It was revealed yesterday that talentos Fujii Takashi (33) and Otoha (24) are engaged. They plan to give a joint press conference in Tokyo tomorrow and are expected to announce a July date for their wedding. The romance had been rumored since January of last year but is still surprising to many people as Fujii is often believed to be gay. He exploded onto the variety show circuit back in the late 90s with a character that was at once innocent and raunchily gay. Over the last few years, his Matthew Minami character has been very successful. The late-night “Matthew’s Best Hit TV” show on Fuji TV features Fujii in a blond wig and pink pin-stripe suit interviewing various guests. One of these “guests” was Hollywood star Bill Murray as the show was featured in a fictional segment of the movie “Lost in Translation.” Otoha is a former pin-up girl, initially best known for her F-cup chest, who has built a modestly successful career as an actress and singer. The two met while making a coffee commercial (photo) in 2003. Fujii was very supportive when she lost her father in May 2004 and she returned the favor in October when he was suddenly hospitalized with acute gastritis two weeks before a planned concert in Los Angeles. Fujii’s illness no doubt was a result of having to maintain his always “high tension” onscreen persona. Offscreen he is said to be very quiet.
• Morning Musume gave the last concert of their national tour yesterday at the Nippon Budokan. They said sayonara to member Ishikawa Rika (20), who will pursue a solo career, and welcomed new member Kusumi Koharu (12). 10,000 fans waved pink penlights as they gave a tearful farewell to end Rika-chan’s five years with the group. She is the twelfth member to “graduate” from the group.