Talento Yamaguchi Moe (27) spoke yesterday for the first time about her romantic relationship with Ozeki Shigeo (30) founder of the IT company Zeel. She told fellow showbiz types on the Wada Akiko TBS show “Akko ni O-makase!” that her boyfriend has “living expenses” of over ¥1 million a month and is interested in reading books on philosophy. This prompted a surprised reaction, as Moe-chan is generally regarded as either pretty dim or a better actress than she is given credit for.
• The MTV Video Music Awards were held last night at the Tokyo Bay NK Hall. Taking three prizes, including the Best Video award, were the Okinawan sensation hip hop group Orange Range, Japan’s best selling artists in 2004. Amuro Namie (photo, 27) became the first artist to pick up an award four years running, getting the nod as the Best Asian Performing Artist and for the Best R&B Video. Visiting special guest Mariah Carey (35) picked up the International Video Icon award.
• English actor Gerald Butler (35) arrived at Narita Airport on a PR trip yesterday. His first trip to Japan was to promote “The Phantom of the Opera” in January, when he was relatively unknown, and he slipped through the airport almost unnoticed. This time around 2,000 screaming fans ensured a suitably chaotic welcome in the terminal building. Butler’s in town to plug another movie from 2004, “Dear Frankie,” which opens here June 25.