in Tokyo - April 2011

Our dear Friend MiT is an absolute Goddess! She sent over some Photos from Kylie Minogue's first Arena Tour in Japan in over two decades at Tokyo's Makuhari Messe International Convention Complex. Arriving in Tokyo a couple days ago at Narita Airport, it is said that Minogue was v. generous with Fans in signing Autographs.

Our favourite Australian import has offered her assistance in raising some money for Japanese Disaster Relief on Friday night attending a Gala which raised over $100k for the Japanese Red Cross Society.  Amazing!

Although there were quite a number of empty seats at the venue, Minogue made it an intimate evening presenting a more scaled-down version of her Show, performing an array of Hits from her glitter-filled Repertoire.  MiT notes that the stage set-up was rather simple, equipped only with  "three sets of stairs, four dancers, no horses, no flying angels" as seen on the other stops of her Tour.  Fewer costume changes too, I'm guessing?

TORONTO BAKES FOR JAPAN

If you’re in the Toronto area this weekend, please support this wonderful cause.  Toronto Bakes for Japan will be held this Sunday, April 10, 2011 across multiple venues in the City.

It is a fun and yummy way for you to show your support for the Disaster Relief in Japan and I hope to see you there!

HOW YOU CAN HELP JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE & TSUNAMI VICTIMS

Devastation in Sendai

Nothing in the world of Pop Culture could be more important than the Disaster which has struck Northern Japan. Following an Earthquake of 8.9 on the Richter Scale, its aftershocks have left Japan in a state of crisis with a Tsunami engulfing Sendai.  Hawaii is now being impacted by the effects.

Although I'm glad that my friends in Tokyo are safe and sound, I hope we can join together and all help our Friends in Japan with a small donation in the v. least. For details on how you can help, please do so here via Red Cross.

Thank you for being generous. Please continue to send your love and prayers to all those affected by this Tragedy.

(Photo credit: The Guardian)

AMERICAN IDOL'S ELLIOTT YAMIN IN TOKYO

Elliott Yamin in Tokyo - February 2011

How many of you remember Elliott Yamin from American Idol Season Five? The second Runner-up on the Singing Competition Reality Show has gone to a v. successful recording career overseas, where he continues to achieve impressive sales.  His debut Disc has reached Gold status in both the U.S. and Japan.

Yamin is in touring Billboard Live venues around Tokyo until February 17th after arriving just before the weekend there.  He is touring in support of his third Album Gather Round.

Our dear friend MiT ventured out to Tokyo and caught up with the unconventionally handsome Singer at his Hotel where he was amazingly nice, posing for a Photos and signing Autographs for Fans.  He loves the attention as you can see in that awesome Photo.

  Thanks MiT for sharing again!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. via MiT)

SCISSOR SISTERS IN TOKYO

Jake Shears in Tokyo - February 2011

One of our favourites Scissor Sisters, rocked Tokyo last night at ageHa@Studio Coast in Shin-Kiba, Kōtō, Tokyo and our dear Friend MiT caught up with them at their Hotel.

MiT was lucky enough to meet Jake Shears (Lead Vocalist), Ana Matronic (Vocalist and Mistress of Affairs) and Del Marquis (Guitarist), who were sweet enough to sign some Autographs and pose for Photos without any hesitation.

Jake held an Autograph Session on February 10th and the Sisterhood left on the 11th back to New York City, as they prepare to embark on the current leg of Lady Gaga's The Monster Ball Tour as her Opening Act in North America. Jake and Ana apparently will be returning back to Tokyo this Summer for a Club Gig.

See more Photos below (L to R: Jake, Del and Ana):