KIZUNA { aya ueto fansite }

# News > 2006 News

2006/12/21: New single release!

According to Tower Records, Aya will be releasing a new single (untitled) on March 14 2007. It will come in both regular (CD only) and limited edition (CD+DVD+Photo book). No other information is available for the moment.

2006/12/15: Aya does the Hula dance!

Aya will challenge the hula dance for a special episode set in Hawaii of her drama "Attention Please", scheduled to air January 13 on Fuji TV at 9:00PM. In the special, Yoko Misaki is a trainee for the international air route and travels to Honolulu, Hawaii.

Aya, who also went to Hawaii for the filming, challenged the Hula dance for which she wore a cute yellow muumuu (Hawaian clothing). She commented "I touched a little of the Hawaian tradition. This time I'll try to learn even more"

2006/11/17: Attention Please SP!

It was announced earlier this week that Aya will, once again, be playing the role of Yoko Misaki in an upcoming special episode of this year's hit drama, "Attention Please". The full title being, "Attention Please ~Yoko, Hawaii ni tobu~". Aya is currently in Hawaii filming the special episode (filming for "Ri Kouran" ended November 12). The special is scheduled to air in January 2007 on the Fuji TV network.

2006/11/08: 2006 Charity Musicthon Host!

It was announced that Aya was chosen to be this year's personality host for the Nippon Broadcast 24h Radio "Charity Musicthon" (scheduled for the 24th, 25th of December). On the 4th, Aya recorded her weekly radio program "21 PEACE!" (airing Sundays at 10pm) in public at Hibiyakouen, Tokyo. She expressed "During my days as a student I have never done an all-nighter before, I don't know if I'll be able to stay awake that long. Even if for only 30 minutes, if I have the chance, I'll take a nap".

In order to make the public announcement, Aya returned from Shanghai where she is filming her new special drama "Ri Kouran". The filming was abruptly interrupted for a short amount of time because of co-star Shidou Nakamura's highly publicized divorce to actress Yoko Takeuchi. "Everything's going well, that's why I could come here today too" she emphasized.

2006/10/15: Fanclub event!

Aya held a live event for her fanclub "Ayanosuke" at the UETO AYA cafe yesterday in Shibuya, Tokyo where over 400 members were present. Aya arrived from China, where she is filming her next drama project "Ri Kouran", for a visit and greeted the crowd in Chinese. She performed an acoustic version of her new song "Shimokita ijou harajuku miman" and also presented the special menu for the cafe. "When you say curry, you also think of Nattou right? There's also my favorite apricot seed and tofu in the eggs!". "Handshake events are really important. Meeting my fans always makes me happy even if during the second half my face muscles started twitching" she commented laughing. When asked if there was anything she wanted right now she answered "I already have everything I need but I would really want a vacation".

2006/09/28: New "Oronamin C" CM+UA cafe!

It was announced on the 27th that pro sumo wrestler Hakuho will be starring alongside Aya in the latest commercial for Oronamin C. The new sequel was shot in early September at the "Miyagino Room". The CM will be on air nation-wide starting the 30th.

J-pop Cafe Shibuya will be holding the 2006 UETO AYA cafe on the 12th, 13th & 15th of October. They will be broadcasting unaired CM filming, magazine photo shoots, making of "Ri Kouran" (to air next spring), secret off-stage footage and, from her best album released on the 20th, a selection of promotion videos in this awaited time-limited cafe! Also, with supervision by Aya, an original lunch menu and special drinks will be offered. All customers will furthermore receive coasters with comments from Aya herself. For prices & schedule visit their official website here or on the banner above.

2006/09/25: Aya meets "Ri Kouran"

On the 22nd, Aya and Yamaguchi Yoshiko (86) were present at the interview for the two-night TV Tokyo special drama "Ri Kouran" (to air next spring). Aya was chosen to play the role of legendary Chinese singer and actress Ri Kouran, Yamaguchi's stage persona, and for the occasion she was dressed in a light green china dress. Yamaguchi commented "I'm looking forward to seeing a new Ri Kouran come to life (starring Ueto)". At nightfall Aya left for Shanghai where she will be filming for the next two months. "She (Ri Kouran) is a willful and strong person, this time I won't make any complaints either. Now that I'm 21, I won't be bringing Goma-chan, my pillow, with me" she commented with laughter before leaving.

In other news, according to Oricon, Aya's best album "BEST of UETOAYA -Single Collection-" ranked #5 on the Weekly Album Charts selling over 28,000 copies on it's first week. This is her first Top10 entry in 2 years and 7 months. The album is currently sitting at #6 on the charts after a soaring from the 9th rank.

Updates: the blog (see above), charts and dramas pages have been updated.

2006/09/21: Best Album Sold Out!!

On the 19th, Aya's first best album "BEST of UETOAYA -Single Collection-" was released in Japan and ranked #2 on the Oricon Daily Album Chart! The 10,000 copy limited COLLECTOR'S EDITION, which included CD+DVD & wallet cord, sold out on the first day of sale. The album is currently 4th in the charts today, congrats Aya!

In other news, by Aya's personal demand, her official website was completely revamped! In order to facilitate her Diary entries, the now 4 year old site's front page was turned into a blog. For translations of the entries, click on the link above the promo banner.

Finally, I uploaded Aya's best album here and the PV of "Shimokita ijou Harajuku miman" here! Don't forget to support Aya and buy the album, enjoy!

2006/09/13: New Special Drama!

On the 13th, it was announced that Aya will be playing the role of Yamaguchi Yoshiko (86) who rose to fame during the Showa Era as a Chinese singer/actress in a two-night special drama entitled "Ri Kouran" on TV Tokyo. TX producer Hashimoto Kaori explained that "To play a star like Ri Kouran, it would have to be done by a star. We thought about who would be the "Heisei" star for this and Ueto was the one". Aya, who's grandmother is a big fan of Ri Kouran, commented "I will act with all my might her songs and regretless way of life to create my own Ri Kouran. I will do my best".

The drama will take about two months to film and to do so Aya will travel to Shanghai. Filming will start on the 26th of September.

Updates: the schedule and upcoming releases pages have been updated.

2006/09/03: New MP3+Translations!

I've updated the translations page with two new songs; MERMAID and MESSAGE. Also updated the music page with a radio rip of the new song on Aya's best album, "Shimokita ijou harajuku miman", enjoy! :)

2006/08/31: Aya New Musical+Even Report!

Aya, alongside Matsuoka Masahiro (from TOKIO), singer Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi, actress Kudo Yuuki and pro wrestler Antonio Inoki, attended the press conference for the new spectacle show KANSAI SUPER SHOW '"Taiyou no Fune" (scheduled for January 13th & 14th 2007). When came Aya's turn to be interviewed she commented that she was deeply moved by only reminiscing about 2004's show "Abordage" which she also took part in, saying "I was very moved by Yamamoto Mirai and Shiina Kippei's love of family and how truly they embodied their roles" and suddenly broke down in tears. Kansai comically offered her a towel saying "This is from the hotel" which restored a smile to her face.

On the 29th, Aya was a special guest at the Yumenoshima Track and field events in Shinkiba for the closing act of the yearly "LOTTE ice "Soh" Kamamoto soccer classroom". She arrived wearing a blue soccer uniform and received the warm welcome of about 900 children. An amused Aya commented "It gave me a lot of energy and power" about the exchange.

Updates: the schedule and upcoming releases pages have been updated.

2006/08/09: Aya First Best Album!!

To commemorate Aya's 5 year old solo career, Pony Canyon will release her very 1st best album "BEST of UETOAYA -Single Collection-" on September 20th. It will come in three versions: COLLECTOR'S, PREMIUM and STANDARD edition. The collector's edition will includes CD+DVD and a special "wallet cord" designed by Aya herself in collaboration with BEAMS (comes in either black or white) while the premium will come with CD+DVD and standard with CD only. The track list will include all A-sides since her '02 debut single "Pureness" and a bonus track; a cover of Fumiya Fujii's "Shimokita ijou Harajuku miman" also the theme song of her latest drama. The DVD will offer 9 music videos, a special clay animation clip for the bonus track and and a video introducing all of Aya's works to date. About the release, Aya commented "Each song in the album is a different memory on it's own, enjoy the special goods too!".

In other news, on the 1st Aya was present at the PR event for the new online PC game "Golf Daisuki!", the new service by SOFTBANK Group's 11 up company. Aya commented "When I was in grade school I played golf games with my mom" while trying out the game on stage. Taking in consideration the wind's direction, with the "Pro spirit" she stroke a birdie and replied smiling "I'm still a beginner but I'll be fine". The release date for the game is set for sometime this fall.

Updates: the schedule, upcoming releases and albums pages have been updated.

2006/07/12: "Shimokita Sundays" PR

On the 10th, the cast and staff of "Shimokita Sundays" attended the press conference for the new drama (starts Thursday on TV Asahi) held in a Tokyo filming studio. Aya plays the role of serious and hark-working college student Satonaka Yuika. For the drama, she cut 15cm of her hair by herself. When challenging the bobbed hair, Aya commented "They said I had no sex appeal to go with that hairdo" with a bitter smile. However with a bright expression she expressed "I'm a little anxious for my hair to grow back but cutting your hair is fun!".

The cast talked about the drama being about "teamwork" and because of that it will inevitably be a fun drama. "Shimokita Sundays" will air on Thursdays at 9pm on TV Asahi.

2006/07/07: Aya cuts her own hair!?

It was revealed on the 7th that in a scene in Aya's upcoming drama, "Shimokita Sundays", where she portrays the role of a young woman living in poverty, she cuts her own hair. Aya commented "I was afraid I would cut too much but in the end I did it just right. I don't mind the hairstyle when I'm at work but in private I think it will be a little embarrassing at first." She cut 15cm of hair for a haircut to fit the image of a theatrical troupe member.

Updates: the schedule, dramas & charts pages have been updated.

2006/06/26: Aya is "Yokogao Bijin"!

On the 25th, Aya was awarded with the 12th E-Line Beautiful Prize, presented each year to woman with a beautiful profile. The same award was previously awarded to actresses Miyazawa Rie and Kuroki Hitomi. Ueto arrived at the event in a light brown dress and commented "I have 'dentist mania' and I go at least once every 2-3 weeks." "I will try my best to obtain a beautiful profile" said the winner who was selected from a pool of 1000 candidates.

In other news, Attention Please had the highest ratings of the week (and also it's highest of the season so far) beating Top Caster and BusuKoi with 19.2% of viewers tuning in. The last episode will air on Fuji TV this Tuesday.

2006/05/29: "Shimokita Sundays" confirmed!

It was confirmed today that Aya will star in a new drama this summer (starting in July) on TV Asahi. She will play the leading role of Satonaka Yuika in "Shimokita Sundays". It tells the story of a young girl living in poverty who joins a theatrical troupe simultaneously with university. It will air on Thursday nights at 8hPM. The theme song "Shimokita ijou Harajuku miman" will be sang by Fumiya Fujii who also appears in the drama.

2006/05/22: LOTTE Soh "Festival" CM

Aya's new CM for LOTTE "SOH" Ice cream will be on air starting May 23. The latest commercial has her wearing a blue summer costume and shouting "Daisuki da!" while eating and smiling in a festive atmosphere. Aya talked about one of her festival memories in an interview, saying "The year before last year, I went to a festival with a hat that I wore low over my eyes and the lady at the Omusoba stand said out loud "Hey! Aya Ueto who bought this!".

2006/05/14: Aya at Mother's Day event

Aya was present at a Mother's Day event to promote the new LOTTE "Ghana" chocolate on the 13th. During the event she talked about her longing to become a mom. She commented "A mother is someone you can discuss everything with. Back when I felt like retiring from work I consulted my mom. This year (on Mother's Day) I'm busy with drama filmings but I would like to come home even if just for a minute. When the filming ends, I want to do something together." Moreover, she desires to become a mother herself, commenting "I want to become a mom one day soon and have a lot of children. I want to give birth in my late twenties".

2006/05/11: Aya is Miss Cotton!

On May 10, Cotton Day, Aya, alongside kabuki actor Nakamura Shidou and talent Mifune Mika, were chosen as the recipients of this year's "Cotton USA Award". Aya commented "I want to continue to wear clothes that make me feel good and that give out a sensation of warmth". Her fashion point for the event was a skeleton keychain that she received earlier from Mika who was also appointed at the same event.

2006/04/23: Aya in new Ghana CM!

Recently voted as the Top3 favourite tarento, in a poll conducted by Oricon, super idols Ueto Aya, Nagasawa Masami and Horikita Maki co-starred in a new LOTTE chocolate "Ghana" CM for Mother's Day. This dream collaboration has them gently expressing their gratitude towards mothers while singing along to "チョコレートロッテ～ (chocolate lotte)".

2006/04/15: Aya meets Conan!

On the 12th, in the metropolitan area, Aya attended the completion announcement of the new Detective Conan movie "Meitantei Conan Tanteitachi no Requiem" as the 10th Anniversary special supporter. She commented "I used to watch it with my family" and "the movie talks about friendship and various loves". Aya said to be deeply moved to have been able to appear as herself in an episode of the TV anime "Detective Conan" scheduled to air on May 8. On the same day, Famous actor and "Yoshitsune" co-star Matsudaira Ken, who attented his own wedding reception, sent a message to Aya saying he wishes her all the luck for her marriage within her twenties and hopes she finds an adult man who has not forgotten his childish heart.

2006/04/05: Attention Please!

On the 5th at the Daiba Hotel in Tokyo, Aya and the rest of the cast of "Attention Please" were appointed to announce the completion of the drama. In it she plays the role of an unprecedented country girl, 21 year old Misaki Yoko is a boyish girl who puts together a rock band with her male friends and unexpectedly happens to be aiming to be part of a cabin crew. Aya commented with anticipation "I wanted to give a lot positive energy and power to this drama". About the uniform, she added with a smile "I'm nervous every time I have to wear it". While the theme song, a cover of Roy Orbison's famous "OH PRETTY WOMAN" will be sang (in English entirely) by singer Kimura Kaela, it was announced that Aya will also be singing during different scenes in the drama sporting leather jackets and such to make her look even more the rocker part.

2006/03/18: Site updates

I've added a new banner to plug the opening of the official site of Aya's new drama "Attention Please" (starting April 18). Also, I added mp3s of Aya's latest album, "License", for download in the music page. Lastly, I have been waiting to master Japanese enough to translate Aya's songs and I have finally done some, to read those translations click here (or you can access the page by going in the multimedia section)!

2006/03/16: Aya at new airport

On Thursday morning, Aya was present at the inaugural ceremony of the new "Kitakyuushu Airport" which had it's first flight on the same day.To avoid a crowd of fans, Aya's attendance had been kept secret. She arrived dressed in her CA uniform which she will wear for her new drama "Attention Please". Aya was in charge of the tape-cutting and also took the inaugural flight back to Tokyo. She commented "The airport is really big and I couldn't move about it just yet but, it's in very good shape and everything I did understand was fun".

2006/03/15: New LOTTE "Soh" CM!

Aya took once again the task of image character for the latest LOTTE ice cream "Soh" CM. In the commercial she is seen collapsing in bliss on a sofa after eating the ice. Aya said that the commercial reflects how she likes to eat "Soh" on her days off, "After a good meal and then go back to sleep". The CM will start airing on March 20.

Updates: the charts & lyrics ("License" album lyrics) pages have been updated.

2006/03/07: New "Oronamin C" CM!

It was announced on the 6th that Aya's new Oronamin C CM co-star would be 16 year old golf prodigy turned pro, Michelle Wie. During an interview with both of them, Aya commented that she couldn't believe she was the eldest and had fun pairing with Wie. The filming was done following Aya's advices at a friendly tournament in Hawaii back in the first 2 weeks of February. The commercial will start airing in Japanese living rooms on March 18.

Updates: the biography & schedule pages have been updated.

2006/03/01: Aya becomes special judge!

On March 1st, Aya was selected to become one of the five judges for the very first "12 year old Literary Prize" competition. During an interview she confessed that during grade school years she had never once been praised for her compositions. To promote the event a poster of the 20 year old Aya next to the 12 year old Aya was produced. She commented laughing "Ah It's weird! What an embarrassing photo. I remember back when it was taken I was really into the novel Miyazawa Kenji no Densetsu".

Updates: the schedule & dramas pages have been updated.

2006/02/20: Aya 's first "bed scene"!

Novelist Yoshi and Aya attended an interview for the new omnibus drama "Tsubasa no oreta tenshi tachi" [翼の折れた天使たち] (which will be broadcast on FujiTV from the 27th to March 2nd) in Tokyo. During the interview it was revealed that it will include Aya's very first "bed scene". She commented "It's a delicate scene. When I will receive mails from my friends after they've watched it I will feel embarrassed but I was happy to perform such role". The crowd then had a good laugh when Yoshi told them that he visited the set but with no ulterior motive.

Updates: the schedule page has been updated.

2006/02/15: Special drama website opens!

The official website of Aya's new special drama "Tsubasa no oreta tenshitachi" was opened to the public today, to view the site click here or on the banner at the top of the page.

In other news, Aya's latest single "Egao no mama de", released today, has ranked itself at #8 on the Daily Oricon Single Charts. Congrats to Aya! The new single is available for download in the music page. Remember to buy if you like :) The lyrics have also been added.

Updates: schedule and clips ("Egao no mama de" PV upped) pages have been updated.

2006/02/10: Aya sends love to torino!

Aya presented to figure skater Takahashi Daisuke representing Japan at the Olympics with a 48cm wide, 38cm in height and 2.5cm thick handmade valentine chocolate. She commented "It is the biggest chocolate I have ever made in all my life. I want the players to eat and cheer up so they can show up on the wonderful Olympics stage." Aya also revealed that she has no plans for the 14th but since she has been filming her new drama she thought she would get one of these for her staff.

Also concerning Valentine's Day, Aya was voted #1 in the poll "From who would you like to receive a valentine chocolate"!

2006/02/06: Aya to star in new drama!!

Aya will star as the heroine in a remake of the 1970 big hit drama, "Attention Please". She will incarnate the "Misaki Yoko", in the role of a CA (cabin attendant) , of the 21st century. No other info on the cast has been revealed yet. The drama will start airing on Tuesdays at 9pm on FujiTV this April.

2006/02/05: New clip + updates

I've added a new clip for download! It's a recent interview that Aya made for the show Zoom In SUPER. It also includes a preview of Aya's new PV and you can see Aya's new haircut, enjoy!

Updates: the clips, albums and singles pages have been updated.

2006/02/03: Site updates

I have added Aya's "Last Teen" photo book in the gallery. Also, here's the track list and of Aya's new album "License" which goes out on March 8.

1 egao no mama de
2 1 million thanks
3 kaze wo ukete
4 nukumori
5 yakusoku no basho
6 moshimo negai ga kanau nara feat.KOHEI JAPAN
7 Look into the future
8 hoshizora highway
9 kagiri aru toki no naka de
10 yume no chikara
11 shiroi yuki ga furu yoru ni
12 kono sekai ni umarete
13 fermata

To pre-order the album (and/or new single) you can visit Yesasia or CDjapan.

2006/01/30: Aya advices voice actors

On the 30th, Aya was present at the debut announcement of new voice actors Hatanaka Yuu (11) and Takahashi Yuki (19) who will be featured in the new Disney movie "Narnia kuni monogatari / Lion to majo". Aya, who also did voice acting, gave the two a piece of advice on how to handle their role. Also there were comedians Garage Sale and Gori.

Updates: the dramas and schedule pages have been updated.

2006/01/22: New special drama!

It was announced on the 22nd that Aya, Horikita Maki, Yamada Yuu and Ueno Juri will each star in one of the four episode drama "Tsubasa no oreta tenshitachi" based on the novel by Yoshi (who also wrote "Deep Love"). Aya will appear as the lead in the first episode scheduled to air on February 27. She will play the role of an office worker who longs to be a celebrity.

2006/01/20: Torino 2006 Mascot Girl

Aya was selected as a special caster for the broadcast of the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics. She attended, in Tokyo, an interview alongside fellow casters Ogiwara Tsugiharu and Ogiwara Kenji. With the Olympics coming up soon, Aya has already started to gather information since she is not very familiar with winter sports although she has said to have been gone skiing before.

2006/01/15: New song for download

A radio rip of Aya's new song "Egao no mama de" produced by Ryoji from Ketsumeishi and which releases on February 15 is available for download in the music section. Enjoy!

2006/01/10: Passage into adulthood

Aya who turned 20 last September visited Hie Shrine on the 9th in Akasaka, Tokyo where she took the "Adult Oath". For the special occasion, the clothing makers for whom Aya serves as image character sent her a Yuzen dye resist fabric on which Aya's mom worked on the design, spreading elegant Queen of the Night flowers. Aya said during an interview that even turning 20 she still feels a bit like a child as she received a New Year's present from her mom but wants, by all means, to become more of an independent adult. She also commented that the only "neene" (older sister) close to her is her stylist Henmi Emiri and wants to learn how to cook from comedian Kimniiyan (Henmi's husband). Finally she concluded by saying she hopes to get married while still in her twenties.

2006/01/03: "Omiai" party

Aya and tarento Fukuda Saki appeared on Fuji TV program "Sora tobu Gootan" on the 4th with regular cast Yuka. All three attended an "omiai" party (marriage interview) with actor Terajima Susumu and three other bachelors. Aya confessed "I only have few friends, half of the 40 phone numbers stored in my cell phone are work-related contacts or shops." She was asked once again what type of man she preferred and answered "Someone honest, easy to follow and faithful. No excuse could justify unfaithfulness."